Idaho Tax Commission Sends Identity Verification Letters to Fight Fraud

Learn how to spot and respond to these letters without falling victim to scams.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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As tax season approaches, the Idaho State Tax Commission is sending out identity verification letters to some taxpayers as part of their efforts to combat tax identity theft. These letters may seem suspicious, but the Tax Commission says they are a legitimate way to ensure refunds go to the right people and not to criminals. The letters may ask taxpayers to enter a PIN, answer security questions, or provide copies of documents to verify their identity. It's important for taxpayers to respond to these letters, even if they have already filed their taxes, in order to receive their refund.

Why it matters

Tax identity theft is a growing problem, with criminals filing fraudulent returns to steal refunds. The Tax Commission's identity verification letters are an important tool to protect taxpayers and the state's tax system from this type of fraud. However, the letters can also be easily mimicked by scammers, so it's crucial for taxpayers to know how to spot a legitimate letter and respond appropriately.

The details

The Tax Commission has been sending out these identity verification letters for several years, but many Idahoans are still unfamiliar with them. In 2025, the Commission said it sent over 3,800 letters and stopped nearly $2 million in refunds from going to thieves. The letters may ask taxpayers to enter a PIN, answer security questions, or provide copies of documents like a driver's license or Social Security card. Taxpayers should only respond by visiting the official Tax Commission website or calling the numbers listed there, not by clicking on links in emails or texts.

  • The Tax Commission has been sending out identity verification letters for several years.
  • In March 2025, the Commission said it sent over 3,800 letters and stopped nearly $2 million in refunds from going to thieves.

The players

Idaho State Tax Commission

The state agency responsible for administering and enforcing Idaho's tax laws, including efforts to combat tax identity theft.

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What’s next

Taxpayers who receive an identity verification letter from the Idaho State Tax Commission should respond promptly, even if they have already filed their taxes, in order to receive their refund. They should only respond by visiting the official Tax Commission website or calling the numbers listed there, not by clicking on links in emails or texts.

The takeaway

The Idaho State Tax Commission's identity verification letters are an important tool to combat tax identity theft, but they can also be easily mimicked by scammers. Taxpayers need to be vigilant in verifying the legitimacy of these letters to protect themselves from fraud and ensure they receive their rightful tax refunds.