BOISE, Idaho — Have you checked your mailbox recently? Inside might be some important paperwork.
Monday, Jan. 29, is the first day the IRS began accepting 2023 tax returns, the agency expects to receive more than 146 million tax returns between now and when taxes are due on April 15.
The Idaho State Tax Commission expects to receive more than a million tax returns this season. But before you break out the pens, calculators and keyboards to send in your state return - there are some changes you should know about.
"The big change I think most people will be aware of is that the grocery tax credit has increased to $120 for most eligible adults," Idaho State Tax Commission Senior Public Information Officer Renee Eymann said. "If you're a senior citizen 65 or older, then you get an extra $20 on top of that."
While that grocery tax credit has increased by $20 from last year, the state tax rate has dropped from 6% in 2022.
"The tax right now is 5.8%, flat tax," Eymann said. "Although depending on if you're a single filer or joint filer, the first $4,000 or $8,000 plus are tax-free."
Tax returns will be accepted through April 15, and the sooner you file - the sooner you'll get your refund.
To avoid a delay or stressful situation this tax season, the Idaho State Tax Commission said to check and make sure you have all the correct documents you need before filing, such as W-2 forms.
"Especially if you are e-filing, double-check your information for accuracy," Eymann said. "Make sure you are entering the correct social security numbers for you and for your dependents. Make sure that if you're getting a direct deposit for your refund - that you enter that information in correctly as well."
The state tax commission partners with the IRS to provide free e-filing for eligible taxpayers.
"If your adjusted gross income is $79,000 or less, you probably qualify to free e-file your tax return," Eymann said. "That's not just your state return - but your federal return as well."
More information on how to e-file for free can be found here.
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