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Benefits of Electronic Filing
Electronic filing is the fastest, safest, and easiest way to file your Virginia income tax return. There are three e-File options from which to choose:
- Free File - If your federal adjusted gross income is less than $57,000,you likely qualify to use Free File, which allows you to e-File your federal and state tax returns for FREE.
- Free Fillable Forms -If you do not qualify for Free File, this free online version of the Form 760 resident return and schedules allows you to electronically file your Virginia return for free by entering your information as if you were completing a paper return.
- Paid e-File - If one of the free e-File options does not work for you, you can use a paid e-File software program. Make sure that you shop around to find the software that is right for you.
Use one of the e-File methods listed above, and you will receive your refund up to six weeks faster than if you filed on paper ( if you file on paper, it can take up to seven weeks for you to receive your refund).
- Use any of the e-File options and request Direct Deposit to get your refund in approximately 1 week.
- Use any of the e-File options and request a Refund Debit Card to get your refund in approximately 2 weeks.
The other benefits of choosing to e-File, in addition to getting your refund faster, include the following:
- You will receive confirmation as proof of the Virginia Department of Taxation's ("the Department's") receipt of your return when your return is received and accepted.
- Electronic filing is available online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Commercial e-File software is user-friendly and includes step-by-step instructions.
- Your federal and state returns may be e-Filed at the same time.
- There are fewer math errors because the software catches many mistakes.
- You have the option to file early but make your payment later on a date of your choosing, up to and including the due date of the return, by using direct debit to pay your amount due. The Department will debit your account on whichever date you choose.
- You do not have to mail in W-2s, saving paper and mailing costs.
- e-File is safer and more secure than mailing your return.
Visit the e-File page of the Department's website to learn more about e-File.
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Estimated Payment Information
Is enough Virginia withholding being withheld from your income throughout the year, or are you paying enough in estimated payments?
Virginia law requires that individuals and fiduciaries make payments towards their Virginia tax liabilities during the taxable year as they earn income that is subject to the Virginia income tax. You should pay at least 90 percent of your current-year tax liability throughout the year. Most taxpayers meet the requirement simply by having Virginia income tax withheld from their pay. However, if, after subtracting withholding and any allowable credits, your Virginia income tax liability is expected to be more than $150, you must make estimated payments.
When making estimated payments, visit the Online Services page of the Department's website to make your payments electronically. If you are making the payment on paper, remember to use the designated voucher for the installment being paid. Submit your payment by the due dates for each installment period during the taxable year.
- Voucher 1 Estimated Tax payment - May 1st
- Voucher 2 Estimated Tax payment - June 15th
- Voucher 3 Estimated Tax payment - September 15th
- Voucher 4 Estimated Tax payment - January 15th of the year following the taxable year for which you are making an Estimated Tax payment.
If estimated payments are not submitted in a timely manner or if the total payments you have made are less than the required 90 percent threshold, you may be subject an Addition to Tax Penalty when you file your income tax return for that taxable year. See the Individual Estimated Tax Payment section of the Estimated Tax and Extension Payment page of the Department's website for additional information.
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Addition to Tax Penalty, 760C (760F for Farmers, Fishermen or Merchant Seamen)
Virginia law requires that if you do not pay at least 90 percent (66 2/3 percent if you are a farmer, fisherman, or merchant seaman) of your taxes either by having income tax withheld or by making estimated tax payments in a timely manner throughout the year, you may be subject to the Addition to Tax Penalty for Individuals due to underpayment or to the failure to make estimated tax payments.
See "Underpayment of Estimated Income Tax" on the Estimated Tax and Extension Payment page of the Department's website for information on exceptions to the 90percent rule and for computation of the penalty if you do not meet one of the exceptions listed.
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Helpful Resource: Virginia Taxpayer Bill of Rights
The Virginia Taxpayer Bill of Rightsbooklet outlines taxpayer rights in contacts with the Department, and contains a wealth of other useful information, forms, and instructions.
Intended as a guide to the rights provided in the Code of Virginia under the Virginia Taxpayer Bill of Rights, the booklet also describes the role of the Taxpayer Rights Advocate and the agency's collections, office audit, and field audit processes in detail, and covers the basics for offers in compromise and administrative appeals. The booklet's appendices include forms and instructions for submitting an appeal or an offer in compromise, plus forms for designating a Power of Attorney.
The Virginia Taxpayer Bill of Rights booklet is a valuable resource for both taxpayers and tax professionals. Be sure to bookmark or download a copy of the booklet for your tax reference library!
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In Case You Missed It
- The Virginia Tax Refund Debit Card Replaces Paper Refund Checks
- There are two options for receiving your refund: direct deposit and the new refund debit card.
- Requesting a paper refund check is no longer an option.
- Please visit the Department's website for complete information including where and how to use the refund debit card, how to use the debit card for free, transactions with associated fees, the fee schedule, how the debit card works for joint filers, and more.
- Important Information for Military Spouses
- The Military Spouses Residency Relief Act provides an exemption from income and personal property taxes when certain criteria are met.
- Spouses of military service members do not automatically become liable for income and personal property taxes as Virginia residents in certain cases.
- Visit the Department's website for details.
- Filing Season Customer Service Hours
- Telephone service hours for general and account-specific questions are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
- Live Chat service hours for general questions are 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Friday and Saturday from 8:30 AM until noon.
- Walk-in hours are 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
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