Virginia Law

Every employer required to deduct and withhold from an employee's wages under this chapter shall file a return and pay over to the Commissioner on a calendar year basis (without regard to the taxable year of the employer or employee for income tax purposes) the amount required to be withheld hereunder as follows:

1. Quarterly filer—every employer whose monthly liability is less than $100 shall file a return and pay over withheld taxes, on or before April 30 for the first quarter, July 31 for the second quarter, October 31 for the third quarter, and January 31 for the fourth quarter.

2. Monthly filer—every employer whose average monthly liability can reasonably be expected to be $100 or more, shall file a return and pay over withheld taxes monthly, on or before the 20th day of the following month for each month which does not close a quarterly period and, for months that close a quarter (March, June, September and December), on or before the last day of the following month.

3. Quarter-monthly filer—every employer whose average monthly liability can reasonably be expected to be $1,000 or more, shall file a return and pay over withheld taxes as in the preceding paragraph 2. In addition, if on the 7th, 15th, 22nd or last day of any month the aggregate amount required to be withheld exceeds $500, the employer must file a form with the Commissioner within three banking days following the close of such quarter-monthly period and pay the amount so withheld. However, when a quarter-monthly payment is due within three days of the due date for the filing of the monthly returns, the payment must be made with such return. Any employer making payment under this paragraph 3 will be deemed to have met the requirements hereof if at least 90% of actual tax liability for such period is paid. When a quarter-monthly payment is due within three days of the due date for the filing of the quarterly returns, the payment may be made within up to three banking days after the due date for the quarterly returns.

Example: Employer X has a liability of $400 for the quarter-monthly period ending January 7. Because his liability does not exceed $500 no payment is required for that period. His liability for the quarter-monthly period ending January 15 is also $400. Because the accumulated liability for the two quarter-monthly periods ($800) exceeds $500, Employer X must pay $800 within three banking days of January 15.

4. Seasonal filer—employers who operate seasonal businesses may request permission to file returns only for those months in which Virginia income tax is withheld. The request must be in writing and, for employers who qualify, the returns must be filed on or before the 20th day of the following month which does not close a quarterly period and for months that close a quarter (March, June, September and December), on or before the last day of the following month.

The returns and forms filed under this section shall be in such form and contain such information as the Commissioner may prescribe.