Virginia offers three main ways to pay state income tax: online through the department's website, by mail, or through an authorized payment processor

The Virginia Department of Taxation accepts payments through its official website at tax.virginia.gov, by check or money order sent by mail, and through third-party payment processors that charge a convenience fee. Most people pay online because it's faster, gives you a confirmation number immediately, and lets you schedule a payment for a future date. Mail payments take longer to process and don't give you proof of receipt the same day.

You'll need your Social Security number or federal employer identification number, the tax year you're paying for, and the amount you owe. If you're paying a balance from a tax return you filed, have that return handy. If you're making an estimated tax payment, you can enter the amount yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through tax.virginia.gov is the fastest method and gives you an immediate confirmation number you should save.
  • Third-party payment processors charge a fee (usually 1 to 3 percent of the payment) but may offer additional payment methods like credit cards or ACH transfers.
  • Mailed checks should be sent to the address on the Virginia Department of Taxation website and take two to three weeks to post to your account.
  • Payments made by the tax deadline (usually April 15 for income tax) avoid penalties and interest, even if the check arrives late.
  • You can schedule a payment for a future date online, which is useful if you want to pay on a specific date or after a paycheck arrives.

Paying online through the Virginia Department of Taxation website

Go to tax.virginia.gov and look for the payment option in the main menu. You'll enter your Social Security number or FEIN, select the tax type (individual income tax, corporate income tax, sales tax, etc.), and enter the amount and tax year. The site will ask whether you want to pay immediately or schedule the payment for a later date.

If you pay immediately, the transaction processes in real time and you receive a confirmation number on screen. Write down or screenshot this number—it's your proof of payment. The money typically leaves your bank account within one to two business days, and the Virginia Department of Taxation usually posts it to your account within three to five business days after that.

Scheduled payments work the same way, except you choose the date the payment will process. This is useful if you're paying from a specific paycheck or want to spread payments across the month. The confirmation number appears on screen even for scheduled payments.

Using a third-party payment processor

The Virginia Department of Taxation contracts with payment processors that accept credit cards, debit cards, and ACH bank transfers. These processors charge a convenience fee—typically 1 to 3 percent of the payment amount—which you pay on top of your tax bill. For example, a $1,000 payment might cost $1,010 to $1,030 depending on the processor and payment method.

You access these processors through links on the tax.virginia.gov website. Each processor has slightly different fees and accepted payment methods, so compare them before you choose. The processor will give you a confirmation number, and the Virginia Department of Taxation receives the payment within one to three business days.

Third-party processors are most useful if you don't have a bank account for ACH transfer or want to earn credit card rewards. The fee is a real cost, so weigh whether the benefit (cash back, points, or convenience) is worth what you're paying.

Mailing a check or money order

Write your check or money order to the Virginia Department of Taxation. On the memo line, write your Social Security number, the tax year, and the tax type (for example, "2023 Individual Income Tax"). Include a copy of your tax return or a note explaining what the payment covers if it's not obvious.

Mail it to the address listed on the Virginia Department of Taxation website—the address changes based on tax type, so check before you send. Use first-class mail or a tracked service if you want proof the envelope arrived. The post office typically takes three to five business days, and the department takes another one to two weeks to open mail and post the payment to your account.

The postmark date is what matters for the tax deadline, not the date the department receives it. If your check is postmarked by April 15, it counts as on-time even if it arrives in May. Keep your cancelled check or a photo of the front and back as proof of payment.

What happens after you pay

Once the Virginia Department of Taxation posts your payment, it appears in your account on the tax.virginia.gov website. You can log in and check the status of your payment or download a receipt. If you paid online or through a processor, you already have a confirmation number from the transaction itself.

If you overpaid, the department will either refund the difference or credit it toward next year's taxes, depending on what you request. Refunds typically take four to six weeks if you choose direct deposit, or longer if you request a check. If you underpaid or owe additional tax, the department will send you a bill with instructions for payment.

Penalties and interest if you pay late

Virginia charges a penalty if you don't pay by the tax deadline, usually April 15 for income tax. The penalty is typically 10 percent of the unpaid tax if you pay more than 30 days late, or 5 percent if you pay within 30 days. Interest accrues daily at a rate set by the state, currently around 6 percent per year, though this changes quarterly.

The postmark date is the payment date for mailed checks. For online and processor payments, the date the transaction processes is the payment date. If you're close to the deadline and worried about mail delays, pay online instead—it's faster and gives you proof immediately.

If you can't pay by the deadline, contact the Virginia Department of Taxation about a payment plan. The department can sometimes work out an arrangement to avoid or reduce penalties if you have a legitimate reason for the delay.

Estimated tax payments

If you're self-employed or have income that isn't subject to withholding, you may need to make estimated tax payments four times a year. Virginia uses the same schedule as the federal government: April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year. You can pay each installment online, by mail, or through a processor using the same methods described above.

When you pay an estimated tax payment, enter the amount you want to pay and select "estimated tax" as the payment type. You don't need to calculate the exact amount—the Virginia Department of Taxation will credit whatever you pay toward your final tax bill when you file your return. If you overpay across all four installments, you'll get a refund or credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Virginia taxes with a credit card?

Yes, but only through a third-party payment processor, not directly through the Virginia Department of Taxation website. The processor charges a fee (usually 1 to 3 percent) for accepting credit cards. You can find the processor links on tax.virginia.gov.

What if I pay the wrong amount or the wrong tax year?

Contact the Virginia Department of Taxation with your confirmation number and explain the error. They can redirect the payment to the correct tax year or issue a refund. It's easier to fix if you catch it within a few days, so check your account status online soon after paying.

Is there a maximum amount I can pay online?

The Virginia Department of Taxation website doesn't publish a maximum, but some payment processors have limits. If your payment is very large, call the department or check the processor's terms before you attempt the transaction.

How do I know if my payment was received?

Online and processor payments give you a confirmation number immediately. For mailed checks, wait two to three weeks, then log into your account on tax.virginia.gov to see if the payment has posted. You can also call the department's customer service line.

Can I get a receipt for my payment?

Yes. Online and processor payments provide a confirmation number on screen—save or print this. For mailed checks, keep the cancelled check or take a photo of both sides. You can also request a receipt from the Virginia Department of Taxation by phone or through your online account.