Nez Perce County Courthouse Relocates Secure Payment Drop Box Ahead of June 20 Property Tax Deadline
With the deadline for Idaho’s second-half property tax payments less than three weeks away, Nez Perce County has relocated its secure payment drop box to a more accessible and visible location outside the courthouse — giving taxpayers and others a convenient option to submit payments without entering the building.
The box is now positioned on a landscaping island directly east of the main courthouse entrance, on the north side of the parking lot. The new placement allows residents to pull up in their vehicles and deposit payments or paperwork without getting out of their cars — a feature county officials say will be especially beneficial for seniors and people with disabilities.
What the Box Accepts and Why It Moved
The drop box accepts a wide range of county-related payments and documents, including property taxes, court fines, vehicle licensing fees, and applications for the circuit breaker program, which provides property tax relief for qualifying low-income residents.
An election ballot drop box has also been relocated to the same landscaping island. Both boxes had been moved to roughly four different locations over the course of construction on the new Nez Perce County Courthouse, according to County Treasurer Rebecca “Missy” McLaughlin. She said elected officials consistently wanted the boxes to remain visible, accessible, and secure throughout the construction process, which drove the repeated moves.
The current placement is considered a permanent or near-permanent home now that construction activity has settled. County officials view the drive-up access as a meaningful quality-of-life improvement for residents who have difficulty walking distances or navigating busy parking areas.
June 20 Deadline — and What Happens If You Miss It
Idaho property owners have until June 20 to pay the second half of their tax bills, which were originally issued in November. The revenue collected funds school districts, municipalities, and other taxing districts for the fiscal year running from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
Because June 20 falls on a Saturday this year, Nez Perce County will extend in-person payment acceptance through 5 p.m. on Monday, June 22, both at the drop box and inside the courthouse. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Taxpayers who mail their payments should be aware that bills postmarked no later than June 20 are considered on time. McLaughlin advised residents to drop payments in the mail at least three to five business days before the deadline to ensure proper postmarking.
The penalties for a late payment are uniform across Idaho and take effect immediately. “If you are late even by one day, there’s a 2% late fee and 1% interest that goes back to Jan. 1,” McLaughlin said. For a typical Lewiston homeowner with an annual tax bill in the $2,500 to $3,000 range, missing the deadline by even a single day could cost more than $100 in penalties. McLaughlin noted that a homeowner with a $2,800 bill would face a $110 penalty for being one day late.
County offices are preparing for increased traffic at the drop box as the deadline approaches. Residents who have questions about their tax bills or about qualifying for the circuit breaker program can contact the Nez Perce County Treasurer’s office directly.
What Comes Next
With less than three weeks remaining before the June 20 cutoff, county officials are urging property owners to plan ahead and allow adequate time for mail delivery if not paying in person or using the drop box. Residents should confirm their payment method and confirm any outstanding balances to avoid penalties. Those interested in property tax relief through the circuit breaker program can submit applications through the same drop box outside the courthouse. For broader news on local government services and infrastructure in Lewiston and Nez Perce County, visit the latest updates on road maintenance activity in the area.