Idaho taxpayers could see bigger refunds in 2025. Here’s when to expect yours
Have you gotten your Idaho tax refund yet?
In February, Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed House Bill 559 into law to encourage the state to quickly adopt new federal tax cuts and credits.
Although the changes mean more money back for eligible taxpayers, they could delay some refunds by weeks.
Here’s what to know:
When are taxes due in Idaho? Can I get an extension?
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.
How are tax laws changing in 2025?
The One, Big Beautiful Bill, which President Donald Trump signed into law in July, “significantly affects federal taxes, credits and deductions,” according to the Internal Revenue Service.
As provisions take effect, taxpayers can take advantage of a range of new deductions, the IRS said in a Jan. 8 news release.
These include permanently larger standard deductions, no federal tax on tips or overtime pay (up to specified limits) and higher credits and deductions for children, the IRS said.
For example, taxpayers filing individually can claim a standard deduction of $15,750, while couples filing jointly can claim $31,500 and heads of households can claim $23,625.
If you’re 65 or older, you may claim an additional deduction of $6,000, the IRS said.
You can even deduct up to $10,000 in interest paid on a loan used to purchase some new cars.
Who is eligible for Idaho’s food tax credit?
If you live in Idaho, you may be eligible to claim a food tax credit — even if you didn’t make enough income to be required to file a 2025 state tax return.
Most Idaho residents will receive $155, plus $155 for “each of their qualifying dependents,” the Idaho State Tax Commission said in an April 1 news release. “Residents can receive a refund up to $250 if they submit receipts for sales tax paid for food.”
“The amount you qualify for is prorated to exclude any months you received federal food stamps, were in jail or were in the United States illegally,” the state tax commission said. “If you’re a part-time resident, you can get a prorated credit for the number of months you were in Idaho to offset any tax you owe.”
Why are Idaho tax returns taking so long to process?
Since Little signed HB 559 into law after tax season began, the Idaho State Tax Commission had to halt operations, update its system and refile amendments on any returns that had already been processed.
Major system updates can take up to nine months, Renee Eymann, senior public information officer for the tax commission, told the Idaho Statesman when the law was signed.
However, the Idaho State Tax Commission was able to continue processing returns normally by March 10, according to a March 3 news release.
No other additional delays were expected before Tax Day on Wednesday.
How long could it take to see my refund?
“Taxpayers who (filed) before March 10 can expect their refund by the end of May,” the tax commission said in a March 3 news release. “Those filing on or after that date can expect their refund within the Tax Commission’s normal timeframes”
The commission added it normally takes seven to eight weeks to receive your return if you file electronically.
Refunds for paper returns typically arrive after 10 to 11 weeks.
Federal refunds take three to six weeks, depending on whether you filed online or via mail, according to the IRS.
How can I track my tax refund?
The Idaho State Tax Commission and the IRS have tools to track the status of your state and federal refunds.
To track your federal refund, you’ll need to enter your Social Security number, the tax return year, how you filed and your federal refund amount into the search tool.
To find out when to expect your state return, enter your Social Security number and your state refund amount.
This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 3:44 PM.
