Six tips for filing Idaho taxes
Last-minute tax stress? As the June 15 deadline approaches, the Idaho State Tax Commission shared these six tips:
1. E-file. Benefits of filing your return electronically include:
The software does the math for you.
You get a confirmation email.
Your electronic filing provider keeps a record of your tax return.
You’ll likely get a refund about three weeks sooner than if you’d sent a paper return. Using direct deposit is even faster.
2. It could be free. The Tax Commission has arrangements with software providers and the IRS to offer free e-filing for some with simple state and federal returns. If you have an adjusted gross income of $69,000 or less, you probably qualify. Click “Free income tax e-file — See if you qualify!” after scrolling down to the “Quick Picks” section at Tax.Idaho.gov. Last year, nearly 500,000 Idaho taxpayers could have qualified to e-file for free.
3. Be sure it’s complete. Double-check figures for addition mistakes and typos. Confirm your Social Security numbers. Mistakes on SSNs or mailing address (even if you’re using direct deposit) tend to delay refunds. If you move, let the Tax Commission and IRS know.
If applicable, make sure you list the correct Employer Identification Number (EIN) and the employer’s state ID number when entering information from your W-2s.
Include all W-2s and other IRS forms, and a complete copy of your federal return.
If filing jointly both spouses must sign the return.
4. Remember to pay use tax. Use your tax return to pay use tax on any untaxed purchases for 2019. If you didn’t pay sales tax when you bought a product elsewhere, you owe a 6 percent use tax if you’re storing or using the goods in Idaho. For example, you’d owe Idaho use tax if you bought products in a state that doesn’t have a sales tax — such as Oregon or Montana — and then brought the goods into Idaho.
5. Pay electronically if you owe. Schedule electronic payments on dates you choose by using the free Quick Pay service at Tax.idaho.gov or through e-file providers that offer a free direct debit option. Paying online is the easiest way to pay while following social distancing.
6. Don’t ignore correspondence. Respond to any Tax Commission letters asking for more information.
All income tax returns go through fraud detection reviews and accuracy checks before any refunds are issued. After you file, the Tax Commission may send letters asking you to validate your identity, verify that you filed a return, or provide missing information. If you receive a letter, take the requested action right away. Processing of your refund will continue once you provide the needed information.
Just be sure it’s really from the Tax Commission, and not a fraudulent attempt to get private information. The Idaho State Tax Commission’s address is P.O. Box 36, Boise, ID 83722-0410 and their primary phone number is 208-332-4060.
The IRS deadline for filing federal returns has been moved to July 15. To e-file for free, see IRS.gov/filing.
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Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network who’s grateful for her CPA. Contact her for anything but tax answers at Sholeh@cdapress.com.