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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2017
Contact:
Paige Tucker
paige.tucker@tax.virginia.gov
804.404.4109
Individual income tax
filing season opens Jan. 23
Tax
Department commits to protecting taxpayer information and preventing refund
fraud
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Taxation
will open individual income tax filing season on Monday, Jan. 23, the same day
as the IRS. The deadline to file 2016 Virginia tax returns is Monday, May
1.
“Timely and accurate processing of
every return is a priority for the department. As refund fraud schemes grow
more elaborate, we may need to take extra time to review returns. This means it
will take longer to issue refunds to some taxpayers than it has in the past,”
said Tax Commissioner Craig Burns. “To prevent refund fraud, we’re enlisting
the help of tax professionals, employers, payroll providers, and taxpayers.”
Taxpayers
are encouraged to visit Refund Fraud
Prevention
on the department’s website to find out how to protect themselves from refund
fraud, steps to take if they think they are victims of identity theft, and how
to reduce chances that their tax returns are stopped for review.
Tips for the filing season:
File electronically: It’s the most efficient way to get your refund. On average, taxpayers who file their returns electronically and request
their refunds by direct deposit receive their refunds sooner than those who
file on paper or request refunds by check. Many Virginians may be eligible to
file their state tax returns electronically for free using VA FreeFile or Free Fillable
Forms. To make the filing process go more smoothly, taxpayers should have
W-2s and other year-end statements before preparing their returns. The
department offers online access to Form
1099G/1099INT for taxpayers who need to know the amount of the Virginia tax
refund they received in 2016.
Choose
direct deposit for refunds: Be
sure to verify current banking information on tax returns to ensure accurate
processing. Taxpayers may choose to receive refunds by check, but it will take
longer to get their refunds.
Check refund status online or by phone: Use the online tool or call
804.367.2486. Both options are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Taxpayers will need their Social Security number, tax year, and the amount of
the expected refund.
Visit the
department’s website at www.tax.virginia.gov for more information
about Virginia tax laws.
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