How to File Idaho Sales Tax Online

Filing your Idaho sales tax return is simple with the state’s online system. You can file and pay directly through Idaho’s Taxpayer Access Point (TAP), as long as your business is registered to collect and remit sales tax.

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of filing online so you can submit returns on time, avoid penalties, and stay compliant with Idaho’s sales tax rules.

What You Need Before Filing

Before filing your sales tax return, you must prepare specific records to ensure your report is accurate. Here are the standard documents required to file a sales tax return in Idaho:

• Idaho Taxpayer Account Number (Sales Tax Permit) – You’re required to have an Idaho sales and use tax account to file your sales tax return. Once your registration with the Idaho Business Registration System (IBRS) is approved, you should receive your sales tax account number via mail.
  Along with your Idaho Seller’s Permit, you should also receive your Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) code in a letter to link your online profile with your sales tax account. This documentation is required to file your sales tax return online.
• Idaho Taxpayer Access Point Account – The primary way to file your Idaho sales tax return online is by logging onto your Idaho Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) account. To access the site, ensure you have your log-in credentials ready (e.g., your username and password).
• Total Sales – Gather your total revenue during the filing period. This includes all sales, whether they’re taxable or not. Even if you currently have no sales records, you’re still required to file a return.
• Taxable Sales – Compile the total taxable sales your business made within the filing period. You’ll need this data to determine how much sales tax you owe and must pay for the filing period.
• Taxable Purchases – Verify the total amount of taxable purchases your business spent within the filing period. This applies to both in-state and out-of-state transactions.
• Bank Account and Routing Number – Select which bank account you want to use for paying the due taxes in your report. Prepare your bank details and routing number ahead of time.
• Filing Frequency Schedule – The state assigns a specific due date for every registered business. To find out your designated schedule, you can check your Idaho Seller’s Permit document.
  The Idaho State Tax Commission assigns a filing frequency (monthly, quarterly, or annually) based on your business’s sales volume. Most businesses that make frequent sales will be assigned a monthly filing frequency.[br_spacer]

Step-by-Step: How to File Idaho Sales Tax Online

The online filing process is a logical progression of data entry and verification. While the exact screen layouts may eventually evolve with new e-filing platforms, the core workflow remains constant.

Step 1. Go to the state sales tax portal website – Idaho TAP (Taxpayer Access Point)

Step 2. Enter your Account Credentials: Log in using your username and password. Check your shared email/phone number and input OTP, when applicable.

Step 3. Prepare your Ecommerce Sales Tax Data (e.g., Taxes Report from Shopify). Step 4. Click “File/View Returns” Step 5. Click “File Now” adjacent to the period you want to report. Step 6. Enter the total sales amount in line # 1. After that, the other fields will auto-compute. Finally, click Next. Step 7. Now, review the summary. The entered data should match the collected tax on your Ecommerce Sales Tax report. Click “Submit” after confirming all information is correct. Step 8. Click the “Make Payment” button. Step 9. Now, enter your bank information and schedule your preferred payment date. Once done, click Submit. Step 10. Save the confirmation in your preferred location for recordkeeping purposes. Keeping online records using Google Drive is a common option.

Helpful tip: If the filing process is interrupted by internet issues, website downtime, or other disruptions. You can always click on “Save and Submit Later” to avoid losing your progress.

Due Dates

The Idaho State Tax Commission assigns your filing due date, which could be monthly, quarterly, semiannually, or annually. Most businesses file their returns monthly.

FREQUENCY	REQUIREMENT	REPORTING PERIOD	DUE DATE
Monthly	Most businesses are assigned a monthly filing schedule	Monthly	The 30th day following the month represented by the return
Quarterly	Quarterly sales tax collection is $750 or less	January – March April – June July – September October – December	April 20 July 20 October 20 January 20
Semiannually	For distributors or wholesalers who have infrequent retail sales	Every 6 months	Due every January 20th and July 20th
Annually	For distributors or wholesalers who have infrequent retail sales	January 1 – December 31	Due every January 20th

Temporary Sellers Permit: If you only have a Temporary Sellers Permit, you must file and pay within 15 days after your permit’s expiration date or the event you attended. You must report all sales, including those from events.

Even if you made no sales, you must still file a return. Temporary Sellers can’t use QuickPay as a payment method.

NOTE: If the 20th day falls on weekends or legal holidays, the due date is moved to the following business day.

Timely Filing Discount

Some states give businesses a discount for collecting, filing, and remitting sales tax on time. Currently, Idaho does not offer any timely filing discount. 

Filing Amended Returns

If you wish to correct a return you have already submitted, Idaho allows you to amend it. You can amend a return electronically through your Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) account or by mail.

To amend your return online:

• Log in to your TAP account.
• Locate the return you wish to amend.
• Click on the “Amend” option for that specific return.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to make the necessary changes and submit the amended return.

To amend your return by paper:

• Obtain a blank copy of Form 850 for the correct period. You can find this form and its instructions on the Idaho State Tax Commission website.
• Write “Amended” at the top of the form.
• Fill out the entire form with the corrected information.
• Include a letter of explanation detailing the reason for the amendment.
• Mail your amended return and the explanation letter to the department’s address:
  Idaho State Tax Commission
  PO Box 76 Boise
  ID 83707-0076

If you owe an additional amount of tax, you can either send a check with the amended return or pay the extra amount online through TAP.

If you overpaid your taxes, you can expect a refund. It may take some time for the state to process the amended form and issue a refund.

You can also check out the state’s official video tutorials for visual guidance, including one on how to amend a return in TAP.

Refunds

If you are entitled to a sales tax refund, it will typically be processed after you submit a correctly completed Form TCR (Sales Tax Refund Claim) or when the Idaho State Tax Commission has reviewed your amended sales tax return (Form 850) that shows an overpayment.

In case you have overpaid your sales tax, the overpayment will usually be applied as a credit to your account. You may claim and use these credits on your next sales tax return.

However, if you need a direct refund, you may need to contact the Tax Commission directly. You should also ensure your amended return clearly requests a refund rather than a credit.

If you have questions about a specific sales tax refund, you can contact the Idaho State Tax Commission directly at (208) 334-7660 or toll-free at (800) 972-7660.

Filing Zero Returns in Idaho

The Idaho State Tax Commission requires you to file a return even if you made no sales. The only exception to this rule is if you are a qualified Idaho resident who is exempt under the small seller exemption.

To file a zero return, you only need to follow the same steps as filing a normal return. However, you must indicate “zero” (0) for all fields requiring the amount of sales you made or taxes you collected.

Other Filing Methods in Idaho

If you’re having difficulties filing your Idaho sales tax return online, you can try other options.

• File with TaxHero – Let expert accountants in TaxHero prepare your sales tax returns for you. We’ll take everything off your hands so that you can spend your time more efficiently managing your business.
• File by Mail – To file by mail, you must use and complete the Form 850  (Idaho Sales and Use Tax Return) sent by the Idaho State Tax Commission. Ensure you use the correct Form 850 that matches your filing period and your business’s sales tax account details.
  Refer to the list of mailing addresses provided by the state website to determine where to send your Form 850. The specific address for sales tax returns is typically: Idaho State Tax Commission, PO Box 76, Boise, ID 83707-0076.
• File in Person – Idaho offers an in-person filing method. You may do so using the Form 850 that was mailed to you. Next, check the available office locations listed by the Idaho State Tax Commission.
  You should call ahead to confirm office hours and the specific services offered at that location.

NOTE: If you can’t find the Form 850 sent by the state, contact the Idaho State Tax Commission for help. Idaho offers multiple ways to contact them, depending on your concern. For general questions, you may call (800) 972-7660 toll-free.

Let TaxHero Manage Your Idaho Sales Tax Returns

TaxHero doesn’t just handle your Idaho sales tax return; we manage filings across every state where your business has nexus, ensuring each return is filed accurately and on time at the frequency required.

This means you stay compliant nationwide without having to track multiple rules and deadlines yourself.

Don’t wait until the next deadline, schedule your demo today!