Filing your 2015 Vermont tax return accurately with the Vermont Department of Taxes ensures you pay no more than necessary and claim every credit you qualify for. Whether you’re reporting income on your federal income tax return or claiming the renter rebate or Vermont homestead declaration, this guide helps you navigate each form, deadline, and step. From gathering W-2s and 1099s to choosing between free file e-filing or traditional paper filing, you’ll learn how to file, pay, and track your refund with confidence.
Vermont’s income tax rates and credits—such as the property tax credit claim and income tax paid to other states—can affect your total refund or balance due. We’ll explain how to calculate Vermont taxable income, apply credits, and use Form IN-111 and its schedules to report additions and subtractions correctly. Along the way, we’ll show you how to double-check your work, avoid common pitfalls, and meet every due date to steer clear of penalties and interest.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which forms to use, how to complete each section of your return, and where to file your paperwork or submit online. You’ll also find clear instructions on making payments via VTPay or check, requesting an extension, and tracking your refund through the Vermont Department’s online service. Let’s get started on filing your Vermont tax return for 2015.
All filers must first meet the federal income tax return requirement. If the IRS requires you to file a federal return, and you have Vermont income above the thresholds ($100 for residents, $1,000 for nonresidents), you’re on the hook for state filing. Use your federal AGI to calculate Vermont adjustments.
Initial vs. Extended Due Dates
Mailed returns are timely if received within three business days after the due date; e-filing counts as timely if submitted by midnight on the due date.
All 2015 Vermont tax forms and instructions are available on the Vermont Department of Taxes website at https://tax.vermont.gov/forms/2015.
Gather everything you’ll need before starting: your completed 2015 federal income tax return (Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ) with schedules; all W-2 and 1099 forms showing Vermont withholding; documentation for credits and deductions (homestead declaration, renter rebate, property tax credit claim); blank Vermont forms (IN-111, IN-112, IN-113, IN-116, IN-151, IN-153); and a copy of last year’s Vermont return for reference.
On Form IN-111, fill in your full name(s), Social Security Number(s), mailing address, Vermont school district code, and 911 street address as of December 31, 2015. Check the box if you’re filing an amended return or reporting a deceased taxpayer.
Choose the filing status that matches your federal return. Use the special status options provided on the form if you’re in a civil union or have a nonresident spouse with no Vermont income.
Transfer exemptions, federal AGI, and federal taxable income from your federal return. Then report required additions (non-Vermont obligations, bonus depreciation) and subtractions (interest from U.S. obligations, capital gains exclusions). The result is your Vermont taxable income.
Use the Vermont tax tables to find your base tax. If your federal AGI exceeds $150,000, calculate the 3 percent minimum tax (federal AGI minus U.S. interest) and enter whichever amount is higher. Next, apply credits: income tax paid to other states, homestead declaration, renter rebate, and report any use tax on out-of-state purchases.
Total your tax withholding, estimated payments, and refundable credits to see if you owe—or are owed—a refund. If you owe, calculate any late-payment penalties and interest. If you’re due a refund, choose direct deposit or apply the amount to next year’s tax.
An unsigned or undated Form IN-111 will be considered incomplete by the Vermont Department of Taxes and can delay processing of your refund. Always double-check that both spouses sign joint returns before the April 18 due date or, if you’ve filed an extension, by October 17.
Leaving out your W-2 and 1099 statements or schedules IN-112 through IN-155 means Vermont can’t verify your withholding or credits. Attach all federal income tax return support documents, including the renter rebate (PR-141) and homestead declaration (HS-122), to avoid rejection.
Entering an incorrect school district code or misclassifying part-year resident status can lead to calculation errors in your taxable income. Refer to the Vermont tax tables and residency definitions before you submit to ensure your filing status matches your federal return.
Vermont requires you to report and pay use tax on tangible goods bought outside the state or online if no sales tax was collected. Underreporting use tax can trigger penalties and interest, so gather invoices or bank statements and complete Line 27 accurately.
Simple arithmetic mistakes—such as mistyping your federal AGI or exemptions—can throw off your entire Vermont tax calculation. Use e-filing software or proofread each line against your federal income tax return to minimize errors.
If your federal AGI exceeds $150,000, you must compare the standard Vermont tax table amount with a 3% minimum tax based on AGI minus U.S. obligation interest. Forgetting this step can understate your tax liability and result in assessments or late-payment interest.
Vermont Department of Taxes
PO Box 1779
Montpelier, VT 05601-1779
Vermont Department of Taxes
PO Box 1881
Montpelier, VT 05601-1881
Mailed returns are timely if postmarked by April 18, 2016, or received within three business days thereafter.
Submit by April 18, 2016, for an automatic extension to October 17, 2016. Remember that any tax owed remains due by April 18 to avoid interest.
ACH debit has no service fee; credit and debit cards incur a 3 percent service fee.
Please include the payment voucher, ensure it is payable to “Vermont Department of Taxes,” and mail it as directed above.
Full payment is due April 18, 2016, even with an extension.
File your return, pay what you can, then write to Compliance at PO Box 429, Montpelier, VT 05601-0429. Without a plan, collection actions (liens, garnishments, levies) may follow.
Quarterly payments (Form IN-114) are due April 18, June 15, September 15, and January 17 to avoid underpayment penalties.
Use the “Check the Status of Your Return or Refund” tool on the Vermont Department’s website. You’ll need your SSN and exact refund amount. You can also call 802-828-2865 or toll-free at 866-828-2865.
Your refund may be reduced to cover outstanding state or federal debts, child support, or student loans. If you need to protect your share of a joint refund, file an injured spouse claim with a letter and Federal Form 8379 before filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you miss your Vermont tax return's April 18, 2016, due date, you can still file up to 60 days late without a late-filing penalty. After 60 days, a $50 late-filing fee applies. Any unpaid income tax will accrue a 1% per month late-payment penalty and interest on unpaid tax. File promptly, pay what you owe, and consider free e-filing next year.
You can use Vermont’s Free File program to e-file your 2015 Vermont income tax return at no cost. The free file option on the Vermont Department website guides you through each form—IN-111, homestead declaration, renter rebate, and property tax credit claim—and ensures you report income tax paid accurately. Eligibility is based on federal income thresholds and follows IRS Free File criteria.
Taxpayers often overlook the Vermont homestead credit, property tax credit claim, and credit for income tax paid to other states. Many also forget to exclude interest income from U.S. obligations or report use tax on out-of-state purchases. Double-check Schedule IN-112 for state credits and Form IN-153 for capital gains exclusions to maximize your refund and avoid underreporting.
To request more time, file Form IN-151 by the April 18 due date. This extends your filing deadline to October 17, 2016, but does not extend your payment due date. Any estimated tax owing must still be paid by April 18 to avoid interest and late-payment penalties. Keep your extension confirmation and review the free file e-filing option for next year’s extension.
Part-year residents who file a joint federal return can also file a joint Vermont return. Use Schedule IN-113 to allocate federal AGI and Vermont taxable income between residency periods. Both spouses must use the same residency status. This ensures you accurately report income, claim renter rebate or homestead declaration credits, and calculate your state income tax liability.
Report sole proprietorship income on Form IN-111 using details from your federal Schedule C. Attach Schedule IN-112 for tax adjustments, the homestead declaration if you qualify, and Schedule IN-153 for capital gain exclusions. Part-year residents or nonresidents also need Schedule IN-113. Partnerships file BI-471 with K-1VT to report distributive shares, while corporations use CO-411 for income tax reporting.
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