Filing An Appeal
The Idaho Board of Tax Appeals (BTA) handles three general categories of tax appeals:
- County Board of Equalization (BOE). This refers to a decision made by a BOE concerning a property assessment or exemption claim.
- Property Tax Reduction (PTR). This refers to a notice or decision of the STC modifying or denying an applicant’s claim for a PTR benefit through either the Circuit Breaker or Disabled Veterans benefit programs.
- Idaho State Tax Commission (STC). This refers to a final decision issued by the STC regarding income tax, sales tax, use tax, fuel tax, and tax refund claims.
Appeal Deadlines
As a quick reference guide, below are general filing deadlines for actions appealed to the Board of Tax Appeals (BTA):
- The filing deadline to appeal a BOE decision regarding property valuation or exemption is is thirty (30) days after the mailing of a notice or decision by the BOE, the pronouncement of such decision at the hearing, or the failure of the BOE to act.
- The filing deadline for an appeal concerning a PTR benefit (Circuit Breaker and Disabled Veteran benefit programs) is thirty (30) days from the date the Idaho State Tax Commission mails a final notice or decision.
- The filing deadline to appeal a final decision of the STC regarding individual income tax, sales tax, use tax, fuels tax, and certain corporate tax matters is ninety-one (91) days after the taxpayer’s receipt of such final decision.
Select a tab below to learn more about different appeal categories
Introduction
The material on this page provides general information about the Idaho Board of Tax Appeals (BTA) and how to appeal decisions of the Idaho State Tax Commission (STC). The information contained in this pamphlet is not intended to provide readers with everything they may need to know regarding the appeal process. It is a party’s obligation to be informed and prepared for the appeal hearing. You are encouraged to acquaint yourself with the governing procedures and rules in preparation for your appeal hearing. For questions, please contact the BTA.
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Filing An Appeal
Who may file an appeal?
Generally, it is the taxpayer who appeals a final tax determination of the Idaho State Tax Commission (STC) to the BTA. This includes decisions regarding income tax, sales tax, use tax, fuel tax, and tax refunds.
Why file an appeal with the BTA?
Anyone adversely affected by a final tax determination has a right to appeal. An appeal may be filed with either the BTA or the district court. Many choose to file an appeal with the BTA because there are no filing fees and the BTA’s proceedings are less formal than district court.
How do I file an appeal?
A notice of appeal can be mailed or hand-delivered to the BTA’s Boise office. There is currently no e-filing option and appeals may not be faxed. For a mailed appeal, the postmark cancellation stamp on the envelope is the filing date for purposes of determining whether the appeal is timely filed. If an appeal is correctly mailed within the applicable timeframe it is considered timely, regardless of when the appeal is actually received by the BTA.
When must I file an appeal?
The deadline for appealing a final decision of the STC is 91 days from the date of receipt of the STC’s written decision.
What is needed to file an appeal?
Before an appeal may be heard by the BTA, it must be perfected. In general terms, a perfected appeal is one filed within the prescribed timeframe and also includes the items detailed below. The taxpayer MUST deposit 20% of the amount of the total asserted deficiency with the STC and include proof of such deposit when the notice of appeal is filed with the BTA. Notice of Appeal forms are available on the BTA’s website or may be requested directly from the BTA. Using the BTA’s appeal form is not mandatory, though the form is helpful in complying with the filing requirements of Idaho Code § 63-3049.
The following items are required to appeal a decision of the STC:
- Taxpayer’s name, mailing address, and telephone number.
- The tax year(s) associated with the appeal.
- A signed statement by the taxpayer or by a qualified representative attesting the notice of appeal contents are correct.
- A complete copy of the written decision issued by the STC, including the certificate of service.
- A summary of taxpayer’s objections or arguments against the decision of the STC and the basis for such objections or arguments.
- A statement of the amount in dispute for each tax year appealed.
- Documentation showing the 20% prepayment requirement has been satisfied. An appeal of an Idaho State Tax Commission decision requires the taxpayer to deposit 20% of the asserted deficiency with the Idaho State Tax Commission. Attaching a receipt from the State Tax Commission is sufficient to prove this requirement has been satisfied. The deposit will be refunded with interest if the decision of the BTA is favorable to the taxpayer. An appeal concerning a tax refund claim or a does not require a deposit.
Appeal Process Overview
Acknowledgment Letter
After an appeal is received by the Board of Tax Appeals (BTA), an acknowledgment letter will be mailed to the parties within 14 days. If the appeal does not appear to be perfected, the acknowledgment letter may request additional information. The date of the acknowledgment letter is the effective date of the appeal for purposes of calculating the timeliness of certain subsequent motions. See the BTA’s procedural rules for more information.
Notice of Hearing
When a perfected appeal is received, a hearing will typically be scheduled within 90 days. A written Notice of Hearing will be mailed to the parties or qualified representatives at least 20 days prior to the date of hearing. The Notice of Hearing will include the date, time, place, and other instructions for the hearing. In-person hearings are preferred; however, in rare instances a video conference hearing may be scheduled. When a video conference hearing is scheduled, the Notice of Hearing will include instructions regarding how to “attend” the hearing.
The Hearing
Hearings are normally conducted by a single presiding officer, which may be one of the Board members or one of the agency’s staff hearing officers. The presiding officer will be specified in the Notice of Hearing. Hearings often do not exceed one hour in length; however, complex appeals or those with multiple issues may require a longer hearing. At hearing, the parties will each have a full opportunity to present their respective cases. The parties will also be allowed to ask questions of one another. The information provided by the parties at hearing is submitted for review and decision-making by the full Board.
Final Decision and Order
After the hearing record has been reviewed, a Final Decision and Order will be issued. A final decision of the BTA requires the agreement of at least two Board members. All decisions issued on the merits are in written form and include findings of fact and conclusions of law. Final decisions of the BTA are valid and enforceable against the non-prevailing party, unless the decision is further appealed to district court.
After the Final Decision and Order
A party may request a reconsideration of a Final Decision and Order of the BTA, or a rehearing of the appeal. Any such request must be in writing and must be filed with the BTA within 10 days of the date of the final decision. See BTA Rule 145. The request must also be copied to the opposing party. Additionally, either party may appeal a final decision of the BTA to district court, though certain filing requirements and time limits apply.
The Appeal Hearing
Purpose of Hearing
The Idaho Constitution requires an opportunity to challenge government actions or decisions affecting a person’s life, liberty, or property. In the context of the Board of Tax Appeals (BTA), taxpayers have the right to contest decisions of the Idaho State Tax Commission (STC) concerning most tax types. The most important aspect of these appeal rights is due process, which in basic terms requires a property owner have adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard. Due process protections are embodied in the BTA’s hearing procedures and are critical in fulfilling the agency’s mission “to provide a fully independent and fair review of taxpayer appeals.”
The purpose of the hearing is to create the full record to be used later for decision-making purposes. The hearing is the parties’ primary opportunity to present evidence, testimony, and any other relevant information concerning the issue(s) on appeal. Hearings are usually conducted by one Board member or staff hearing officer. Parties are notified in writing of the date, time, and location of the hearing.
Hearings before the BTA are de novo, which is Latin for “anew.” In basic terms, this means everything starts over. The parties are not bound by the evidence offered in prior proceedings before the STC. Both parties have a fresh opportunity to present relevant evidence and information, regardless of whether such material was previously offered.
Preparing for Hearing
Hearing participants are encouraged to spend time prior to hearing organizing the arguments and information they wish to put forth. An important part of this preparation is making sure there are enough copies of the documents the parties intend to introduce at the hearing. Each party must bring at least three full sets of documents to the hearing: one original for the presiding officer, one copy for the opposing party, and one copy for yourself. It is also helpful to have exhibits arranged in the order you intend to present them and to include page numbers.
Parties are similarly encouraged to consider how their witnesses, if any, will participate in the hearing. The presiding officer may take some time prior to the start of hearing to coordinate with the parties regarding the participation of witnesses. A witness may assist in the presentation of a party’s case but is not allowed to cross-examine the opposing party. If a party intends to call multiple witnesses, it is recommended the party contact the BTA prior to hearing to ensure needed accommodations are in place.
Exhibits for Hearing
As previously noted, each party must bring one original and two copies of each exhibit to the hearing. Unless ordered by the BTA, there is no requirement to pre-file hearing exhibits.
Depending on the type of appeal, exhibits might vary in terms of form and substance. Exhibits for income, sales, use, or fuel tax appeals might include a written narrative, a timeline or sequence of events, receipts, invoices, tax returns, statutes, rules, or judicial opinions, or letters from accountants, bookkeepers, or other tax professionals.
Hearing Procedure
“Appellant” refers to the party bringing the appeal. “Respondent” refers to the party responding (opposing party) to the appeal.
Below is an outline of a typical BTA hearing; however, the presiding officer has the authority to alter hearing procedures as deemed necessary or appropriate in a particular case.
- Opening the record – At the start of the hearing the presiding officer will introduce the appeal and explain the hearing procedures to the parties.
- Appellant’s presentation – The Appellant will have an opportunity to present his or her case. Typically, the presentation is made without interruption.
- Respondent’s cross-examination – At the conclusion of the Appellant’s presentation, the Respondent will be allowed to ask questions of the Appellant and/or the Appellant’s witnesses.
- Respondent’s presentation – Once questioning ends, the Respondent will have an opportunity to present his or her case. Again, this will typically be done without interruption from the other party.
- Appellant’s cross-examination – After the Respondent’s presentation has concluded, the Appellant will be allowed to ask questions of the Respondent and/or the Respondent’s witnesses
- Appellant’s rebuttal – Following the Appellant’s questioning period, the Appellant will be able to present rebuttal arguments or statements.
- Respondent’s rebuttal and closing statement – The Respondent will have an opportunity to present any rebuttal arguments and to offer a closing statement.
- Appellant’s closing statement – As the party with the burden of proof, the Appellant is afforded the last opportunity to present at the hearing.
- Closing the record – After the Appellant has finished closing statements, the presiding officer will normally close the record. The matter is then considered submitted for review and decision-making. Once the record is closed, no additional evidence or information is permitted by either party, unless ordered otherwise by the BTA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – STC Appeals
Q: What does the Board of Tax Appeals (BTA) do?
A: The BTA provides taxpayers with an opportunity to appeal most tax decisions of the Idaho State Tax Commission (STC) to an independent decision-making body. Taxpayers may present evidence and argument at a hearing before the BTA.
Q: When and how can I file an appeal with the BTA?
A: To appeal an STC decision, Idaho Code § 63-3049 requires a notice of appeal to be filed within 91 days after such decision is received by the taxpayer. Certain filing requirements must be satisfied. Notice of Appeal forms are available at the BTA’s website (bta.idaho.gov) or by request to the BTA’s office in Boise.
Q: What happens after I file my appeal?
A: The BTA will send an acknowledgment letter within 14 days to notify all parties the appeal has been received. The acknowledgment letter will include the docket number assigned to the appeal and may request further information. At a later time, the parties will be notified by mail of the date, time, and place of the hearing.
Q: What kind of information should I present at the hearing?
A: Generally, each party will be allowed to present information they feel is relevant to the appeal. This could include receipts, invoices, tax returns, copies of relevant communications, or other documents which might be helpful or informative. Parties should provide as much relevant information and legal argument as possible. Personal testimony and that of witnesses may also be offered as evidence.
Q: What happens at the hearing?
A: The hearing is the parties’ opportunity to present their respective cases. Each party will have a full opportunity to be heard and will be allowed to ask questions of the opposing party. The goal of the hearing is to create the record, or body of evidence, the BTA will rely on in making its decision. The presiding officer is responsible for controlling all aspects of the hearing to ensure the parties receive a fair hearing. The hearing will be digitally recorded to provide an accurate audio record.
Q: May I pursue a settlement after my appeal has been filed?
A: Yes. A settlement can be pursued any time prior to the BTA issuing a final decision and order. To become effective, a settlement agreement must be submitted to, and approved by, the BTA. A settlement agreement must be signed by both parties, or their qualified representatives, and needs to include the relevant terms of the agreement.
Q: Do I need to re-submit exhibits or information I previously provided to the STC?
A: Yes. Any information the parties would like the BTA to consider should be provided at the BTA hearing, regardless if the same information was previously provided to the STC. Hearings before the BTA are de novo, which means everything starts “fresh.” Likewise, any information included in the materials submitted when filing the appeal should be re-introduced at the BTA hearing.
Q: How long will it take to receive my decision?
A: The time it takes to receive a decision can vary, however this type of BTA decision is typically issued within a few months of the hearing.
Q: Can I get information from the opposing party before the hearing?
A: Yes. The formal process is called discovery. There are specific time limits and other standards for filing a discovery request, which can be found in the BTA’s administrative rules (Board Rule 75). Formal discovery must be requested in writing and granted by the BTA. Informal communication between the parties is permitted at any time, however, the opposing party is not always required to participate or provide information during this informal process.
Q: Who will be at the hearing? Is it public?
A: Each party is present, as is the presiding officer from the BTA. Typically, there are 3 to 5 total people at the hearing. Almost all hearings are open to the public.
Q: Where will the hearing be held?
A: Hearings are generally conducted in a location near the taxpayer’s residence or place of business.
Q: Why do I need to prepay 20% to appeal a decision of the Idaho State Tax Commission?
A: Idaho Code § 63-3049 requires a taxpayer to deposit 20% of the amount asserted with the STC before filing an appeal with the BTA. You must include proof to show the 20% payment was deposited with the STC when you file an appeal with the BTA. A receipt attached to the notice of appeal will satisfy the proof of payment requirement. The “amount asserted” refers to the total deficiency, including interest and penalty, indicated in the STC’s decision. There is no waiver or exception to the 20% prepay requirement. The deposit will be refunded with interest if the decision of the BTA is favorable to the taxpayer.
Q: What information does the BTA receive from the STC concerning my appeal after it has been filed?
A: In simple terms, nothing. The STC is not obligated to forward any information to the BTA, including anything you have previously provided to the STC. Any information you wish the BTA to consider must be submitted to the BTA at the hearing, or prior to hearing if ordered by the BTA.
Q: Can I appeal my BTA decision?
A: Yes. A final decision of the BTA may be appealed to district court. Certain filing requirements and deadlines apply. See Idaho Code § 63-3812 and the Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure (Rule 84) for specific requirements.
The BTA is committed to providing convenient, equitable, and independent determinations of disputed tax matters. We are always looking for ways to improve the services and the overall appeal experience. The BTA welcomes feedback and suggestions for improvement.
If you would like to comment on an aspect of the BTA’s service, or your particular experience with the BTA, written comments can be mailed to the BTA at 1673 W. Shoreline Drive, Suite 120, Boise, ID 83702.