How do I know if I’m required to file taxes in Virginia?

For information regarding the thresholds for filing in Virginia, refer to Who Must File. 

I only lived in Virginia for part of the year. Do I still need to pay Virginia taxes? 

Part-year residents and even nonresidents may still need to file a Virginia income tax return. The form you use will depend on whether you are a resident, part-year resident, or nonresident. See Residency Status for more information. 

I am under the filing threshold but had Virginia tax withheld that I would like to have refunded. Am I still required to file?

Yes, to receive a refund you must file a return. 

I am a military servicemember/I'm a military spouse. Am I required to file?

For information on filing as a military servicemember or the spouse of a military servicemember, visit Military Tax Tips.

When should I file?

The deadline for filing Individual Income Tax returns in Virginia is May 1. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date is the next business day. Returns must be postmarked by the U. S. Postal Service or registered with a recognized commercial common carrier on or prior to the due date.

There are several exceptions to the May 1 deadline, including for military service personnel serving overseas and taxpayers who are overseas on the due date. For more information regarding certain exceptions to the individual filing deadline, see When to File.

Can I apply for an extension?

Virginia provides an automatic six-month extension to file for all taxpayers. For calendar-year filers, the filing date is automatically extended to November 1. An extension of time to file does not extend the amount of time you have to make your payment.

To avoid a penalty for late payment, you must pay at least 90 percent of your tax liability by the original filing deadline. Taxpayers who expect to owe taxes and wish to take advantage of the automatic extension should submit an Extension Payment Form 760IP prior to the original filing deadline.

Will I be penalized if I am due a refund, but my return is filed late?

No, there is no penalty assessed if you are due a refund, even if you file your return after the due date. However, you must file a return within three years of the original due date in order to claim your refund.

Can I set up a payment plan for the amount of tax I owe?

Payment arrangements cannot be established until after the due date has passed, the return has been processed, and a bill has been issued for any unpaid tax. Partial payments can be submitted until a bill is issued. For more information see Individual Income Tax Payment Options. 

Why do I have to file a return if I am due only a small refund? 

Virginia law requires that you file an individual income tax return if your Virginia adjusted gross income is over the minimum filing threshold. Unless you file a return, we have no way of knowing whether or not you owe tax, which could result in our sending you a nonfiler notice. 

How should I file my taxes?  

See Individual Income Tax Filing to review your options to file with us electronically or using paper forms, or through a software vendor. Filing electronically, and requesting direct deposit if you’re expecting a refund, is the fastest, safest, and easiest way to file your return.  

I’m not using software to file my taxes. What form should I file to complete my Virginia return? 

"What Form Should I File?" is an interactive tool to help you determine which Virginia tax form(s) you should file depending on your individual circumstance. Please note you may be required to attach additional schedules to your return. Refer to the instructions for more information. 

I'm not using software. What documentation do I need to prepare my Virginia income tax return?

Generally, you will need

  • A copy of your completed federal income tax return (Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ)
  • Any supporting federal schedules (A, C, D, E, F)
  • Your W-2 wage forms and 1099 income forms showing Virginia tax withheld
  • Virginia Schedule ADJ and Virginia Schedule CR.
  • A copy of that state's completed tax return, if you are claiming a credit for taxes paid to another state.

When and how will I get my refund?

Refunds can be either deposited directly into your bank account, or issued as a check. See How Long Will it Take to Get Your Refund for timelines.

How can I check on the status of my refund?

Use our Where’s my Refund tool or call 804.367.2486 for our automated refund system.

I received my refund but it was less than I originally calculated. Why?

There are several reasons your refund may be less than you calculated. The most common reasons are:

  • Your return was adjusted due to a miscalculation or mathematical error.
  • Your refund was offset to an outstanding claim with another agency.

Where do I go if I need help?

Contact us if you have additional questions. If you need assistance preparing your return, several organizations offer free help preparing your return. Learn more.