Virginia Individual Income Tax Filing Season Opens

www.tax.virginia.gov

Published January 26th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

Virginia Tax has announced that the individual income tax filing season is now open for 2026. Taxpayers are encouraged to file electronically and request refunds via direct deposit for faster processing. The notice provides guidance on gathering necessary documents and ensuring accurate information to avoid delays.

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What changed

The Virginia Department of Taxation (Virginia Tax) has announced the opening of the 2026 individual income tax filing season. This notice informs taxpayers that they can now file their returns electronically. The agency strongly encourages electronic filing and direct deposit for refunds, citing speed and security. It also provides practical advice for taxpayers, including gathering W-2s and 1099s, including their Virginia driver's license or ID number, ensuring accuracy in names, SSNs, and calculations, and using their current address if they have moved.

While this notice does not impose new obligations or deadlines, it serves as an informational announcement for the upcoming tax season. Taxpayers should ensure they have all necessary documentation and accurate information ready to file their returns promptly. The agency offers online tools and a phone number for tracking refunds and managing tax accounts. The primary implication for compliance officers is to ensure that any internal processes or communications related to Virginia individual income tax filings are aligned with this announcement and the agency's recommendations.

What to do next

Ensure internal communications reflect the opening of the Virginia individual income tax filing season.
Advise Virginia taxpayers to file electronically and use direct deposit for refunds.
Remind taxpayers of the importance of accurate and complete filing information to avoid delays.

Source document (simplified)

Individual Income Tax Filing Season is Underway

RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia Tax is announcing tax filing season in Virginia is underway. Taxpayers are now able to file their individual income tax returns.

“We strongly encourage you to file electronically,” said Tax Commissioner Kristin Collins, “as it’s the faster, safer option for taxpayers. We also recommend you request your refund, if you have one coming, via direct deposit.”

Virginia Tax takes refund fraud seriously and encourages you to do the same. Our automated system reviews returns for suspicious activity or possible fraud, then employees manually evaluate the returns selected for review. Filing early helps ensure the fastest possible refund if your return is selected for review.

Here are some steps you can take to help make sure your return and refund aren’t delayed:

Gather all W-2s, 1099s and other withholding information before filing your return;

Include your Virginia driver’s license or Virginia identification card number on your return. Returns that don’t have that information won’t be rejected, but providing it helps us process the return more quickly;

Be sure the spelling of your name(s), SSNs, and all calculations are correct; and

If you moved since you filed your last return, use your current address.

For secure, online self-service you can create and log onto an online individual account. This allows you to track your return or refund. You can also check the status of your refund by using the Where’s My Refund application on the Virginia Tax website, or by calling 804.367.2486.

Published on: January 26, 2026
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