Getting a VA state tax refund doesn’t have to be stressful—but it does require knowing the right steps and avoiding common mistakes that delay your money. If you’re a Virginia resident who’s overpaid state income taxes, you’re owed that money back, and we’re going to walk you through exactly how to claim it, track it, and speed up the process.
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Understanding Virginia Tax Refunds
Virginia taxes your income at both the state and local level, and if too much is withheld from your paycheck throughout the year, you’ll get a refund. Think of it as an interest-free loan you gave the state—now it’s time to get your money back. The Virginia Department of Taxation processes thousands of refunds annually, and the good news is that most are issued within 4-6 weeks if you file electronically and request direct deposit.
The state uses the same basic formula as the federal government: your total tax liability minus what you’ve already paid through withholding equals your refund (or amount owed). The difference is that Virginia’s tax system has some unique wrinkles, especially if you live in certain counties that impose local income taxes.
Who Qualifies for a Refund
Not everyone gets a refund, and that’s actually fine—it means your withholding is probably spot-on. You qualify for a Virginia state tax refund if:
- You’re a Virginia resident with income subject to state tax
- Your employer withheld more state tax than you actually owe
- You’re self-employed and made quarterly estimated tax payments that exceeded your final liability
- You had income sources that weren’t subject to withholding (like investment income or side gigs)
- You qualify for refundable tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Virginia residents who work in other states might also qualify if they’ve overpaid. The state has reciprocal agreements with some neighboring states, so you won’t necessarily be double-taxed. If you’re dealing with multi-state income issues, that’s where things get tricky—but it’s definitely worth exploring.
Virginia Filing Requirements
To claim your refund, you need to file a Virginia tax return, even if you don’t owe any taxes. Here’s what triggers a filing requirement:
- Residents: Must file if your gross income exceeds $12,000 (or $12,500 if you’re 65+)
- Part-year residents: Must file if income exceeds $12,000 during your resident period
- Non-residents: Must file if you had Virginia-source income and it exceeded the threshold
If you’re claiming refundable credits like the EITC, you should file even if your income is below these thresholds. That’s where real money can come back to you. Many people leave thousands on the table by not filing when they qualify for these credits.
You’ll need Form 760 (Virginia Individual Income Tax Return) and any applicable schedules. If you had pre-tax medical insurance deductions, those reduce your taxable income, which could increase your refund. Similarly, if you earned qualified dividends and capital gains, you might have special tax treatment that affects your refund amount.
How to Check Your Refund Status
The waiting game is the worst part, but Virginia gives you tools to track your refund. Here’s how:
Online Refund Status Check: Visit the Virginia Department of Taxation website and use their refund status tool. You’ll need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. This is the fastest way to get real-time updates.
By Phone: Call the Virginia Department of Taxation at 804-367-8031. Have your return information handy. The wait times can vary, but you’ll get a real person who can answer specific questions about your refund.
By Mail: If you filed a paper return, refunds take longer—typically 8-10 weeks. If it’s been that long and you haven’t received anything, contact the department.
Pro tip: Check your status about 2-3 weeks after you file. If there are issues (missing information, incorrect bank account details), the sooner you catch them, the sooner you get paid.
Ways to Speed Up Your Refund
Want your money faster? Here are the legitimate ways to make it happen:
File Electronically: This is the single biggest factor. E-filed returns are processed much faster than paper returns. Virginia’s system is set up to handle electronic files quickly, and errors are caught and corrected faster too.
Request Direct Deposit: Don’t have the state mail you a check. Direct deposit is faster and safer—no lost mail, no waiting at the bank to deposit it. Your money hits your account in days, not weeks.
File Early: The earlier you file in the tax season, the faster you’ll be processed. Filing in late January or early February means you’re ahead of the rush. Filing in April? You’re competing with thousands of others.
Double-Check Your Return: Errors force the state to contact you, which delays everything. Make sure your SSN is correct, your filing status is right, and your income matches what your employer reported on W-2s.
Claim All Credits You’re Entitled To: If you qualify for tax credits or deductions you haven’t claimed, that increases your refund. Many people miss credits they’re eligible for—especially education credits, dependent care credits, or energy efficiency credits.
Setting Up Direct Deposit
Direct deposit is non-negotiable if you want your refund fast. Here’s what you need:
- Your bank routing number (find it on the bottom left of your checks)
- Your account number
- Account type (checking or savings)
- Your bank’s name and address (usually pre-filled if you’re using tax software)
When you file electronically, you’ll enter this information directly on Form 760. If you’re using tax software, it walks you through this. If you file on paper, you’ll need to include a completed direct deposit authorization form.
Make sure the account information is 100% accurate. A single digit wrong, and your refund goes into the wrong account—then you’re dealing with customer service at both Virginia and your bank to sort it out. Take your time here.
Common Mistakes That Delay Refunds
We see these all the time, and they’re all preventable:
Wrong Social Security Number: Sounds obvious, but typos happen. The state’s system cross-checks your SSN with IRS records, and if they don’t match, your return gets flagged for manual review.
Incorrect Bank Account Information: One wrong digit in your routing number and the state can’t deposit your refund. Then you’re waiting for a check by mail—weeks of extra waiting.
Mismatched Income: Your W-2 says you earned $45,000, but you reported $44,500. The state gets a copy of your W-2 from your employer, and the discrepancy triggers an audit notice. File an amended return if needed.
Missing Schedules: If you have self-employment income, rental income, or investment income, you need the right schedules. Filing without them is incomplete and gets held up.
Claiming Credits You Don’t Qualify For: This is serious. The IRS and Virginia share data. If you claim a credit you’re not entitled to, it gets caught, and you’ll owe the money back plus interest and penalties.
County-Specific Refund Considerations
Virginia’s local tax system adds another layer. Some counties impose local income taxes on top of state tax. If you live in Fairfax County, for example, you’re paying both state and county tax. The same applies to Henrico County and several others.
The good news: Virginia coordinates this so you don’t file separate local returns in most cases. Your state return handles local tax too. But if you’re moving between counties mid-year, or if you work in a different county than where you live, make sure you’re reporting income to the right jurisdiction.
If you’re using a tax preparer or software, they should handle this automatically. But if you’re doing it yourself, double-check the county codes on your return.
Some people also use tax refund accounts offered by banks and tax prep services. These let you get your refund faster by having it deposited into a temporary account, but they come with fees. We generally recommend skipping them and using direct deposit to your own bank instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Virginia state tax refund?
If you file electronically and request direct deposit, expect 4-6 weeks. Paper returns take 8-10 weeks. If there are errors or missing information, add another 2-4 weeks for corrections.
Can I get my refund faster if I pay a fee?
No legitimate service will speed up the state’s processing. Some tax prep companies offer “refund advances” where they give you the money upfront, but they charge fees that eat into your refund. It’s not worth it.
What if I don’t receive my refund after 6 weeks?
Check your status online or call the Virginia Department of Taxation. If there’s an error with your bank information, they’ll contact you. If you filed by mail and it’s been 10+ weeks, definitely call.
Do I need to file a Virginia return if I only earned a little income?
Only if you exceed the filing threshold ($12,000 for most people). But if you qualify for refundable credits like EITC, you should file even if you’re below the threshold.
What happens if I overpaid both federal and state taxes?
You’ll get two separate refunds—one from the IRS and one from Virginia. They process independently, so timing might be different.
Can I claim a refund for years I didn’t file?
Yes, but there’s a statute of limitations. Virginia generally allows you to claim a refund for up to three years of unfiled returns. If you’re owed for prior years, file those amended returns as soon as possible.
What if my employer didn’t withhold Virginia tax?
You might owe taxes instead of getting a refund. However, if you’re a non-resident working in Virginia or if you had unusual circumstances, you might still get a refund. File your return to find out.
Final Thoughts
Getting your VA state tax refund is straightforward when you know the process. File electronically, set up direct deposit, double-check your information, and claim every credit and deduction you’re entitled to. Most refunds process within 4-6 weeks, and you can track yours online anytime.
The key is avoiding the common mistakes that delay refunds: wrong SSN, bad bank account info, mismatched income, or incomplete returns. Take 10 extra minutes to verify everything before you hit submit, and you’ll be fine.
If you’re in a county with local income tax like Fairfax or Henrico, make sure your return accounts for that correctly. And if you have complex income situations—self-employment, rental property, investment income—don’t hesitate to use tax software or a professional preparer. It’s worth the cost to get it right and maximize your refund.
Your refund is your money. The state owes it to you. Make sure you claim it correctly and get it fast.
