Idaho Admin. Code r. 35.01.01.880 - CREDITS AND REFUNDS

Section 63-3072, Idaho Code

01. Overpayment. The term overpayment includes: (4-6-23)

a. A voluntary and unrequested payment greater than an actual tax liability. (4-6-23)

b. An excessive amount that an employer withholds pursuant to Sections 63-3035 and 63-3036, Idaho Code. (4-6-23)

c. An excessive amount that a pass-through entity withholds pursuant to Section 63-3036B, Idaho Code. (4-6-23)

d. All amounts erroneously or illegally assessed or collected. (4-6-23)

e. The term overpayment does not include an amount paid pursuant to a final determination of tax, including a compromise and closing agreement, decision of the Tax Commission, decision of the Board of Tax Appeals, or final court judgment. (4-6-23)

02. Requirements of a Valid Refund Claim. Before the Tax Commission can credit or refund an overpayment, the taxpayer making the claim must establish both of the following: (4-6-23)

a. The basis for the credit or refund claim, and (4-6-23)

b. The amount of the overpayment. (4-6-23)

03. Timely Claim Required for Refund. (4-6-23)

a. The Tax Commission may not credit or refund an overpayment after the expiration of the period of limitations unless the taxpayer filed a claim before the expiration of the period. (4-6-23)

b. When an adjustment to the taxpayer's federal return affects the calculation or application of an Idaho net operating loss, capital loss, or Idaho credit in a year otherwise closed by the period of limitations, the taxpayer has one (1) year from the date of the final determination to file a claim for refund. (4-6-23)

c. If a claim for credit or refund relates to an overpayment attributable to an Idaho net operating loss carryback incurred in taxable years beginning on and after January 1, 2013, an amended return carrying the loss back must be filed within one (1) year of the end of the taxable year of the net operating loss that results in such carryback. (4-6-23)

04. Amended Returns Required as Refund Claims. The claim for a credit or refund must be made on an amended Idaho income tax return that is properly signed and includes an explanation of each legal or factual basis in sufficient detail to inform the Tax Commission of the reason for the claim. By signing the amended return the taxpayer is declaring that the claim for refund is true and correct to the best of his knowledge and belief and is made under the penalties of perjury. (4-6-23)

05. Closed Issues. The Tax Commission will deny a credit or refund claim for a taxable year for which the Tax Commission has issued a Notice of Deficiency, unless the taxpayer shows that the changes on the amended return are unrelated to the adjustments in the Notice of Deficiency or that the changes result from a final federal determination. (4-6-23)

06. Limitations on Refunds of Withholding and Estimated Payments. As provided by Section 63-3072(c), Idaho Code, the Tax Commission may not refund taxes withheld from wages unless the taxpayer files a return within three (3) years after the due date. The Tax Commission may not refund any payment received with an extension of time to file or with a tentative return, including quarterly estimated payments, unless the taxpayer makes a claim for a refund within three (3) years of the due date of the return. However, when an individual is in a combat zone and entitled to an extension of time by Section 7508, Internal Revenue Code, the number of days disregarded under such section will be added to the three (3) year period for allowing refunds of amounts withheld or paid as estimated payments. (4-6-23)

07. Reduction or Denial of Refund Claims. If the Tax Commission determines that a refund claim is in error, the Tax Commission will deny the claim in whole or part. Unless the denial results from a mathematical error by the claimant, the Tax Commission will give notice of the denial by a Notice of Deficiency in the manner required by Section 63-3045, Idaho Code, and related rules. The protest and appeal process that applies to a Notice of Deficiency also applies to the denial or reduction of a refund. See Section 63-3045A, Idaho Code, for information on mathematical errors. (4-6-23)

08. Amended Federal Return. Filing a claim with the Internal Revenue Service to reduce taxable income does not extend the Idaho period of limitations for claiming a refund or credit of tax. If the statute of limitations is about to expire on a taxpayer's Idaho return for which an issue is pending on his federal return or return filed with another state, the taxpayer should amend his Idaho return. He should clearly identify the amended return as a protective claim for refund. The taxpayer must notify the Tax Commission of the final resolution. (4-6-23)

09. Combined Reports -- Final Federal Determination and Change of Filing Method. If the Idaho period of limitations is open due to a final federal determination, a corporate taxpayer may not adjust its Idaho return to include a previously omitted corporation or to exclude any corporation previously included in a combined report. (4-6-23)

10. Duplicate Returns. If a return is filed pursuant to Section 63-217(1)(b), Idaho Code, where the taxpayer establishes by competent evidence that the return was deposited in the United States mail or with a qualifying private delivery service (See IDAPA 35.02.01, "Tax Commission Administration and Enforcement Rules," Rule 010) on or before the date for filing and the Tax Commission has notified the taxpayer that it has not received the return, the taxpayer must submit a duplicate return within fifteen (15) days of such notification for the newly filed return to qualify as a duplicate return. The period of limitations for a duplicate return is the later of one (1) year from the filing of the duplicate return or the date provided for in Section 63-3072(b), Idaho Code. (4-6-23)

Notes

Idaho Admin. Code r. 35.01.01.880