Jury Duty Pay Idaho 2026
Complete Compensation Guide

If you've received a jury summons in Idaho, you're probably wondering: how much will I actually get paid? This guide covers everything Idaho jurors need to know about jury duty compensation in 2026 — from the state court's daily fee schedule to mileage reimbursement and employer obligations.

Idaho Jury Duty Pay Schedule

Idaho's jury duty pay is set by state statute and applies to all state-level courts. Federal courts operating in Idaho follow the federal pay schedule ($50/day for days 1–10, $60/day thereafter), which is separate.

Service Type	Daily Pay	Notes
Idaho State Court	$10/day	Standard state rate
Federal Court (in Idaho)	$50–$60/day	Separate from state court
Grand Jury (Idaho)	$10/day	Same rate, longer duration
Mileage Reimbursement	$0.17/mi	Travel to courthouse

Important note: Idaho pays a flat $10/day with relatively low mileage reimbursement.

Mileage Reimbursement in Idaho

The court reimburses jurors at $0.17/mi for travel to the courthouse. You must track your mileage each day and submit a mileage log to the jury clerk at the end of your service. Keep all parking receipts as many courts reimburse parking separately.

Example Calculation

If you live 20 miles from the courthouse and serve for 4 days:

• Court pay: 4 × $10 = calculated by your state rate
• Mileage: 20 miles × $0.17/mi × 4 days
• Use our Pay Calculator for exact totals

Does Your Employer Have to Pay You in Idaho?

The answer in Idaho: ❌ Not Required by state law (employer's discretion).

While not legally required, many large employers in Idaho voluntarily provide full or partial pay during jury duty. Always check your employee handbook or HR policy before assuming you won't be compensated.

Your Legal Rights as a Idaho Juror

Idaho, like all US states, has anti-retaliation laws protecting jurors from employment consequences:

• Your employer cannot fire you for serving on a jury
• Your employer cannot threaten, demote, or penalize you
• You are entitled to return to your same position after service ends
• Benefits (health insurance, retirement) continue during your service period
• If retaliated against, you can seek legal remedies including reinstatement and back pay

Can You Get Excused from Jury Duty in Idaho?

Idaho courts allow jurors to request postponement or hardship exemptions. Generally accepted reasons include:

• Extreme financial hardship (especially self-employed individuals with documented income loss)
• Primary caregiver with no alternative childcare arrangements
• Medical conditions verified by a physician's letter
• Pre-scheduled travel that cannot be reasonably postponed
• Prior jury service within a disqualifying period

Contact your local Idaho court or check your jury summons for the specific postponement process.

Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable in Idaho?

Yes. Jury duty pay received from Idaho courts is taxable ordinary income and must be reported on your federal tax return (Form 1040). If your state has an income tax, it is likely taxable at the state level as well.

Exception: if your employer requires you to remit your court stipend to them because they are paying your full salary, you can deduct the amount you return from your federal taxable income.

Jury Duty Pay in Major Idaho Cities & Counties

While the state court rate of $10/day applies across Idaho, the specific courthouse you report to depends on your county of residence. Here are the most active jury courts in Idaho:

Regardless of which county or city you serve in, the base state compensation is $10/day. Some counties may have slightly different parking reimbursement policies — always verify with your summons.

How Jurors are Selected in Idaho

Like most states, Idaho uses a randomized selection process to pull juror pools. The court primarily draws names from:

• Registered voters in Idaho
• Licensed drivers and state ID holders from the DMV

If your name belongs to either of these databases, you are eligible to be randomly summoned. Idaho law ensures that the juror pool represents a fair cross-section of the community.

Idaho Courthouse Dress Code & Rules

When reporting for jury duty in Idaho, you must adhere to the court's dress code. Courts enforce a business casual policy.

• Do not wear: Shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, hats, or clothing with offensive messaging.
• Security: All Idaho courthouses have security screening. Do not bring pocket knives, mace, or weapons of any kind.
• Electronics: Most courts allow cell phones in the jury assembly room, but they must be completely turned off when entering a courtroom.

What Happens if You Skip Jury Duty in Idaho?

Jury duty is a legal obligation. Ignoring a jury summons in Idaho can result in serious legal consequences, including:

• Being held in Contempt of Court
• Fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 depending on the specific judge and county
• A new summons to appear in court and explain your absence

If you genuinely cannot attend, always follow the proper postponement or excuse procedures outlined on your summons rather than simply failing to appear.

Idaho County Variations & Courthouses

Jury duty in Idaho is managed at the county level within seven judicial districts. While the daily attendance fee is set by the state legislature at a modest $10.00, Idaho is diligent about reimbursing travel expenses, particularly for jurors in its expansive rural counties who may have significant commutes to the county seat.

Primary Reporting Locations

If you receive a summons in the Gem State, you will likely report to one of these major district courthouses:

• Boise: Ada County Courthouse (200 W Front St).
• Caldwell: Canyon County Courthouse (1115 Albany St).
• Coeur d'Alene: Kootenai County Courthouse (324 W Garden Ave).
• Idaho Falls: Bonneville County Courthouse (605 N Capital Ave).
• Pocatello: Bannock County Courthouse (624 E Center St).

Notable County Differences

Navigating jury duty in Idaho’s fastest-growing counties requires understanding these specific parking and attendance rules:

• Ada County (Boise): Jurors reporting to the Fourth Judicial District Court should avoid the metered parking downtown. The county provides a **dedicated Juror Parking Lot** located on the east side of the courthouse building (access the lot via **3rd Street**). To ensure your car isn't cited, you must display the juror badge—which is part of your summons packet—clearly on your dashboard.
• Canyon County (Caldwell): Serving at the Third Judicial District Court involves using the **free juror lot** found at the corner of **12th and Albany**. This lot is reserved strictly for citizens summoned for jury duty, though it is a two-block walk to the courthouse entrance, so plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your check-in time.
• The Legislative Pay Rate: Under Idaho Code § 2-215, the fixed rate for jury service is **$10.00 per day**. While this rate has not increased in several decades, Idaho compensates for the low base pay by providing a robust mileage reimbursement tied to the **IRS Standard Rate**, which currently stands at **$0.67 per mile**.

Real-World Case: 5-Day Trial in Boise, ID

Because Idaho’s daily fee is low, the majority of your compensation check will actually come from your commute reimbursement. Let’s look at a 5-day trial service in Ada County.

Frequently Asked Questions — Idaho Jury Duty

How much do you get paid for jury duty in Idaho?

Idaho state courts pay jurors $10/day. Federal courts in Idaho pay $50/day (days 1–10) and $60/day after 10 days. Mileage reimbursement is $0.17/mi.

What if I'm self-employed and called for jury duty in Idaho?

Self-employed individuals in Idaho receive only the standard court stipend of $10/day — there is no employer to supplement it. If your business income will be significantly impacted, you may apply for a financial hardship exemption. Document your income loss carefully for the court.

Does Idaho require grand jury pay?

Grand jurors in Idaho generally receive the same $10/day rate as regular trial jurors. However, since grand jury service can last many months, it creates more significant financial impact. Idaho courts may offer additional hardship considerations for extended grand jury service.

Where do I report for jury duty in Idaho?

Your summons specifies the exact courthouse. Idaho's major jury courts are located in Boise, Nampa, Meridian, Idaho Falls. Always confirm your reporting location on your official summons document — never assume based on proximity.