How to Request an Idaho Tax Transcript or Old Return

When you apply for a mortgage, student aid, immigration benefits, or a business loan, you may need to provide official tax records. These records confirm your reported income, your filing history, and any adjustments made by tax agencies. Submitting the correct request ensures you receive the proper documents without delays.

At the federal level, the IRS issues transcripts. A transcript is a summary of your tax return that includes essential information, such as adjusted gross income and payments, but hides specific identifiers. At the state level, Idaho does not issue transcripts. Instead, the Idaho State Tax Commission provides a copy of the filed return, which is a page-by-page duplicate of the original submission.

If you send your request to the incorrect address or fail to include the necessary forms that verify your identity, you may miss important dates and deadlines. Learning how to request the correct record and knowing how to contact the right office helps you find the information you need quickly.

Idaho Tax Transcript vs. Tax Return

What an IRS Transcript Is

• Definition: An IRS transcript is a summary of a federal filing that includes income, payments, and account details.
  
  
• Use: Many lenders, schools, and government programs accept transcripts for verification.
  
  
• Access: Transcripts can be ordered by mail, by phone, or viewed online.

What an Idaho Tax Return Copy Is

• Definition: A tax return copy is a complete reproduction of the return filed with Idaho, including all pages and forms.
  
  
• Changes: If the state made corrections to your filing, the copy will show those changes.
  
  
• Availability: Idaho does not provide transcripts; it provides copies of past returns upon request.

Why Tax Records Are Needed

• Student Aid: Colleges often require IRS transcripts when verifying income for the FAFSA.
  
  
• Mortgages: Lenders may request a transcript or a copy of your state tax return to confirm your filing history.
  
  
• Immigration: Immigration applications sometimes require multiple years of returns to verify income and dates of employment.
  
  
• Business Loans: SBA loans and licenses may require both IRS transcripts and copies of Idaho tax returns.

How to Request IRS Transcripts

Transcript Online (Fastest)

• Process: You can visit the IRS website and log in to request a transcript online.
  
  
• Requirements: You must verify your identity using your Social Security number, filing status, and address.
  
  
• Result: Once validated, you can view and download the transcript immediately.

By Mail

• Order: You can use the “Get Transcript by Mail” service.
  
  
• Timeline: Transcripts are usually delivered within 5–10 days to the address on file.
  
  
• Note: Ensure your current address matches the one in IRS records to avoid potential delays.

By Phone

• Call: You may call the IRS automated phone line at 800-908-9946 to request a transcript.
  
  
• Delivery: The IRS mails the transcript to your address of record within about 10 business days.

Form 4506-T

• When to Use: If you cannot apply online, you can file Form 4506-T to request transcripts for specific years.
  
  
• Details: Complete all forms, note the type of transcript you need, sign and date the page, and send it to the address listed in the instructions.
  
  
• Processing: Most transcripts are mailed within 10 business days.

How to Request Idaho Tax Return Copies

Step 1: Complete Form STC-06

• Task: Complete Form STC-06 and list the years and returns required.

Step 2: Provide Identification

• Requirement: Submit forms of identification, such as a driver’s license, Social Security card, and a recent utility bill or bank statement showing your current address.

Step 3: Choose Delivery Method

• Options: You may receive your return copy by mail, pick it up during a visit to an Idaho Tax Commission office, or authorize a representative to pick it up on your behalf.

Step 4: Submit and Pay Fees

• Mailing: Send your request to the Idaho State Tax Commission’s listed address.
  
  
• Charges: The first 100 pages are free, with a charge of $0.10 per additional page and labor fees if the request exceeds two hours.

Step 5: Contact for Help

• Assistance: You may contact the Idaho State Tax Commission by phone or visit in person if you need more information about your request.

Practical Examples and Edge Cases

• College Aid: A student may apply for FAFSA using an IRS transcript online, then file Form STC-06 to receive a state tax return copy if required by the school.
  
  
• Business Loan: A small business owner may request IRS transcripts to verify income and payments, as well as Idaho return copies to confirm their state filing history.
  
  
• Immigration: Applicants may need to request multiple transcripts and returns. Agencies may request changes or updated information if gaps are identified.
  
  
• Old Returns: The IRS usually provides transcripts for up to 10 years. Idaho may provide copies of returns filed after 2005, but older filings may not be available.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Requesting Tax Records

• Incorrect Office: Sending an Idaho request to the IRS or vice versa can cause delays.
  
  
• Incomplete Filing: Missing ID forms means the agency cannot verify your request.
  
  
• Unsigned Page: Failure to sign and date the request form results in rejection.
  
  
• Wrong Year: Asking for the wrong tax year means you will not receive the information you need.
  
  
• Late Request: Waiting until the due date of an application leaves no room to correct errors.

Troubleshooting Checklist for Transcript or Return Requests

• Confirm that your name, Social Security number, and address match the IRS or Idaho records.
  
  
• Attach all required forms of identification to verify your request.
  
  
• Sign and date the page before mailing.
  
  
• Contact the IRS or Idaho State Tax Commission by phone if you do not receive documents on time.
  
  
• Review any notes explaining the denial, learn the reason, and reapply with the corrected information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an Idaho tax transcript?

IRS transcripts are available immediately if you request a transcript online. If you order by mail or phone, the processing time is typically 5–10 days. Idaho does not issue transcripts; however, you can request a copy of your tax return instead. Most requests are completed within about three business days, unless changes slow down the processing.

Can I request a tax return online from Idaho?

You cannot find Idaho tax returns online. To request a copy, you must complete Form STC-06, provide identity forms, and mail it to the correct address or visit a Tax Commission office. The IRS allows you to request transcripts online, which you can receive the same day after completing identity verification.

What is the difference between IRS transcripts and a tax return copy?

An IRS transcript is a summary of your federal filing, which shows income, adjusted gross income, and payments while masking personal data. A state tax return copy is a complete reproduction of the return, including every page and any changes made. Agencies may require either the transcript or a copy, depending on their information needs.

How much does it cost to request a copy of an Idaho return?

The Idaho State Tax Commission provides the first 100 pages of a tax return copy at no charge. After that, a $0.10 charge per page applies, plus labor fees if processing requires more than two hours. Postage costs may also apply. Always note these possible charges before you submit your request.

Who do I contact if I do not receive my request?

For IRS transcripts, you can contact the IRS directly by phone or through its secure website. For Idaho return copies, you should contact the Idaho State Tax Commission by phone or visit one of their offices. Staff can verify your information, explain any delays, and assist you in learning how to refile your request.