Homepage Blank Idaho 850 U PDF Form

Form Specifications

Fact Name Details
Purpose of Form Form 850-U is used to report and pay the use tax owed on goods purchased without sales tax in Idaho.
Use Tax Definition Use tax applies to goods that are used or stored in Idaho when sales tax was not paid at the time of purchase.
Eligibility Criteria This form is typically for individuals who owe less than $50 in use tax or for one-time large purchases like jewelry or aircraft.
Payment Instructions If paying by check, attach the check to the return and send it to the Idaho State Tax Commission.
Governing Law The use tax in Idaho is governed by Idaho Code § 63-3621, which outlines the tax obligations for purchases made outside of Idaho.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Idaho 850 U form can be a straightforward process, but many individuals make common mistakes that can lead to complications. One significant error is failing to report all untaxed purchases. It's essential to include every item you bought without paying sales tax, especially if you made multiple purchases. Overlooking even a single transaction could result in penalties or interest charges.

Another frequent mistake involves incorrect calculations. When determining the use tax owed, ensure that you multiply the purchase price by the correct tax rate. The tax rate varies depending on the date of purchase, and using the wrong rate can lead to underpayment or overpayment. Double-check your math to avoid any discrepancies.

People often forget to include the purchase date on the form. This date is crucial, as it helps determine the applicable tax rate. If you neglect to provide this information, it can delay processing or lead to errors in your tax assessment. Always remember to fill in the date of each purchase accurately.

Some individuals make the mistake of not keeping a copy of the worksheet for their records. It's important to maintain documentation of your untaxed purchases and calculations. This will not only help you in case of an audit but also provide peace of mind knowing you have the necessary information on hand.

Another common oversight is failing to sign and date the form before submission. A missing signature can lead to the form being rejected or delayed. Always review the completed form to ensure all required fields are filled out, including your signature and the date.

Additionally, many people do not attach their payment when submitting the form. If you are paying by check, remember to include it with your return. Failing to do so can result in processing delays and potential late fees.

Lastly, some individuals neglect to mail the form to the correct address. Ensure you send your completed form to the Idaho State Tax Commission's designated address. Sending it to the wrong location can result in missed deadlines and additional complications. Always verify the mailing address before sending your return.

Your Questions, Answered

  1. What is the Idaho 850 U form?

    The Idaho 850 U form is used to report and pay the use tax owed by individuals who have made purchases of goods that are subject to use tax in Idaho. This form is typically utilized when the use tax owed is less than $50, but it can also be used for larger one-time purchases, such as jewelry or artwork.

  2. Who needs to file the Idaho 850 U form?

    Individuals who have purchased goods for personal use in Idaho and have not paid sales tax on those items need to file this form. This includes purchases made online, over the phone, or from mail-order catalogs. If you have made untaxed purchases while traveling outside the state, you are also required to file.

  3. What is use tax?

    Use tax is a tax imposed on goods that you use or store in Idaho when sales tax has not been paid. If you purchase an item without paying sales tax, you are responsible for paying the use tax directly to the Idaho State Tax Commission. The rate for use tax is the same as the state sales tax rate.

  4. How do I calculate the use tax owed?

    To calculate the use tax, you will need to complete a worksheet included with the Idaho 850 U form. Start by listing the purchase date, a description of the goods, and the purchase price. Multiply the purchase price by the applicable use tax rate, which varies based on the purchase date. Sum the total use tax due and enter it on the form.

  5. What are the current use tax rates?

    • If the purchase date is on or after October 1, 2006, the rate is 6%.
    • For purchases made between July 1, 2005, and September 30, 2006, the rate is 5%.
    • For purchases from May 1, 2003, to June 30, 2005, the rate is 6%.
    • For purchases made on or before April 30, 2003, the rate is 5%.
  6. What should I do if I owe less than $50?

    If you owe less than $50 in use tax, you can still use the Idaho 850 U form to report and pay your tax. This form is specifically designed for smaller amounts, making it a convenient option for individual taxpayers.

  7. How do I submit the Idaho 850 U form?

    After completing the form, you can submit it by mailing it to the Idaho State Tax Commission at the address provided on the form. If you are paying by check, make sure to attach it to your return before mailing.

  8. Can I report multiple purchases on the Idaho 850 U form?

    Yes, you can report multiple transactions on the Idaho 850 U form. The worksheet allows you to list all untaxed purchases, making it easier to calculate the total use tax owed.

  9. Do I need to keep records of my purchases?

    It is advisable to keep the worksheet and any supporting documentation for your records. This will help you maintain accurate information in case of any inquiries from the Idaho State Tax Commission.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Idaho 850 U form, it’s important to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here are eight things to keep in mind:

  • Do use the form to report and pay use tax if you owe less than $50.
  • Do include a detailed description of the goods purchased in the appropriate column.
  • Do attach your check to the return if you are paying by check.
  • Do keep a copy of the worksheet for your records.
  • Don’t forget to enter the purchase dates accurately in Column 1.
  • Don’t leave any fields blank; ensure all relevant information is filled out.
  • Don’t use the form for items held for resale or if an Idaho exemption applies.
  • Don’t submit the form without signing it; your signature is required for validation.

Documents used along the form

The Idaho 850 U form is essential for individuals who need to report and pay use tax on goods they have purchased without paying sales tax. Alongside this form, there are several other documents that may be required or helpful in the process of filing. Understanding these documents can streamline the tax reporting process and ensure compliance with state regulations.

  • Idaho Sales Tax Return (Form ST-101): This form is used by businesses to report sales tax collected on taxable sales. If you have made purchases for resale, you may need to reference this document to ensure proper reporting.
  • California Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale: This form is crucial for anyone engaged in buying or selling a vehicle in California, ensuring that the transaction is documented properly. For more details, visit legalpdf.org.
  • Idaho Use Tax Worksheet: This worksheet assists in tracking untaxed purchases. It allows individuals to list purchase dates, descriptions, and prices, which simplifies the calculation of total use tax owed.
  • Exemption Certificate (Form ST-104): If certain items are exempt from sales tax, this certificate can be used to claim those exemptions. It’s important to keep this document handy if you believe your purchases qualify for exemption.
  • Proof of Purchase Documents: Receipts, invoices, or contracts serve as proof of your purchases. Retaining these documents is crucial for substantiating your claims on the 850 U form.
  • Idaho Tax Commission Correspondence: Any letters or notices received from the Idaho State Tax Commission regarding your tax obligations should be kept. They can provide context or additional requirements for your filings.
  • Federal Tax Returns: While not directly related to the Idaho 850 U form, having your federal tax returns on hand can be beneficial, especially if you need to reference income or deductions that may affect your state tax obligations.
  • Tax Payment Records: Documentation of any prior payments made towards your use tax can be helpful. Keeping track of these records ensures you do not double pay or overlook any outstanding amounts.
  • Idaho Business Entity Registration (if applicable): If you are filing as a business entity, you may need to provide proof of your registration with the state. This document validates your business's legitimacy in the eyes of the tax authorities.
  • Tax Preparation Software Reports: If you use tax preparation software, printouts or reports generated by the software can provide a comprehensive overview of your tax situation, including use tax obligations.

Each of these documents plays a role in ensuring compliance with Idaho's tax laws. By being organized and having the necessary paperwork at hand, individuals can navigate the use tax filing process more effectively and avoid potential pitfalls.

Detailed Instructions for Filling Out Idaho 850 U

Filling out the Idaho 850 U form involves providing information about untaxed purchases and calculating the use tax owed. This process ensures that you report any items purchased without sales tax, allowing you to comply with state tax regulations. Below are the steps to complete the form accurately.

  1. Gather your records of untaxed purchases. This includes dates, descriptions, and prices of the items.
  2. Locate the Idaho 850 U form. Ensure you have the latest version of the form.
  3. In the "Name" field, enter your full name.
  4. Fill in your address, including city, state, and ZIP code.
  5. Provide your Social Security Number or Federal ID Number in the appropriate field.
  6. Specify the tax period by entering the start and end dates in the "Tax Period" section.
  7. Use the worksheet to document your untaxed purchases:
    • In Column 1, enter the date of each purchase.
    • In Column 2, provide a description of the goods purchased.
    • In Column 3, write the purchase price of each item.
    • In Column 4, multiply the purchase price by the applicable use tax rate and enter the result.
  8. Total the amounts in Column 3 and write this total on Line 1 of the 850 U form.
  9. Total the amounts in Column 4 and write this total on Line 2 of the 850 U form.
  10. If you are paying by check, attach it to the form.
  11. Sign and date the form in the designated area.
  12. Provide your phone number for any follow-up questions.
  13. Mail the completed form and payment to the Idaho State Tax Commission at the address provided on the form.

Document Example

OR850-U

Idaho Self-Assessed Use Tax

F

 

M EFO00143

Worksheet and Return

 

01-02-09

 

Use Form 850-U to report and pay the use tax you owe. If you owe less than $50 in use tax, you will generally use this form. However, you may also use this form if you’re an individual (non-business) and you make a one-time large dollar purchase of items such as jewelry, artwork, or an aircraft. You can report single or multiple transactions. If you pay by check, please attach your check to the return.

What is use tax? Use tax is a tax on goods that you put to use or store in Idaho. If you have not paid sales tax on these goods, you owe use tax (unless the items are held for resale or an Idaho exemption applies). If Idaho or another state’s sales tax is added to the purchase price, you do not owe use tax. The use tax rate is the same as the sales tax rate.

For example, if you buy merchandise through the Internet, over the telephone, or from mail-order catalogs, and sales tax is not added to the price, you are responsible for paying the use tax directly to the Idaho State Tax Commission. Also, if you travel outside the state and purchase untaxed merchandise that is brought or shipped to your Idaho home, you owe use tax.

Use the worksheet below to track your untaxed purchases. Keep this worksheet for your records.

Column 1. Enter the date you purchased the untaxed goods. Add the purchase date to the Tax Period ield on the 850-U. If you made multiple purchases, enter the dates of your irst and last purchases.

Column 2. Enter a description of the goods purchased.

Column 3. Enter the purchase price of the goods from Column 2. Total Column 3, and enter amount on Line 1 of 850-U.

Column 4. Multiply the purchase price in Column 3 by the use tax rate* at the time of purchase. Total Column 4, and enter amount on Line 2 of the 850-U.

Use Tax Worksheet

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Column 4

Purchase Date

Description of Goods

Purchase Price

Column 3 x rate*

 

 

Total Purchases Subject to Use Tax

»

 

 

 

* Rate if purchase date is:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oct. 1, 2006 or after, the rate is 6% (.06).

 

 

Total Use Tax Due »

July 1, 2005 - Sept. 30, 2006, the rate is 5% (.05).

 

 

May 1, 2003 - June 30, 2005, the rate is 6% (.06).

 

 

 

 

April 30, 2003 or before, the rate is 5% (.05).

 

 

 

 

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- - - - - - - - - - - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CUT heRe - - - - - - - - -

- - - -

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

OF 850-U

Idaho Self-Assessed Use Tax Return

 

 

 

 

R EFO00143 (01-02-09)

 

 

 

 

 

 

M

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

Address

Social Security Number or Federal ID Number

 

Month

Year

Month

Year

Tax Period

__ __ / __ __ __ __

to __ __ / __ __ __ __

City

State

ZIP

1. Amount Subject To Use Tax

$

2. Use Tax Due (from worksheet)

$

My check is attached

 

 

 

(

)

Signature

 

Date

 

Phone number

Mail to: Idaho State Tax Commission, PO Box 36, Boise ID 83722-0410

Misconceptions

Here are some common misconceptions about the Idaho 850 U form:

  • Use tax only applies to businesses. Many people think use tax is only for businesses. In reality, individuals must also pay use tax on certain purchases.
  • Use tax is the same as sales tax. While both taxes apply to purchases, use tax is owed when sales tax has not been paid. Sales tax is collected at the time of purchase.
  • You only need to file if you owe a large amount of tax. Even if you owe less than $50, you should still file the Idaho 850 U form.
  • Only physical items are subject to use tax. Digital goods, such as software and e-books, can also be subject to use tax if sales tax was not paid at the time of purchase.
  • Use tax only applies to items purchased out of state. You may owe use tax on online purchases from out-of-state sellers, even if the items are shipped to Idaho.
  • Once you file, you don’t need to keep records. It’s important to keep your records for at least three years in case of an audit.
  • All purchases are exempt from use tax if they are for personal use. Some items may be exempt, but many personal purchases still require use tax payment.
  • You cannot report multiple transactions on the form. The Idaho 850 U form allows you to report both single and multiple transactions.
  • Use tax rates change frequently. The use tax rate is generally stable but may change at specific times. Always check the current rate before filing.
  • Filing the form is complicated. The Idaho 850 U form is straightforward and designed for easy completion, even for those unfamiliar with tax forms.