Virginia Tax Filing Guide and Resources

When working with Virginia tax filing, the process of reporting your income, deductions, and credits to the Commonwealth each year, also known as VA tax return, you determine whether you owe money or get a refund. Understanding Virginia rental laws, rules that govern landlord‑tenant relationships and affect deductible rental expenses and the Virginia affordable housing ordinance, state policies that provide tax credits for certain housing projects is crucial because rental income often appears on your return. Likewise, knowledge of Virginia property tax, the annual levy on real estate that can be deducted or offset with credits helps you plan payments and avoid surprises.

Key Concepts That Shape Your Filing Strategy

The filing process encompasses three main steps: gathering income documents, applying state‑specific credits, and submitting the Form 760. First, collect W‑2s, 1099s, and any Schedule E statements if you rent out property. Second, apply credits like the Virginia Earned Income Tax Credit or the Homestead Credit, which link directly to your home ownership status and property tax payments. Finally, file electronically or mail the return; electronic filing usually speeds up refunds and reduces errors. Remember, the deadline aligns with the federal April 15 deadline, but extensions are possible if you request Form 760 ET. If you miss the deadline, penalties are calculated per dollar of unpaid tax, making timely filing essential.

Beyond the basics, there are a few nuanced connections that many overlook. Virginia tax filing requires you to reconcile any rental losses against your ordinary income, a rule driven by the state's interpretation of § 58.1‑2.01 of the Code of Virginia. The state's property tax rates influence the size of the Homestead Credit, so keeping accurate assessment records can boost your refund. Moreover, the affordable housing ordinance offers developers tax incentives that can cascade to tenants in the form of lower rent, which indirectly affects the amount of rental income you report. By grasping how these pieces fit together—income reporting, property tax deductions, and housing credits—you can plan a filing strategy that minimizes what you owe and maximizes your eligible savings. Below you’ll find a curated list of articles that break each of these topics down into actionable steps, real‑world examples, and up‑to‑date forms you’ll need for the 2025 filing season.