File your Idaho tax refund through ID.me by creating an account, verifying your identity, and linking it to your Idaho tax return

Idaho allows you to file your state tax return and track your refund through ID.me, a third-party identity verification service. ID.me confirms who you are using documents like your driver's license or passport, then connects you to the Idaho Department of Revenue system. You do not have to use ID.me — you can file through the standard paper return or other approved software — but it speeds up the process and gives you real-time refund tracking.

The ID.me route works best if you already have a digital copy of your tax documents and want to file online without buying tax software. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to set up the account and verify your identity, then another 10 to 15 minutes to enter your tax information.

Key Takeaways

  • You must create an ID.me account and pass identity verification before you can file your Idaho return through the platform.
  • ID.me accepts a driver's license, passport, or state ID card for verification; the process is immediate if your document is current and readable.
  • After filing through ID.me, you can track your refund status in real time rather than waiting for a letter from Idaho Department of Revenue.
  • If ID.me verification fails, you can file a paper return with the Idaho Department of Revenue or use another approved tax software instead.
  • Direct deposit refunds typically arrive within 10 to 21 days after the Idaho Department of Revenue accepts your return; paper checks take 4 to 6 weeks longer.

Create and verify your ID.me account

Go to id.me and click the option to create a new account. Enter your email address and a password, then confirm your email by clicking the link ID.me sends you. This step takes about two minutes.

Next, ID.me will ask you to verify your identity. You will need to upload a photo of a current government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card work. Take a clear photo of the front and back of your ID using your phone or camera. The photo must show all four corners of the card and be readable; blurry or cropped images will be rejected and you will have to try again.

ID.me uses automated technology to read your ID and compare it to your face using your phone's camera or a webcam. The verification usually completes in seconds to a few minutes. If the system cannot read your ID or match your face, you will be asked to retake the photo or try a different ID. If you fail verification three times, you can contact ID.me support or file your return using a different method.

Link your ID.me account to Idaho Department of Revenue

After ID.me confirms your identity, you will be redirected to the Idaho Department of Revenue website or given a link to access it. Log in with your ID.me credentials. The system will ask you to confirm some personal details — your name, date of birth, and Social Security number — to match your ID.me profile to your tax record in the Idaho system.

This linking step is automatic and takes less than a minute. If the Idaho system cannot find a match, you will see an error message. This usually means your name or date of birth does not match what Idaho has on file from a previous return or W-2. Check for spelling errors and try again, or contact the Idaho Department of Revenue at 208-334-7660 if the problem persists.

Enter your tax information and file

Once linked, you will see a form to enter your 2024 tax information (or the year you are filing for). You will need your W-2s, 1099s, and any other income documents. If you are claiming deductions, have records of charitable donations, medical expenses, or mortgage interest ready. The form walks you through income, deductions, and credits step by step.

Review your information carefully before submitting. Idaho Department of Revenue will not process your return if key fields are missing or contain errors. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this number — you will use it to track your refund status.

Track your refund after filing

After you file through ID.me, you can check your refund status by logging back into your ID.me account and viewing your linked Idaho tax account. The status will show whether Idaho Department of Revenue has received and accepted your return, and if so, when your refund is expected.

Refund timing depends on how you chose to receive it. If you selected direct deposit, the money typically arrives in your bank account within 10 to 21 days after Idaho accepts your return. If you chose a paper check, allow 4 to 6 weeks from the acceptance date. During tax season (January through April), processing can take longer because the department handles higher volume.

You can also track your refund by calling the Idaho Department of Revenue at 208-334-7660 or visiting their website directly. Have your confirmation number and Social Security number ready.

What to do if ID.me verification fails

If you cannot pass ID.me verification after multiple attempts, you have two options. First, contact ID.me support through their website to troubleshoot the problem — they can sometimes manually review your documents if the automated system is having trouble. Second, file your return using a different method: mail a paper Form 40 to the Idaho Department of Revenue, or use approved tax software like TurboTax or H&R Block, which do not require ID.me.

Paper returns take longer to process — typically 6 to 8 weeks — but they do not require identity verification through a third party. If you choose this route, mail your return to the address listed on the Idaho Department of Revenue website, and keep a copy for your records.

Common reasons ID.me verification gets stuck

Your ID photo is blurry, cropped, or does not show all four corners of the card. Retake the photo in good lighting and make sure the entire card is visible. Your ID is expired. ID.me will reject expired documents. Renew your ID first, then try verification again. Your face does not match the photo on your ID due to significant changes in appearance, facial hair, or glasses. Try removing glasses or taking the photo in the same lighting as your ID photo.

Your name or date of birth on your ID does not match what you entered in the ID.me form. Check for typos and try again. If your legal name has changed since your ID was issued, you may need to file a paper return instead and include documentation of the name change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use ID.me to file my Idaho tax return?

No. ID.me is one option, but you can also mail a paper Form 40 to the Idaho Department of Revenue or file through other approved tax software. ID.me is fastest if you want to file online and track your refund in real time, but it is not required.

What if I do not have a government-issued ID?

ID.me requires a current driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you do not have one of these, file using a paper return instead. Mail your Form 40 and supporting documents to the Idaho Department of Revenue.

Can I file for multiple years through ID.me at once?

No. ID.me connects you to file one tax year at a time. If you owe back taxes or need to file prior years, you will need to set up separate filings or contact the Idaho Department of Revenue directly.

What happens to my personal information after I verify with ID.me?

ID.me stores your verified identity information securely and uses it only to confirm who you are when you access your Idaho tax account. Your information is not shared with third parties outside the Idaho Department of Revenue system. You can delete your ID.me account at any time through your account settings.

How long does it take to get my refund if I file through ID.me?

Direct deposit refunds typically arrive 10 to 21 days after the Idaho Department of Revenue accepts your return. Paper checks take 4 to 6 weeks. Processing times are longer during peak tax season (January through April). You can check your refund status by logging into your ID.me account.