Mail your Virginia tax return to the Richmond processing center

Virginia's Department of Taxation processes individual income tax returns at a single mailing address in Richmond. The address depends on whether you are enclosing a payment with your return.

If you owe Virginia income tax, mail your return to: Virginia Department of Taxation, P.O. Box 27489, Richmond, VA 23261-7489. If you are not enclosing a payment or expect a refund, mail it to: Virginia Department of Taxation, P.O. Box 27489, Richmond, VA 23261-7489. Both returns go to the same box; the distinction matters only for the department's internal sorting.

Returns typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days of mailing. The department processes them in the order received. If you need confirmation that your return arrived, keep a copy for your records and consider using certified mail with return receipt.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail your Virginia income tax return to P.O. Box 27489, Richmond, VA 23261-7489, regardless of whether you owe tax or expect a refund.
  • Paper returns take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and are processed in the order received, so mailing early avoids the April rush.
  • E-filing through Virginia's online system or an approved tax software provider is faster and produces an when ready confirmation number.
  • If you mail a check with your return, write your Social Security number and tax year on the check itself so the payment is matched to your account.
  • Keep a copy of your mailed return and any supporting documents for at least three years in case the department requests verification.

E-filing is faster than mailing

Virginia allows you to file your income tax return electronically through the state's official e-file system or through tax software that is approved by the IRS and Virginia. E-filed returns are processed within 24 hours, and you receive a confirmation number when ready. This is the fastest way to know your return reached the department.

You can e-file through Virginia's MyTax portal at tax.virginia.gov, which is free if your income is below a certain threshold. You can also use commercial tax software such as TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct, which charge a fee but handle both federal and Virginia returns in one session. The software will route your Virginia return to the correct electronic inbox automatically.

E-filed returns are less likely to be lost or delayed because they do not travel through the mail. If you are expecting a refund, e-filing also speeds up the time you receive it — typically two to three weeks instead of four to six weeks with a paper return.

What to include when you mail your return

Your mailed return must include your completed Virginia Form 760 (Individual Income Tax Return) or the form that matches your filing status. Include all schedules and attachments that support your income, deductions, or credits. Common attachments include Schedule A (itemized deductions), Schedule C (self-employment income), and any forms for tax credits you are claiming.

If you are enclosing a payment, write a check or money order payable to the "Virginia Department of Taxation." Write your Social Security number, the tax year, and "Virginia 1040" on the check itself. Do not send cash. Include the check in the envelope with your return; do not mail it separately.

Do not staple documents together. Use a paper clip or fold them neatly. The department's scanning equipment reads documents faster when they are not permanently attached. Include a cover letter only if you are providing additional explanation — for example, if you are claiming a credit that requires documentation or if you are amending a prior-year return.

Mailing important date and late filing

Virginia's individual income tax return is due on April 15 each year, the same date as the federal return. If April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the important date moves to the next business day. The postmark date on your envelope is the filing date — if your return is postmarked by April 15, it is considered on time even if it arrives in Richmond after that date.

If you cannot file by April 15, you can request an automatic extension by filing Form 760-EZ (Virginia Extension of Time to File) or by filing your federal extension with the IRS. Virginia honors the federal extension, which gives you until October 15 to file. The extension gives you more time to file, but it does not extend the important date to pay any tax you owe — interest and penalties begin accruing on May 1 if you do not pay by April 15.

If you file late without an extension, Virginia charges a penalty of 5 percent of the unpaid tax per month, up to 25 percent total. Interest also accrues at a rate set by the state each year. Filing as soon as possible, even if you cannot pay the full amount, reduces the total penalty and interest you owe.

Amended returns and corrections

If you discover an error on a return you already filed, mail an amended Virginia Form 760-X (Amended Individual Income Tax Return) to the same Richmond address. Include a clear explanation of what you are correcting and why. The department will process your amended return and issue a new notice of assessment if your tax liability changes.

You must file an amended return within three years of the original filing date to claim a refund. If you owe additional tax, you can file an amended return at any time, but interest and penalties continue to accrue from the original due date. Amended returns are processed more slowly than original returns because they require manual review, so allow four to eight weeks for processing.

What happens after you mail your return

Once the Richmond processing center receives your return, it is scanned and entered into Virginia's tax system. You will receive a notice of assessment within four to six weeks if you owe tax or within six to eight weeks if you are expecting a refund. This notice shows the tax the department calculated based on your return and any adjustments it made.

If the department has questions about your return, it will send you a letter requesting additional information or documentation. Respond to this letter within 30 days with the documents requested. If you do not respond, the department will assess tax based on the information it has, and you may owe additional tax plus interest and penalties.

If you are expecting a refund, you can check the status of your return on the Virginia Department of Taxation website using your Social Security number and the amount of your refund. Refunds are issued by check or direct deposit, depending on how you filed. Direct deposit refunds arrive faster than checks mailed to your address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file my Virginia return without filing a federal return?

Yes. Virginia does not require you to file a federal return to file a Virginia return, though most people file both. If you have Virginia income but no federal income tax obligation, you can still file a Virginia return to claim a refund of Virginia taxes withheld from your paychecks or to claim Virginia tax credits.

What if I move after I mail my return?

The department will mail your notice of assessment to the address on your return. If you move before your return arrives, contact the Virginia Department of Taxation with your new address so notices are sent to the correct location. You can update your address on the department's website or by calling 804-367-8031.

Do I need to mail my W-2s or 1099s with my return?

No. Keep copies of your W-2s, 1099s, and other income documents for your records, but do not mail them with your return unless the department specifically requests them in a letter. The department receives copies directly from employers and financial institutions.

How long should I keep my mailed return and documents?

Keep a copy of your return and all supporting documents for at least three years from the filing date. The department can audit returns up to three years back in most cases, and longer if it suspects underreporting of income. Keeping documents longer is safer if you are self-employed or claim large deductions.

What if my check gets lost in the mail?

If you mailed a check with your return and the department does not show the payment received, it will send you a bill for the unpaid tax plus interest. Contact the Virginia Department of Taxation with the check number and amount. The department can investigate whether the check was cashed. If it was not, you can stop payment and mail a new check.