Where and how to pay Virginia state income taxes

Virginia accepts tax payments through three main routes: online through the Virginia Department of Taxation website, by mail with a check or money order, or by phone using an automated system. The online method is fastest and gives you a confirmation number immediately. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to reach the department, so send it well before the April 15 deadline if you owe. Phone payments require your Social Security number, federal tax return information, and a bank account.

You do not need to make a payment if you are receiving a refund. The state will mail it to you or deposit it directly to your bank account, depending on what you selected on your return. Refunds typically arrive within 4 to 6 weeks of the department processing your return.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through the Virginia Department of Taxation website is the fastest method and provides an immediate confirmation number.
  • Mailed payments must be sent at least 7 to 10 business days before the April 15 deadline to arrive on time.
  • Phone payments require your Social Security number and bank account information but can be completed in minutes.
  • If you owe less than $25, you can request a waiver of the payment by contacting the department directly.

Paying online through the Virginia Department of Taxation

The Virginia Department of Taxation website accepts payments through a third-party processor. You will enter your Social Security number, the tax year you are paying for, and the amount owed. The processor then directs you to pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic bank transfer. Credit and debit card payments charge a convenience fee of roughly 2.5 percent of the amount paid; bank transfers do not charge a fee but take one business day to process.

After you complete payment, you receive a confirmation number on screen. Write this number down or take a screenshot — it is your proof of payment. The Virginia Department of Taxation receives the payment within one business day for bank transfers and immediately for card payments. You can check the status of your return on the department website using your Social Security number and date of birth.

Mailing a check or money order to Virginia

If you file a paper return, you can include a check or money order with your tax forms. Make the check payable to "Virginia Department of Taxation." Write your Social Security number and the tax year on the front of the check. Mail everything to the address listed on your tax form instruction booklet — the address changes based on which region of Virginia you live in.

If you are mailing a payment without filing a return (for example, if you already filed electronically but need to send additional money owed), send the check to the same regional address with a note that includes your name, Social Security number, the tax year, and the amount enclosed. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive, so send yours by early April if the deadline is April 15. The postmark date counts as your payment date, not the date the department receives it.

Paying by phone or automated system

Virginia operates an automated phone payment system at 1-800-272-9829. You will need your Social Security number, the amount you owe, your bank account number and routing number, and the tax year you are paying for. The system accepts payments only from a checking or savings account — not credit or debit cards. There is no fee for phone payments.

The call takes about 5 minutes. You receive a confirmation number at the end of the call. Write it down immediately. The payment processes within one business day. If you have questions during the call that the automated system cannot answer, you can press a button to speak to a representative, though wait times vary.

Payment deadlines and penalties for late payment

Virginia tax returns are due April 15 each year, the same as federal returns. If you owe money, it must be received or postmarked by that date. Payments received after April 15 are subject to a failure-to-pay penalty of 0.5 percent of the unpaid tax per month, up to 25 percent total. Interest also accrues on unpaid balances at a rate set quarterly by the state.

If you cannot pay by April 15, you can request an extension to file your return (giving you until October 15 to submit the forms), but this does not extend the payment deadline. You still owe the tax by April 15, even if your return is not yet filed. If you expect to owe and cannot pay in full, contact the Virginia Department of Taxation about a payment plan before the deadline.

Setting up a payment plan with Virginia

If you owe more than $25 and cannot pay in full by April 15, you can request an installment agreement. Contact the Virginia Department of Taxation at 1-804-367-8031 to discuss your situation. The department will work with you to set up monthly payments. You must make the first payment by the original April 15 deadline; the remaining balance is then split into monthly installments.

Installment agreements do not waive penalties or interest, but they do prevent additional failure-to-pay penalties from accruing as long as you make each monthly payment on time. The department sends you a payment coupon or instructions for each month's payment. If you miss a payment, the agreement may be cancelled and the full remaining balance becomes due immediately.

What to do if you paid but the department shows no record

If you made a payment and have a confirmation number but the Virginia Department of Taxation website does not show it as received, wait at least 5 business days. Online and phone payments take up to one business day to post; mailed payments take 7 to 10 days. After that time, log into your account on the department website and check the payment status using your Social Security number and date of birth.

If the payment still does not appear after the expected timeframe, contact the Virginia Department of Taxation at 1-804-367-8031 with your confirmation number. Have your payment method details ready (check number, card last four digits, or bank account ending). The department can trace the payment and correct any posting errors. Keep your confirmation number and any bank statements showing the deduction until the issue is resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay Virginia taxes with a credit card?

Yes, but only through the online payment system on the Virginia Department of Taxation website. Credit card payments charge a convenience fee of about 2.5 percent. Phone and mail payments do not accept credit cards.

What if I file my federal return late — does that extend my Virginia deadline?

No. Virginia taxes are due April 15 regardless of when you file your federal return. If you received a federal extension to October 15, you still owe Virginia tax by April 15. You can request a Virginia extension to file your return, but the payment deadline remains April 15.

Do I have to pay if I owe less than $1?

No. Virginia waives payment for amounts under $1. If you owe between $1 and $25, you can request a waiver by contacting the Virginia Department of Taxation at 1-804-367-8031.

How do I know if my mailed check was received?

Wait 10 business days after mailing, then check your account status on the Virginia Department of Taxation website using your Social Security number and date of birth. If it still does not show, call 1-804-367-8031 with your check number and the date you mailed it.

Can I pay someone else's Virginia taxes?

Yes. You can pay online, by mail, or by phone on behalf of another person if you have their Social Security number and the amount they owe. The payment will be credited to their account. You do not need their permission, but you should confirm the amount owed with them first.