Filing your Vermont state tax return for the 2013 tax year may feel overwhelming, especially if you are new to the process. This guide explains how to file a Vermont tax return for 2013 in simple steps, so taxpayers know exactly what forms, deadlines, and details to prepare. The goal is to make income tax filing easier to understand, even if you are unfamiliar with tax rules or legal terms.
Whether you worked for an employer, had dependents, or received income that requires a federal tax return, Vermont has specific rules that may qualify you to file. Understanding what applies to your situation is important, since requirements vary for residents, part-year residents, and nonresidents. This article breaks down the process so you can confidently complete your return.
You will also find practical tips on using e-file services, submitting forms by mail, or checking the status of a refund through online or phone systems. From gathering tax information to choosing direct deposit for faster access to your money, this guide covers every step. You will know how to handle your 2013 Vermont return without unnecessary stress or long wait times.
Overview of Vermont State Tax Return for 2013
Whether you need to file a Vermont state tax return for 2013 depends on residency, income thresholds, and federal tax requirements. Vermont’s rules are often stricter than federal standards, so many taxpayers qualify to file even with relatively small incomes.
Who Must File
You must file if both conditions apply:
- You are required to file a federal tax return for 2013.
- One of the following applies to your situation:
- Vermont and part-year residents must file if they earned or received $100 or more in income from Vermont sources.
- Nonresidents must file if they received $1,000 or more in gross income from Vermont sources.
Income Thresholds
- Residents and part-year residents: minimum income of $100 from Vermont sources.
- Nonresidents: minimum $1,000 gross income from Vermont sources.
Even if your income does not meet these thresholds, you may still want to file a return if an employer withheld Vermont taxes. Filing is the only way to qualify for a refund of that withheld money.
Key Changes Compared to 2012
Vermont introduced several updates for the 2013 tax year that affect how taxpayers file:
- Certain forms no longer appeared in the tax booklet but remained available online. These included Form IN-117 for credits paid to other states, Form IN-119 for economic incentives, and Form IN-153 for the capital gains exclusion.
- Expanded e-file options were introduced, making it easier for taxpayers to submit returns through secure online systems.
- The penalty structure was adjusted, continuing the 60-day grace period for late filing without penalty.
Getting the Right Vermont Tax Forms
Filing your Vermont state tax return for 2013 begins with selecting the correct forms. Every taxpayer must complete Form IN-111, Vermont Income Tax Return. Additional schedules may be required depending on your filing status, dependents, or income sources.
Where to Obtain Forms
- You can download PDF versions of all 2013 Vermont forms directly from the Vermont Department of Taxes website.
- You can call the Department of Taxes at (802) 828-2515 to request specific forms by phone.
- You can also submit a mail or email request to deliver paper forms to your home or inbox.
Key Forms and Schedules
- Form IN-111 is the Vermont income tax return that taxpayers must complete.
- Form IN-112 is used to report Vermont-specific adjustments and credits.
- Form IN-113 is required for part-year residents who must apportion income between Vermont and another state.
- Form IN-114 allows taxpayers to submit estimated tax payments throughout the year.
- Form IN-117 is used to claim credit for income taxes paid to another state, but it was only available online in 2013.
- Form IN-151 requests an extension of time to file a return.
Requesting the correct forms ensures your return is processed quickly and accurately. If you file by mail, ensure every required schedule and form is attached before sending your return.
Understanding Federal Tax Implications
Your Vermont state tax return for 2013 is closely tied to your federal tax return. The figures you report to the IRS directly affect the amounts entered on your Vermont forms, so taxpayers must have a complete federal return before filing at the state level.
When you file Vermont taxes, you often start with adjusted gross income from your federal return. This number becomes the foundation for calculating Vermont income tax. Other details, such as dependents and filing status, must also match unless you qualify for special rules under state law, such as when married filing jointly with a nonresident spouse.
Taxpayers should understand that any changes to a federal return may require amending the Vermont return. For example, if the IRS adjusts income, credits, or deductions, you must also request corrections at the state level. This system ensures consistency and prevents delays in refunds. Keep copies of federal and state forms in your account for future reference.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Vermont 2013 Tax Return
Breaking the filing process into smaller steps makes completing your Vermont tax return easier and reduces the chance of mistakes.
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
- You will need W-2 forms from every employer that paid you wages in 2013.
- You should collect all 1099 forms showing interest, dividends, contract work, or other types of income.
- You must have a copy of your 2013 federal tax return since many figures carry over to your Vermont return.
- You should gather records of estimated tax payments made during the year.
- You will need Vermont withholding statements if taxes were removed from your pay.
- You should keep documentation for any dependents, deductions, or credits you plan to claim.
Step 2: Enter Taxpayer Information
- Vermont residents must enter their three-digit school district code, while nonresidents should enter 999.
- You must provide your full legal name, Social Security number, and mailing address.
- If you are married filing jointly, you must also include your spouse’s information on the return.
Step 3: Select Filing Status
- Most taxpayers use the same filing status as their federal tax return.
- Civil union couples may file jointly in Vermont even if they file separately for federal tax purposes.
- A Vermont resident married to a nonresident spouse may need to follow special state rules.
Step 4: Report Income
- You should start with adjusted gross income from your federal tax return.
- Vermont requires you to add back certain items, such as interest from out-of-state municipal bonds.
- Vermont also allows subtractions, such as the exclusion of U.S. government bond interest or the state’s capital gains.
Step 5: Calculate Tax
- If your taxable income is under $75,000, you must calculate your liability using the Vermont tax tables.
- You must use Vermont's tax rate schedules if your income is $75,000 or more.
Step 6: Apply Credits
- You may apply credits for taxes paid to another state if you qualify.
- You may also claim Vermont-specific credits, such as the child or dependent care credit.
Step 7: Report Payments and Refund/Balance Due
- You must report all Vermont income tax withheld, attaching W-2s or 1099s as proof.
- You should include any estimated payments or overpayments from the prior year.
- The return will show whether you qualify for a refund or owe additional money to Vermont.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Many taxpayers forget to attach W-2s and 1099s, which delays the return processing.
- Some taxpayers enter the wrong school district code, which can create errors in local tax reporting.
- Married couples sometimes forget that both spouses must sign the return if they file jointly.
- Simple math errors often cause refunds to be delayed or balances to be miscalculated.
Filing Methods and Deadlines
Vermont allows taxpayers to file either electronically or by paper. Each option has advantages, but electronic filing generally provides faster results.
Electronic Filing (e-file)
- Taxpayers can e-file through authorized providers linked to the Vermont Department of Taxes website via the “myVTax” system.
- Electronic filing is faster than mailing a paper return, especially when you choose direct deposit to a bank account.
- The system provides immediate confirmation that the return was received.
- Built-in error checks reduce the risk of mistakes compared to manual calculations.
- The state website shows a locked padlock icon to confirm the system is secure for entering tax information.
Paper Filing by Mail
- If you expect a refund or have no tax due, you must mail your return to: Vermont Department of Taxes, PO Box 1881, Montpelier, VT 05601-1881.
- If you owe taxes, you must mail your return and payment to: Vermont Department of Taxes, PO Box 1779, Montpelier, VT 05601-1779.
- You should include all required forms, schedules, and payments in one envelope.
Deadlines for the 2013 Tax Year
- The standard deadline for filing a 2013 return was April 15, 2014.
- Vermont allowed a 60-day grace period, meaning you could file without penalty until June 14, 2014.
- Taxpayers who filed Form IN-151 by April 15 received an extension until October 15, 2014.
Penalties
- A $50 late filing penalty applies if you miss the deadline and grace period, even if you are due a refund.
- Interest and additional penalties begin on unpaid balances on April 16, 2014.
Making Payments to the Vermont Department of Taxes
If you owe money after filing your Vermont state tax return for 2013, the Department of Taxes provides several payment options. Paying on time helps you avoid penalties and interest charges.
Payment Methods Available
- You can make an online payment using a credit card, debit card, or ACH bank transfer through Vermont’s secure payment portal. Service fees may apply for card transactions.
- You can pay with a check or money order payable to “Vermont Department of Taxes.” Always include your Social Security number and the tax year on the payment.
- You can technically pay with cash at the Department of Taxes, but mailing cash is strongly discouraged for safety reasons.
Payment Deadlines and Interest
- The payment deadline is April 15, 2014, the same as the filing deadline.
- Interest begins to accrue on unpaid balances starting April 16, 2014.
- Filing an extension with Form IN-151 only extends the deadline to file your return. It does not extend the time to make a payment.
Installment Payment Options
- If you cannot pay the full balance, you should still file your return on time and pay as much as possible.
- You can request an installment plan by contacting the Department of Taxes in writing. Do not include the request with your return.
- The department may ask for additional financial information before approving a payment plan.
- An approved payment plan helps taxpayers avoid suspension of collection actions, liens, or driver’s licenses.
Tracking Refunds and Return Status
Taxpayers who qualify for a refund from their 2013 Vermont return can track the status using several methods. The Department of Taxes offers both online and phone-based tools.
Online Refund Tracking
- You can check the status of your refund by visiting the Vermont Department of Taxes website.
- The online tool is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Refund processing times vary depending on whether you e-file or mail a paper return.
Phone Inquiry
- You can call the Department of Taxes at (802) 828-2865 or toll-free within Vermont at (866) 828-2865.
- Phone support is available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday between 7:45 AM and 4:30 PM.
- When calling, be prepared to provide your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount.
Processing Times
- Refunds from electronically filed returns usually take two to three weeks when direct deposit is used.
- Refunds from paper returns can take six to eight weeks.
- If your return has errors or missing forms, you may need to wait an additional two to four weeks for corrections.
Final Filing Checklist
Review the following items carefully before you file your 2013 Vermont state tax return. A final review can help prevent delays, penalties, or refund errors.
Required Items Checklist
- Please ensure that the return is signed and dated by all required parties, including both spouses if they are married and filing jointly.
- Attached are all W-2s and 1099s showing Vermont withholding. These must be state copies, not federal copies.
- If you owe a balance, attach your payment securely to the lower left corner of the return.
- Verify that you use the correct mailing address for refunds versus balances owed.
- Confirm that you entered the correct three-digit school district code.
- Include all additional schedules or forms that apply to your situation.
- Provide direct deposit information if you want your refund sent to your bank account.
Final Review Checklist
- Double-check all math using a calculator or tax software.
- Make sure Social Security numbers match official records exactly.
- Review the spelling of names to ensure they match Social Security cards.
- Confirm your address is current as of December 31, 2013.
- Save a copy of your Vermont return and your 2013 federal tax return for at least three years.
Mailing Tips
- Use enough postage to avoid delays or returns by the postal service.
- Consider sending your return by certified mail to confirm timely delivery.
- Keep the mailing receipt as proof that your return was filed before the deadline.
- Allow three business days for mail delivery if filing close to the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I file a Vermont tax return for 2013?
To file the Vermont tax return for 2013, taxpayers must complete Form IN-111 and any supporting schedules. You can e-file through the Vermont Department of Taxes’ secure online system, which shows a locked padlock icon, or mail a paper return. Whether you choose e-file or mail, include all required tax information, forms, and federal tax return.
Who must file a Vermont income tax return for 2013?
Taxpayers must file a Vermont income tax return for 2013 if they were required to file a federal tax return and earned income in Vermont. Residents and part-year residents must file if they had $100 or more in Vermont income. Nonresidents must file if they had $1,000 or more in income from Vermont sources. Filing ensures you qualify for refunds if an employer withheld state taxes.
Can I e-file my Vermont return, or must I mail it?
You can e-file your Vermont return through an authorized provider or submit it by mail. E-filing offers faster processing, direct deposit to your bank account, and immediate confirmation of receipt. Mailing is still an option, but processing times vary, and refunds usually take longer. Taxpayers should select the method that best fits their needs for convenience, savings, and speed.
What are the benefits of direct deposit for my refund?
Direct deposit is the fastest way for taxpayers to receive a refund. When you file, you can enter your bank account and routing numbers to send the refund electronically. This system is more secure than waiting for a paper check by mail and avoids delays that vary with postal delivery. Direct deposit also saves users time and provides quicker access to money owed.
What if I cannot pay my Vermont income tax in full?
If you cannot fully pay your Vermont income tax, you should still file your return on time to avoid penalties. Taxpayers can request a payment plan from the Department of Taxes. The department may request financial forms or account information before approving an installment system. An approved plan helps you spread payments, protect savings, and prevent collection actions on money owed.
How do I check the status of my refund?
You can check refund status online through the Vermont Department of Taxes website or by phone at the taxpayer services line. Online tools show processing updates, but times vary depending on whether you e-file or mail your return. Most electronic returns with direct deposit are processed in two to three weeks. Paper returns may require a longer wait, sometimes up to eight weeks.
How long should I keep my Vermont tax return and records?
Taxpayers should keep their 2013 Vermont tax return, supporting forms, and federal tax information for at least three years. This period matches the IRS record-keeping recommendation. Saving copies of your return protects you if you need to amend your filing, respond to an audit, or request proof of income. Millions of users nationwide keep paper and digital records to secure their financial history.
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