When To File - Virginia Tax

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When to File

Individual Income Tax Filing Due Dates

• Typically, most people must file their tax return by May 1. 
• Fiscal year filers: Returns are due the 15th day of the 4th month after the close of your fiscal year.

If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, you have until the next business day to file with no penalty.

Filing Extensions

Can't file by the deadline? Virginia allows an automatic 6-month extension to file your return (Nov. 1 for most filers). No application is required. You still need to pay any taxes owed on time to avoid additional penalties and interest. Make an extension payment.

• Missed the deadline? See your options.
• Need to pay estimated taxes? Find deadlines at Individual Estimated Tax Payments. 

Special Filing Deadlines

• Members of the Military
• Individuals Living Abroad or Traveling Outside the United States
• Foreign Income Exclusion

Members of the Military

If you’re stationed outside the United States or Puerto Rico on May 1, you have until July 1 to file your return and pay any taxes you owe. Enclose a statement explaining that you were out of the country, and write Overseas Rule on the top of your return and on the envelope.

Combat Zone If you’re serving in a combat zone, you receive the same filing and payment extensions allowed by the IRS, plus an additional 15 days, or a 1-year extension from the original due date.  If you claim this extension, write Combat Zone on the top of your return and on the envelope. For more information, see Tax Bulletin 05-5.  Extensions also apply to the spouses of military members who are serving in combat zones.Military Deployment Outside the United States – Combat or Noncombat If you’re deployed to military service outside the U.S., you’re allowed a 90-day filing extension following the completion of deployment.  If you’re using this extension, write Overseas Noncombat on the top of your return and the envelope.Note: If you’re deployed in combat service, you can use whichever extension is more beneficial for you (Combat or Noncombat).

Individuals Living Abroad or Traveling Outside the United States

If you’re living or traveling outside the U.S. or Puerto Rico on May 1, you have until July 1 to file your return. You must still pay any tax you expect to owe  by the May 1 due date. 

Enclose a statement explaining that you were out of the country, and write Overseas Rule on the top of your return and on the envelope.

Foreign Income Exclusion

If you qualify for the federal foreign income exclusion and have requested an extension to file your federal return, you can apply for an extension to file your state return.  Send a letter requesting an extension before the 1st day of the 7th month following the close of your taxable year. We will give you an extension of 30 days after the date you expect to qualify for the federal exclusion. When you file, enclose a copy of the approved federal extension with your return. 

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