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Tax Commission says FAST rollout exceeded ROI; seeks vehicles and IT funding for infrastructure and field work
Summary
The Idaho State Tax Commission reported that FAST collections have yielded $34.29 million and returned funds to the general fund, and requested funding for vehicle replacements and IT infrastructure to support continued operations and security.
The Idaho State Tax Commission told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee that its FAST tax‑management implementation has produced collections above expectations while the agency requested funding for vehicle replacements and IT security and infrastructure.
Jeff McCray, chairman of the Idaho State Tax Commission, told the committee that the FAST project returned $309,948 to the general fund at the close of fiscal 2024 and that the commission has collected $34,287,416 since the system’s implementation. “We have... collected $34,287,416 so far — exceeded the ROI,” McCray said and offered to provide the committee a report on returns.
Christopher Lahoset, legislative budget analyst, summarized the commission’s FY2026 enhancement requests, which would total about $1,143,100 if fully approved. Requests include vehicle replacements (one light‑duty truck to support field seizure work and nine other vehicles), ITS hardware and security infrastructure investments, and an ongoing amount tied to contract inflation and commissioner compensation adjustments.
Lahoset noted that light‑duty trucks are used in field work by the compliance program to transport seized property that is later auctioned to satisfy tax obligations; the commission maintains one of those trucks at each of its three field offices. The commission also requested $300,700 for ITS security and infrastructure, and more than $300,000 for laptops, monitors, switches and servers detailed in the submitted materials.
Senators asked about rising support and maintenance costs on the FAST contract; McCray said FAST is a software package with ongoing licensing, customization to meet legislative or policy changes and security work that requires continuing development and support. He said the project came in on time and has generated collections that justify the investment.
McCray also thanked staff and emphasized the role of CEC funding in addressing prior pay inequities and attracting talent.
The committee did not take action on the requests at the hearing; analysts said vehicle and ITS replacement lists and supporting documentation were posted in the committee’s SharePoint folder for review.
