Thousands of Virginians leave money on the table each year simply by missing a refund they were owed. In 2021 alone, the average Virginia state tax refund was over $600, yet many eligible taxpayers never claimed theirs. If you earned income in Virginia during the 2021 tax year, even part-time or temporarily, you may be entitled to a refund — but only if you file a return, even when your income falls below the threshold.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to file your Virginia tax return correctly. Whether you’re filing as an individual, a couple, or a small business owner, we’ll explain what forms you need, how to calculate your adjusted gross income, and how to avoid costly penalties and delays. With tips from the Virginia Department of Taxation, we’ll help you decide between paper forms and filing electronically, understand refund timelines, and ensure your return is complete and accurate. Filing your state income tax return doesn’t have to be stressful; it could mean money back in your pocket.
If you lived in Virginia in 2021 — even for part of the year — there's a strong chance you were legally required to file a state income tax return. Filing isn’t just for those with full-time jobs or high incomes. The Virginia Department of Taxation outlines specific rules, and understanding them is crucial to avoid penalties, missing out on a refund, or failing to comply with state law.
You must file a Virginia tax return if all of the following apply to you:
Adjusted Gross Income Threshold:
Filing could still benefit you even if your income falls below these thresholds. For example, if your employer withheld Virginia taxes from your paycheck, you must file to get that money back. Virginia does not automatically issue refunds unless a return is filed.
Don't assume you're exempt based solely on income. If any Virginia tax was withheld from your wages, or if you’re unsure whether you meet the criteria, it’s safer — and potentially more profitable — to file.
When it comes to tax filing, timing is everything. Missing a deadline could lead to costly penalties, delayed refunds, or interest charges. For the 2021 tax year, Virginia set precise dates for filing and payment — and it’s essential to understand the difference between the two.
If you owed taxes and didn’t pay at least 90% of your total tax liability by May 2, 2022, you're subject to:
It’s important to note that extensions only give you more time to file, not pay. Even if you expected to file your tax return later, you were still required to estimate and pay most of your balance on time using Form 760IP. Knowing the exact due date and the associated rules can help you avoid unnecessary fees and keep your state return in good standing.
Choosing the proper forms is one of the most important parts of filing your Virginia tax return. The form you use depends on your residency status during the 2021 tax year. Using the wrong one could delay your refund, increase your risk of errors, or even result in a rejected return.
Here’s how to determine which form applies to your situation:
Depending on your income, credits, or deductions, you may need to file additional schedules with your paper return or e-filed return:
To avoid delays, always use the correct version of each form—in this case, the 2021 version. All forms are available at tax.virginia.gov/forms.
Gather all necessary documents before filling out your Virginia state income tax return to avoid delays, omissions, or last-minute scrambling. Having a complete folder of paperwork ensures you enter accurate numbers, claim every deduction, and avoid rework or audits.
To file your return completely and correctly, you’ll need:
Having these before you start saves time and reduces the chance of leaving money unclaimed. Organize your paperwork by category to make the tax filing process as smooth as possible.
Filing your Virginia tax return doesn’t need to be confusing. Once you’ve gathered your paperwork, it’s time to walk through Form 760 (used by most full-year residents). Here’s how to complete your return line by line, avoiding costly mistakes.
Reviewing each section carefully could prevent rejected returns, missed refunds, and unnecessary IRS penalties.
When submitting your Virginia tax return, you have two main options: file electronically or mail in paper forms. Both are valid, but one is faster, safer, and more accurate, especially if you want your refund sooner and your return processed without delay.
Filing your state return electronically comes with several advantages:
Virginia supports e-file options through several free and paid providers, depending on your income and filing complexity. You can also use Virginia’s free eForms system for basic returns at tax.virginia.gov.
Some taxpayers still prefer paper returns, especially those who:
If you choose to file by mail, make sure to:
While paper filing is still accepted, the e-file process is often the better choice — it’s quicker, more reliable, and can help you avoid easily preventable errors.
If you owe Virginia income tax for the 2021 tax year, you must submit your payment by the original due date — even if you're filing under an extension. Missing this deadline could result in steep penalties and daily interest on the unpaid balance.
The Virginia Department of Taxation offers several convenient methods to pay your taxes:
Prefer mailing a physical payment? Make checks payable to the Virginia Department of Taxation and include the correct payment voucher (Form 760PMT or Form 760IP if filing under an extension).
Virginia Department of Taxation
P.O. Box 1478
Richmond, VA 23218-1478
To avoid fees and keep your record clean, pay electronically if possible and retain proof of payment.
Once you’ve filed your Virginia tax return, the next step is knowing when to expect your tax refund or how to check your balance due. The Virginia Department of Taxation simplifies this process, especially if you return electronically.
You can track your refund online using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool at tax.virginia.gov. This secure page is available 24/7 and only requires:
Alternatively, call the automated phone system at 804-367-2486 to check your refund status anytime.
Delays may happen due to identity verification, errors, or high seasonal volume. Filing electronically and using direct deposit is the best way to avoid delays and ensure fast, secure payment.
Create a free account through the Virginia Tax Online Services portal. There, you can:
Staying on top of your tax status helps you catch issues early — and puts you in control of your finances.
Before you hit submit — or seal that envelope — take a moment to run through this final checklist. Simple errors in your tax return can cause weeks of delay, missed refunds, or even trigger IRS penalties. This quick review ensures your tax filing is accurate, complete, and ready to process.
This checklist gives you one last layer of confidence before submitting. A few minutes here could save money, time, and frustration later.
Even small mistakes can lead to significant consequences — like delayed refunds, IRS penalties, or rejected tax returns. Most errors are easily preventable with a careful double-check. Below are some of the most easily avoidable mistakes that trip up Virginia taxpayers annually.
The incorrect 3-digit locality code can cause processing issues or misdirect your return. Always confirm the code based on where you lived on January 1, 2022.
Missing W-2s, 1099s, or schedules is one of the most common causes of refund delays. The paperwork must be included if tax was withheld, even with an electronic return.
Manual calculations often lead to errors. If you’re not using tax preparation software, double-check each line on the return for addition or subtraction mistakes.
If you’re filing jointly, both individuals must sign. An unsigned return is considered incomplete and won’t be processed until corrected.
Entering the wrong bank account or routing number could result in a lost or misdirected refund. Always verify before filing. Taking a few extra minutes to review your return can help you avoid penalties, prevent processing delays, and ensure you get the money you’re owed — quickly and correctly.
What if I missed the Virginia filing deadline for 2021?
If you missed the May 2, 2022, deadline, Virginia allows a 6-month automatic extension to file your return. However, you must pay at least 90% of your tax liability by the original due date. Otherwise, penalties and interest apply. Visit a local tax office or the Virginia Department’s site for official guidance on the next steps.
Many Virginians can file their taxes online for free using approved tax preparation software, depending on income and eligibility. You can also use Virginia's eForms system without creating an account. Filing online reduces errors, speeds up tax refund processing, and gives instant confirmation. It’s generally the safest and most convenient option for any person filing.
Virginia uses a graduated tax rate ranging from 2% to 5.75% based on your taxable income. For most tax returns, income over $17,000 is taxed at the top rate. Tax rates apply to your adjusted gross income after deductions. These rates remain consistent for most filers, regardless of whether you had one job or multiple.
Even if you only held a job briefly or earned a modest income, you may still need to file a return, especially if Virginia taxes were withheld. Sometimes, you might qualify for a tax refund even if you weren’t required to file. It’s generally smart to file just in case you’re owed money.
You can visit the Virginia Department of Taxation’s website for complete instructions, downloadable forms, and filing tips. For in-person assistance, call or go to a local tax office. Many taxpayers also benefit from using trusted tax preparation software or working with a tax professional if their situation is complex and requires detailed guidance.
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