Want help with your taxes? See who qualifies for free filing assistance in Idaho
Have you filed your taxes yet?
The Internal Revenue Service began accepting and processing federal tax returns on Jan. 26, marking the official start of the 2026 tax filing season.
In 2026, Idaho taxpayers can take advantage of a range of new deductions related to the One Big Beautiful Bill.
These include permanently larger standard deductions, no federal tax on tips or overtime pay, no taxes on car loan interest, and higher credits and deductions for children, the IRS said.
However, a new Idaho law aimed at helping state taxes reflect federal tax codes could delay refunds, the Idaho Statesman previously reported. Idahoans can take advantage of several free tax resources, including the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, Tax Counseling for the Elderly and online filings programs
Here’s what to know:
When do I have to file taxes in Idaho?
In Idaho, the deadline to file both state and federal income tax returns for the 2025 tax year is Wednesday, April 15.
Taxpayers who need more time can request a six-month filing extension — but any taxes owed must still be paid by the April deadline to avoid penalties and interest.
What is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program?
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program can “provide free, secure and high-quality tax preparation services to qualified taxpayers,” according to its website.
The coalition of Treasure Valley organizations partners with the IRS to provide free tax preparation services to Idaho taxpayers. It’s overseen by Boise State University’s Department of Accountancy.
Volunteers can offer services in-person at locations across Treasure Valley and online.
The program trains students and community volunteers to become IRS-certified tax preparers.
Do I qualify for free tax filing help?
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is intended for “senior citizens and people with low to moderate incomes who have simple federal and Idaho tax returns,” its website said.
People who qualify for tax filing help include:
- Taxpayers whose individual or family income is less than $69,000
- Taxpayers who need to amend their returns
- Taxpayers filing returns from previous years
- Self-employed taxpayers with less than $25,000 in expenses and no depreciable assets
The program does not provide tax preparation services for taxpayers who are married but filing separately.
“Certain tax situations are out of our scope,” the program said on its webite.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Eligible taxpayers can schedule appointments virtually or in-person at Merdian Library, 1268 West Orchard Park Drive in Meridian, Boise State University’s Junction at 2225 University Drive in Boise or the McCall Senior Center at 701 N. First St. in McCall.
“Space will be limited,” organizers said.
You’ll need to bring the following to your appointment:
- A completed intake form
- Government-issued photo identification
- Social Security card
- Income forms such as a W-2 or 1099
- Additional documented income and expenses
- Bank account information
- Tax return from 2024
What is Tax Counseling for the Elderly?
Like the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, Tax Counseling for the Elderly is managed by the IRS and run by local volunteers.
This program specifically provides “tax help to individuals who are age 60 or older,” according to the IRS.
Idaho’s Tax Counseling for the Elderly is operated by the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide service, the IRS said.
“Tax-Aide volunteers are located nationwide, and are trained and IRS-certified every year to make sure they know about and understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code,” the AARP Foundation said.
Tax-Aide said it puts “a special focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income.”
How can Tax-Aide help me?
The AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide service provides tax preparation assistance in several ways, including:
- In-person preparation services
- Document drop-off
- Remote preparation services
- Virtual coaching
- In-person coaching
- Guided self-preparation software
IRS-certified volunteers can help with most tax returns, but not all.
“In certain situations, however, our volunteers may be unable to provide assistance,” the Tax-Aide website said. “The Volunteer Protection Act requires that our volunteers stay within the scope of tax law and policies set by the IRS.”
What documents do I need for tax preparation?
According to Tax-Aide you’ll need the following “essential documents”:
- Government-issued photo identification
- Social Security cards or ITIN documentation
- Income documents such as a W-2 or 1099
- Brokerage statements
- Health care forms including a 1095-A
- Additional documents of income and expenses
- Records of federal and state income taxes paid
- Bank account information
- An IRS-designated Identity Protection Personal Identification Number if you have one
Where else can I receive free tax preparation assistance?
According to a February news release from the Idaho State Tax Commission, Boise State University isn’t the only university campus in Idaho that provides tax preparation services.
Taxpayers can receive aid from Idaho State University in Pocatello, Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston and the University of Idaho in Moscow.
What free tax filing software is available?
The IRS offers several online options for filing tax returns.
According to the IRS, the following taxpayers can use FreeTaxUSA’s Free File software and OLT’s Online Taxes software:
- Active-duty military service members with an annual income of $89,000 or less
- Anyone filing with an income of $51,000 or less.
TaxAct offers free filing software for taxpayers between age 20 and 60 who make $89,000 a year or less, as well as active-duty military with an annual income of $89,000 or less.
TaxSlayer online filing software can be used by:
- Active-duty military with an annual income of $89,000 or less
- Qualifiers for the Earned Income Tax Credit
- Filers under age 68 with an annual income of $19,000 to $89,000
According to the Idaho State Tax Commission, 1040NOW is a free filing software only available to Idaho residents who make an annual income of $32,000 or less.
