Is It A Scam? Why Some Idaho Tax Refunds Are Getting Delayed

You Might Get An Idaho Identity Verification Letter This Tax Season

Tax season in Idaho usually comes each year with the usual questions that pop up. ‘When’s the deadline?’ ‘Where’s my refund?’ But there’s another surprise that might come your way. There's a good chance you haven't heard of it, and it might even have a scammy vibe. It’s a letter from the Idaho State Tax Commission asking you to verify your identity.

If that happens to you, don’t immediately throw the letter away. The Tax Commission says these letters are part of how they fight tax identity theft, and they also say they won’t issue a refund until they can verify your identity. Here's a quick look at what the letter is asking for and why. And below, you’ll find a video that shows you what the letter looks like to help you spot differences between a scam and the real thing.

First, This Isn’t Exactly A New Thing for Idaho

It’s not brand new, but it still feels new to a lot of people because most Idahoans only see one if their return gets flagged for extra review. The Tax Commission has been publishing reminders about these letters for years.

Why You Might Receive One

The short version: the state is trying to stop criminals from stealing refunds by filing fake returns using real people’s information. In a March 2025 release, the Tax Commission said it sent over 3,800 identity verification letters and stopped nearly $2 million in refunds from going to thieves.

What The Letter Might Ask You To Do

According to the Tax Commission, there are a few types of identity verification letters. You might be asked to enter a PIN, answer questions to verify your identity, or provide copies of documents.

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How To Verify The Letter Is Real

Scams are everywhere, so don’t click links from random texts or emails claiming to be the Tax Commission. Start by typing ‘tax.idaho.gov’ into your browser and navigate from there, or type ‘tax.idaho.gov/idverify’ yourself.

If you’re still unsure, call the Tax Commission using the phone numbers listed on their official site.

If the message is demanding gift cards, crypto, or immediate payment, then you're more than likely looking at a scam.

Can The Tax Commission Have You Verify Online

This is the part that throws people, and what gives the letter a scammy vibe.

The Tax Commission directs people to respond online at ‘tax.idaho.gov/idverify’ if they received an identity verification letter. Their guidance also notes secure online upload as an option in some cases.

So, you may verify online, but you should only do it by typing the official address yourself or starting from the Tax Commission website, not from a link someone sent you.

What To Do If You Already Filed Idaho Taxes But Got the Letter

If you filed and you get the letter, don’t ignore it. The Tax Commission says you must respond before they can process your return or pay any refund. You should still respond to the letter, even if your taxes are already done.

What To Do If You Have Not Filed Your Idaho Tax Returns Yet

If you haven’t filed an Idaho return yet and you get an identity verification letter anyway, treat that as a red flag. The Tax Commission warns that identity theft victims sometimes first learn something is wrong when a verification letter shows up.

What If You Got The Letter And Didn’t Realize It Was Legit

If you ignored it at first because scams are everywhere, you’re not alone. Start from the official site and go to the identity verification page. Or call using official numbers and ask what your next step should be. The Idaho State Tax Commission says your return and any refund can’t move forward until the verification step is completed.

What The Letter Looks Like

The Idaho State Tax Commission has a video that you can use to compare the letter you received and confirm it’s legitimate. It’s a walkthrough of what an authentic letter looks like and what to check.