When Are Virginia Taxes Due? Filing & Payment Deadlines

Virginia imposes specific deadlines for filing tax returns and submitting payments. These dates vary depending on the type of tax, such as individual income, business, or local property tax. Adhering to these established timelines is necessary for taxpayers to avoid the imposition of penalties and interest charges on outstanding balances.

Individual Income Tax Deadlines

The primary deadline for most Virginia residents to file their individual income tax return, Form 760, is May 1. This date applies to individuals who file on a calendar-year basis.

For individuals with income not subject to withholding, such as earnings from self-employment or investments, Virginia requires the payment of estimated taxes throughout the year using Form 760ES. These payments are generally due in four equal installments to avoid underpayment penalties, even if a filing extension is granted. The deadlines for these quarterly payments are:

• May 1
• June 15
• September 15
• January 15 of the following year

Virginia provides an automatic six-month extension for filing an individual income tax return, which moves the final filing deadline to November 1 for most people. No special application is needed to receive this extension. This is an extension of time to file the return, not an extension of time to pay the tax owed. To avoid penalties, a taxpayer must pay at least 90% of their total expected tax liability by the original May 1 due date. Failure to pay on time will result in an extension penalty, calculated as 2% per month on the unpaid balance until the return is filed.

Business Tax Deadlines

The due dates for business taxes in Virginia are determined by the type of tax and the business’s fiscal year. For corporations, the Virginia corporate income tax return, Form 500, is due on the 15th day of the fourth month that follows the end of the corporation’s taxable year. For a business that operates on a standard calendar year ending December 31, this means the corporate tax return is due by April 15.

Businesses that collect sales and use tax from customers have different filing schedules. The frequency of these filings, whether monthly or quarterly, is determined by the volume of sales. Generally, sales and use tax returns and the corresponding payments are due on the 20th day of the month following the close of the reporting period. For example, sales taxes collected during January must be remitted to the state by February 20.

Understanding Local Property Tax Due Dates

Real estate and personal property taxes are not state-level taxes; they are assessed and collected at the local level by individual cities and counties. Because these taxes are administered locally, the due dates can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another. There is no single, statewide deadline for the payment of property taxes.

To determine the specific deadline for property tax payments, residents must consult their local government’s resources. The most reliable sources for this information are the official website of the city or county treasurer or the commissioner of the revenue. The due dates are also prominently displayed on the tax bill mailed to the property owner. Checking these local sources is the only way to ensure timely payment.

Key Filing and Payment Rules

A consistent rule across Virginia’s tax system is the treatment of deadlines that fall on non-business days. If a tax filing or payment due date lands on a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday recognized by the state, the deadline automatically shifts to the next succeeding business day. This policy applies to individual income taxes, estimated taxes, and various business taxes, providing a uniform grace period.