Virginia Law

The treasurer of each county and city shall receive the state revenue payable into the treasury of his locality. Taxpayers shall make checks payable to "Treasurer (or title of other officer or employee who performs the duties of a treasurer) of (name of political subdivision)" or "(name of political subdivision)". The treasurer of each county and city shall, not later than August 1 of each year, make a list of the intangible personal property taxes which he is unable to collect. Such list shall conform to the facts as they existed on June 30 of the year, and shall be in the form, and accompanied by the oath, prescribed by the Department of Taxation.

Code 1950, §§ 58-958, 58-978, 58-979; 1956, c. 69; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 12; 1974, c. 80; 1977, c. 507; 1979, c. 240; 1984, c. 675; 2002, c. 139.

A copy of the list of delinquent intangible personal property shall be transmitted by the treasurer to the Department of Taxation. Upon the receipt and auditing of the list, the Department of Taxation shall certify to the Comptroller the necessary information to enable him to give such treasurer proper credit therefor on his books, and such treasurer shall not receive any of such taxes thereafter, but the same shall be paid directly into the state treasury.

The Department of Taxation shall have power to collect such intangible personal property taxes by any process authorized for the collection of state taxes.

Code 1950, § 58-988; 1950, p. 945; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 12; 1984, c. 675.

The Comptroller and the Department of Taxation shall keep delinquent state taxes on the books until the Tax Commissioner determines that they should be charged off, except that taxes and registration fees assessed by the State Corporation Commission shall be charged off upon advice from the Commission. The Tax Commissioner shall notify the Comptroller periodically of the taxes, penalties and interest so charged off in such detail and at such times as the Comptroller may require, and shall maintain records which indicate the reason for the charge-off for a period of three years.

Code 1950, § 58-996; 1975, c. 146; 1984, c. 675.

A. Where the assessment of any tax imposed by this subtitle has been made within the period of limitation properly applicable thereto, such tax may be collected by levy, by a proceeding in court, or by any other means available to the Tax Commissioner under the laws of the Commonwealth, but only if such collection effort is made or instituted within seven years from the date of the assessment of such tax. Except as otherwise provided in this section, effective for assessments made on and after July 1, 2016, all collection efforts shall cease after such seven-year period even if initiated during the seven-year period. Prior to the expiration of any period for collection, the period may be extended by a written agreement between the Tax Commissioner and the taxpayer, and subsequent written agreements may likewise extend the period previously agreed upon. The period of limitations provided in this subsection during which a tax may be collected shall not apply to executions, levy or other actions to enforce a lien created before the expiration of the period of limitations by the docketing of a judgment or the filing of a memorandum of lien pursuant to § 58.1-1805; nor shall the period of limitations apply to the provisions of §§ 8.01-251 and 8.01-458.

B. The running of the period of limitations on collection shall be suspended for (i) the period the assessment is the subject of a proceeding pursuant to § 58.1-1807, 58.1-1821, 58.1-1825, or 58.1-1828; (ii) the period the assets of the taxpayer are in the control or custody of any state or federal court, including the United States Bankruptcy Court; or (iii) the period that an installment agreement entered into by the taxpayer pursuant to § 58.1-1817 is in effect.

C. If the Department of Taxation has no contact with the delinquent taxpayer for a period of six years and no memorandum of lien has been appropriately filed in a jurisdiction in which such taxpayer owns real estate, interest and penalty shall no longer be added to the delinquent tax liability. The mailing of notices by the Department to the taxpayer's last known address shall constitute contact with the taxpayer.

D. For purposes of this section, the "last known address" of the taxpayer means the address shown on the most recent return filed by or on behalf of the taxpayer or the address provided in correspondence by or on behalf of the taxpayer indicating that it is a change of the taxpayer's address.

E. In any pending or future administrative or judicial proceeding in which the validity of a tax assessment is an issue, the participation of the Department of Taxation in any capacity shall be considered a collection effort for purposes of this section.

1990, c. 659; 2010, c. 30; 2012, c. 840; 2016, c. 634; 2023, c. 265; 2024, Sp. Sess. I, c. 2.

A. For purposes of this section, "willfully" means voluntarily, knowingly, and intentionally violating a legal duty.

Taxpayers failing to file tax returns due pursuant to Chapter 3 (§ 58.1-300 et seq.) shall be requested to prepare and file all such returns except in instances where there is an indication that the taxpayer willfully failed to file the required return or returns, or if there is any other indication of fraud. All delinquent returns submitted by a taxpayer, whether upon his own initiative or at the request of the Department, shall be enforced pursuant to the provisions of subsection C and shall be accepted. However, when an indication that the taxpayer willfully failed to file the required return or if any other indication of fraud exists, the Department may refuse to accept such delinquent return submission in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth and guidelines developed pursuant to this section.

B. Where it is determined that required returns have not been filed when due, the extent to which compliance for prior years will be enforced shall be determined by reference to factors ensuring compliance and proper administration of staffing and other Department resources. Factors to be considered shall include, but are not limited to, the taxpayer's prior history of noncompliance, existence of income from illegal sources, effects upon voluntary compliance, anticipated revenue, and collectability, in relation to the time and effort required to determine tax due. The Department shall also consider any special circumstances existing in the case of a particular taxpayer, class of taxpayer, or industry, or which may be peculiar to the class of tax involved.

C. Subject to the provisions of subsection A, application of the criteria in subsection B shall result in enforcement by the Department of delinquency procedures for not more than six years of the taxpayer's returns. Enforcement beyond such period shall not be undertaken without prior approval of the applicable manager designated by the Tax Commissioner. However, the approval of such manager shall not be required if the nonfiling taxpayer voluntarily files returns beyond the established enforcement period. Such approval shall reference the facts of the taxpayer's case and detail the reasons why enforcement for the longer period is recommended.

D. The Department shall develop guidelines for the enforcement procedures provided by this section. Such guidelines shall be exempt from the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 413.

A. The Department of Taxation may appoint a collector in any county or city, including the treasurer thereof, to collect delinquent state taxes that were assessed at least 90 days previously therein, or elsewhere in the Commonwealth, and may allow him a reasonable compensation, to be agreed on before the service is commenced. Where the appointed collector is a local government treasurer, any actions taken pursuant to this section shall be considered part of the official duties of such treasurer.

B. The Department of Taxation may appoint collectors or contract with collection agencies to collect delinquent state taxes that were assessed at least 90 days previously and allow reasonable compensation for such services, to be agreed on before the service is commenced. Delinquent claims for state taxes may be assigned to collectors or collection agencies so designated for the purpose of litigation in the Department of Taxation's name and at the Department of Taxation's expense.

C. Such collectors who are attorneys-at-law shall have authority to institute actions at law or suits in equity for the recovery of state taxes. For the purpose of this section, the term "state taxes" shall include any penalty and interest and shall also include the local sales and use tax imposed under the authority of §§ 58.1-605 and 58.1-606 and any penalty and interest applicable thereto. Each collector so appointed or collection agency so contracted with shall give bond to the Commonwealth for the faithful performance of the duties placed upon him by this section, in a penalty to be fixed by the Tax Commissioner, in whose office the bond shall be filed. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any local government treasurer so appointed may collect any delinquent state taxes pursuant to the provisions of Article 2 (§ 58.1-3910 et seq.) of Chapter 39 of this title. Any county or city treasurer turning over delinquent tax tickets to any such collector in pursuance of orders issued by the Department of Taxation shall receive credit on the Comptroller's books for the amount so turned over.

D. There is hereby established a special fund in the state treasury to be known as the Contract Collector Fund, hereinafter referred to as the Fund. All moneys collected by collectors and collection agencies appointed by or under contract with the Department of Taxation pursuant to this section shall be placed in the Fund. Compensation of such collectors and collection agencies shall be paid out of the Fund on warrant of the Comptroller. The Comptroller shall transfer to the appropriate general, nongeneral, or local fund all moneys in the Fund in excess of that required to be paid to persons under contract, as determined by the Department, no later than June 30 each year.

Code 1950, § 58-997; 1984, c. 675; 1985, c. 464; 1994, c. 932; 1996, cc. 362, 391; 2004, c. 546; 2007, c. 750.

The Tax Commissioner may apply in writing to any person indebted to or having in his hands estate of a taxpayer for payment of any taxes assessed under § 58.1-313 or § 58.1-631, or of any taxes more than thirty days delinquent, out of such debt or estate. Payment by such person of such taxes, penalties and interest, either in whole or in part, shall entitle him to a credit against such debt or estate. The taxes, penalties and interest shall constitute a lien on the debt or estate due the taxpayer from the time the application is received. For each application served, the person applied to shall be entitled to a fee of twenty dollars which shall constitute a charge or credit against the debt to or estate of the taxpayer.

The Tax Commissioner shall send a copy of the application to the taxpayer, with a notice informing him of the remedies provided in this chapter.

If the person applied to does not pay so much as ought to be recovered out of such debt or estate, the Tax Commissioner shall procure a summons directing such person to appear before the appropriate court, where the proper payment may be enforced. Any person so summoned shall have the same rights of removal and appeal as are applicable to disputes among individuals.

Code 1950, § 58-1010; 1960, c. 573; 1983, c. 481; 1984, c. 675.

A. If any taxes or fees, including penalties and interest, assessed by the Department of Taxation in pursuance of law against any person, are not paid within thirty days after the same become due, the Tax Commissioner may file a memorandum of lien in the circuit court clerk's office of the county or city in which the taxpayer's place of business is located, or in which the taxpayer resides. If the taxpayer has no place of business or residence within the Commonwealth, such memorandum may be filed in the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond. A copy of such memorandum may also be filed in the clerk's office of all counties and cities in which the taxpayer owns real estate. Such memorandum shall be recorded in the judgment docket book and shall have the effect of a judgment in favor of the Commonwealth, to be enforced as provided in Article 19 (§ 8.01-196 et seq.) of Chapter 3 of Title 8.01, except that a writ of fieri facias may issue at any time after the memorandum is filed. The lien on real estate shall become effective at the time the memorandum is filed in the jurisdiction in which the real estate is located. No memorandum of lien shall be filed unless the taxpayer is first given ten or more days' prior notice of intent to file a lien; however, in those instances where the Tax Commissioner determines that the collection of any tax, penalties or interest required to be paid pursuant to law will be jeopardized by the provision of such notice, notification may be provided to the taxpayer concurrent with the filing of the memorandum of lien. Such notice shall be given to the taxpayer at his last known address. For purposes of this section, "last known address" means the address shown on the most recent return filed by or on behalf of the taxpayer or the address provided in correspondence by or on behalf of the taxpayer indicating that it is a change of the taxpayer's address.

B. Recordation of a memorandum of lien hereunder shall not affect the right to a refund or exoneration under this chapter, nor shall an application for correction of an erroneous assessment affect the power of the Tax Commissioner to collect the tax, except as specifically provided in this title.

C. If after filing a memorandum of lien as required by subsection A, the Tax Commissioner determines that it is in the best interest of the Commonwealth, the Tax Commissioner may place padlocks on the doors of any business enterprise that is delinquent in either filing or paying any tax owed to the Commonwealth, or both. He shall also post notices of distraint on each of the doors so padlocked. If after three business days, the tax deficiency has not been satisfied or satisfactory arrangements for payment made, the Tax Commissioner may cause a writ of fieri facias to be issued.

It shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor for anyone to enter the padlocked premises without prior approval of the Tax Commissioner.

In the event that the taxpayer against whom the distraint has been applied subsequently makes application for correction of the assessment under § 58.1-1821, the taxpayer shall have the right to post bond equaling the amount of the tax liability in lieu of payment until the application is acted upon.

The provisions of subsection C shall be enforceable only after the promulgation, by the Tax Commissioner, of regulations under the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) setting forth the circumstances under which this subsection can be used.

D. A taxpayer may appeal to the Tax Commissioner after a memorandum of lien has been filed under this section if the taxpayer alleges an error in the filing of the lien. The Tax Commissioner shall make a determination of such an appeal within fourteen days. If the Tax Commissioner determines that the filing was erroneous, he shall issue a certificate of release of the lien within seven days after such determination is made.

Code 1950, §§ 58-41 to 58-43; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 155; 1984, c. 675; 1985, c. 221; 1989, cc. 629, 642; 1993, c. 384; 1996, c. 634.

The payment of any state taxes and the filing of returns may, in addition to the remedies provided in this chapter be enforced by action at law, suit in equity or by attachment in the same manner, to the same extent and with the same rights of appeal as now exist or may hereafter be provided by law for the enforcement of demands between individuals. The venue for any such proceeding under this section shall be as specified in subdivision 13 a of § 8.01-261. Such proceedings shall be instituted and conducted in the name of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Code 1950, §§ 58-44, 58-1014, 58-1016; 1954, c. 333; 1977, c. 624; 1981, c. 421; 1984, c. 675.

In any proceeding under § 58.1-1806 the court shall have the power to determine the proper taxes, and to enter an order requiring the taxpayer to file all returns and pay all taxes, penalties and interest with which upon a correct assessment he is chargeable for any year or years not barred by the statute of limitations at the time the proceedings were instituted. If any taxes of which collection is sought have been erroneously charged, the court may order exoneration thereof. Payment of any judgment or decree shall be enforced against the taxpayer in the same manner that it could be enforced in a proceeding between individuals.

Code 1950, §§ 58-44, 58-1017; 1984, c. 675.

When after the rendition of such a judgment or decree against a defendant it seems to the attorney having charge thereof that there may not be found within the Commonwealth sufficient property of the defendant out of which the same may be enforced, but that the same could be enforced in some other jurisdiction, he shall, with the concurrence of the Attorney General, institute in such foreign jurisdiction appropriate proceedings to enforce therein the payment of such judgment.

Code 1950, § 58-1018; 1984, c. 675.

Any court having jurisdiction over a creditor's bill, partition suit, condemnation suit, interpleader or other cause or action in which it is necessary to make the Commonwealth a party in order to determine the respective rights of two or more other adverse parties, shall have jurisdiction over the Commonwealth for the limited purposes of determining the validity of a tax lien of the Commonwealth, the amount of such lien, and the priority of such lien vis-a-vis other liens. Such court shall have no jurisdiction to determine the validity of the assessment secured by the lien. This section shall apply only if the pleadings clearly set forth the nature of the tax lien and service is properly made upon the Attorney General.

Code 1950, § 58-1010.1; 1972, c. 478; 1984, c. 675.

Reserved.

A. If the Tax Commissioner ascertains that any person has failed to make a proper return or to pay in full any proper tax, he shall assess the taxes prescribed by law, adding to the taxes so assessed the penalty prescribed by law, if any, for the failure to file a return (if a return was required by law but not filed within the time prescribed by law) and the penalty or penalties prescribed by law for the failure to pay the taxes and penalty or penalties within the time prescribed by law. If no penalty is so prescribed, he shall assess a penalty of five percent of the tax due, or if the failure to pay in full was fraudulent, a penalty of 100 percent of the tax due. In addition thereto, interest on the outstanding tax and penalty shall be charged at the rate established under § 58.1-15 for the period between the due date and the date of full payment.

Except as otherwise provided by law, the amount of tax shall be assessed within three years after the return was filed, whether such return was filed on or after the date prescribed, and no proceeding in court without assessment shall be begun for the collection of such tax after the expiration of such period. A return of tax filed before the last day prescribed by law for the timely filing thereof shall be considered as filed on the last day. A return of recordation tax shall be considered as having been filed on the date of recordation. If no return is filed, the tax may be assessed within six years of the date such return was due. If a false or fraudulent return is filed with intent to evade the payment of tax, an assessment may be made at any time.

Upon such assessment, the Department of Taxation shall send a bill therefor to the taxpayer and the taxes, penalties, and interest shall be remitted to the Department of Taxation within 30 days from the date of such bill. Effective January 1, 2023, such bill and notice of assessment shall identify the date the initial return or payment was received by the Department, any payment amounts received, and an explanation of the taxes, penalties, and interest related to such assessment on such taxpayer. If such taxes, penalties, and interest are not paid within such 30 days, interest at the rate provided herein shall accrue thereon from the date of such assessment until payment.

B. The Department of Taxation shall not assess penalty or interest on any assessment of tax for the recovery of an erroneous refund, provided that the tax is paid to the Department within 30 days from the date of the bill. If the tax is not remitted to the Department within 30 days from the date of such bill, interest at the rate provided herein shall accrue thereon from the date of such assessment until payment.

As used in this section, "erroneous refund" means any refund of tax resulting solely from an error by the Department of Taxation that results in the taxpayer receiving a refund to which the taxpayer is not entitled.

C. Upon the application of a taxpayer, if the Department determines that a taxpayer has erroneously remitted retail sales tax payments to the Department with respect to a transaction under § 58.1-610 and for which the Department has made a use tax assessment, and such taxpayer has not so requested, the Department shall apply the erroneously remitted retail sales tax proceeds to a use tax assessment of the taxpayer for the same transactions. To be eligible, the taxpayer shall provide evidence of the erroneously paid retail sales tax amount collected and remitted in each transaction. However, in no case shall any taxpayer apply for and receive the relief described in this subsection if he has previously applied for and received the relief described in this subsection, or in the case of a false or fraudulent action by the taxpayer with the intention of evading the tax.

Code 1950, §§ 58-1160, 58-1161, 58-1162; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 13; 1972, c. 721; 1973, c. 446; 1976, c. 456; 1977, c. 396; 1980, c. 663; 1984, c. 675; 1986, c. 39; 2022, c. 202; 2024, cc. 113, 128.

A. Any corporate, partnership or limited liability officer who willfully fails to pay, collect or truthfully account for and pay over any tax administered by the Department of Taxation, or willfully attempts in any manner to evade or defeat any such tax or the payment thereof, shall, in addition to other penalties provided by law, be liable to a penalty of the amount of the tax evaded, or not paid, collected or accounted for and paid over, to be assessed and collected in the same manner as such taxes are assessed and collected.

B. The term "corporate, partnership or limited liability officer" as used in this section means an officer or employee of a corporation, or a member, manager or employee of a partnership or limited liability company, who as such officer, employee, member or manager is under a duty to perform on behalf of the corporation, partnership or limited liability company the act in respect of which the violation occurs and who (1) had knowledge of the failure or attempt as set forth herein and (2) had authority to prevent such failure or attempt.

Code 1950, § 58-44.1; 1972, c. 363; 1984, c. 675; 1994, c. 800; 1998, c. 432.

A. Any corporate or partnership officer, as defined in § 58.1-1813, and any other person required by law or regulations made under authority thereof to make a return, keep any records or supply any information, for the purpose of the computation, assessment or collection of any state tax administered by the Department of Taxation, who willfully fails to make such returns, keep such records or supply such information, at the time or times required by law or regulations, shall, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

B. Any person who willfully utilizes a device or software to falsify the electronic records of cash registers or other point-of-sale systems or otherwise manipulates transaction records that affect any state tax liability shall, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

C. In addition to the criminal penalty provided in subsection B and any other civil or criminal penalty provided in this title, any person violating subsection B shall pay a civil penalty of $20,000, to be assessed and collected by the Department as other taxes are collected and deposited into the general fund.

Code 1950, § 58-44.1; 1972, c. 363; 1984, c. 675; 2014, cc. 723, 785.

Any corporate or partnership officer as defined in § 58.1-1813, or any other person required to collect, account for and pay over any sales, use or withholding tax, who willfully fails to collect or truthfully account for and pay over such tax, and any such officer or person who willfully evades or attempts to evade any such tax or the payment thereof, shall, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 58-44.1; 1972, c. 363; 1984, c. 675.

Any corporate or partnership officer as defined in § 58.1-1813, or any other person owning and operating a business, or a fiduciary operating or liquidating a business, who through two or more acts or omissions within a period of ninety days willfully fails to truthfully account for any state sales use or withholding tax totaling $1,000 or more collected from others with the intent not to pay over, shall, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, be guilty of a Class 6 felony. A prosecution under this section shall be commenced within five years next after the commission of the offense.

1992, c. 763.

A. 1. The Tax Commissioner is required to offer to enter into a written agreement with any taxpayer filing a return for taxes imposed under Article 2 (§ 58.1-320 et seq.) of Chapter 3 under which such taxpayer is allowed to satisfy his tax liability in installment payments over a payment period of up to five years on petition by the taxpayer, if the Tax Commissioner determines such an agreement will facilitate collection.

2. Except as identified in subdivision 1, the Tax Commissioner is authorized to enter into a written agreement with any taxpayer under which such taxpayer is allowed to satisfy his tax liability in installment payments, if the Tax Commissioner determines such an agreement will facilitate collection.

B. Except as otherwise provided in this section, any agreement entered into by the Tax Commissioner under subsection A shall remain in effect for the term of the agreement.

The Tax Commissioner may terminate any installment agreement if:

1. Information that the taxpayer provided prior to the date such agreement was entered into was inaccurate or incomplete; or

2. The Tax Commissioner determines that the collection of any tax to which an agreement relates is in jeopardy.

C. The Tax Commissioner may alter, modify, or terminate an installment agreement in the case of the failure of the taxpayer:

1. To pay any installment at the time it is due;

2. To pay any other tax liability at the time it is due; or

3. To file with the Department any required tax or information return during the time period such agreement is in effect.

D. The Tax Commissioner may alter, modify, or terminate an installment agreement under other exceptional circumstances as he deems appropriate.

1996, c. 634; 2023, c. 643.

As used in this section, "small business" means an independently owned and operated business that has been organized pursuant to Virginia law or maintains a principal place of business in Virginia and has 10 or fewer employees.

Any penalties related to taxes administered by the Department shall be waived for a small business during its first two years of operation, provided that such small business enters into an agreement pursuant to § 58.1-1817. However, the Department shall not be required to waive the penalty imposed by § 58.1-1816 or any civil penalties for the failure to remit state sales or withholding taxes.

2017, c. 718.

A taxpayer problem resolution program shall be available to taxpayers to facilitate the prompt review and resolution of taxpayer complaints and problems which have not been addressed or remedied through normal administrative proceedings or operational procedures and to assure that taxpayer rights are safeguarded and protected during the tax determination and collection processes.

The Tax Commissioner shall designate a taxpayers' rights advocate and adequate staff to administer the taxpayer problem resolution program.

The taxpayers' rights advocate may issue a taxpayer assistance order that suspends or stays actions or proposed actions by the Department when a taxpayer suffers or is about to suffer a significant hardship as a result of a tax determination, collection, or enforcement process. When determined to be necessary by the taxpayers' rights advocate, he may require a formal written request to be submitted by the taxpayer.

Relief or remedy may be granted by a taxpayer assistance order only as an extraordinary measure. The process shall not be used to contest the merits of a tax liability, or as a substitute for informal protest procedures, or normal administrative or judicial proceedings for the review of a tax assessment or collection action, or denial of refund.

The running of the period of limitations on an assessment shall be tolled from the date of a taxpayer's request for a taxpayer assistance order until either the date the request is denied or the date specified in the taxpayer assistance order, whichever is applicable.

1996, c. 634.

Reserved.

The following words, terms and phrases when used in this article shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section.

1. "Person assessed with any tax," with standing to contest such assessment, shall include the person in whose name such assessment is made, a consumer of goods who, pursuant to law or contract, has paid any sales or use tax assessed against a dealer, a consumer of real estate construction who has by contract specifically agreed to pay the taxes assessed on the contractor, and any dealer who agrees to pass on to his customers the amount of any refund (net after expenses of the refund proceeding) to the extent such tax has been passed on to such customers.

2. "Assessment," as used in this subtitle, shall include an assessment made pursuant to notice by the Department of Taxation and self-assessments made by a taxpayer upon the filing of a return or otherwise not pursuant to notice. Assessments made by the Department of Taxation shall be deemed to be made when a written notice of assessment is delivered to the taxpayer by an employee of the Department of Taxation, or mailed to the taxpayer at his last known address. Upon approval of the use of the specific medium by the taxpayer, an assessment shall also be deemed to be made when a notice of assessment is transmitted by the Department of Taxation to the taxpayer by either facsimile transmission or electronic mail to a facsimile machine or electronic mail address, respectively, as designated by the taxpayer in writing. Self-assessments shall be deemed made when the tax is paid or, in the case of taxes requiring an annual or monthly return, when the return is filed. A return filed or tax paid before the last day prescribed by law or by regulations pursuant to law for the filing or payment thereof, shall be deemed to be filed or paid on such last day.

3. "Person aggrieved by an action with respect to a transferred credit or other tax attribute" with standing to contest such action shall include the person who earned a credit or other tax attribute transferable under law and who has transferred such credit or other tax attribute and any subsequent transferor and transferee of such credit or other tax attribute who is affected directly or indirectly by an assessment based upon an adjustment to such credit or other tax attribute or by a formal notice of the Department's intent to adjust such credit or other tax attribute.

Code 1950, § 58-1117.20; 1980, c. 633; 1984, c. 675; 2000, cc. 369, 402; 2008, c. 549.

Any person assessed with any tax administered by the Department of Taxation may, within ninety days from the date of such assessment, apply for relief to the Tax Commissioner. Such application shall be in the form prescribed by the Department, and shall fully set forth the grounds upon which the taxpayer relies and all facts relevant to the taxpayer's contention. The Tax Commissioner may also require such additional information, testimony or documentary evidence as he deems necessary to a fair determination of the application. Any person aggrieved by an action by the Department with respect to a transferred credit or other tax attribute may apply for relief under this section or request to join an application already filed by another person assessed with tax or aggrieved by an action with respect to the same credit or other tax attribute. Any person aggrieved by an action by the Department with respect to debarment pursuant to § 58.1-1902 may apply for relief under this section. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 58.1-3, the Tax Commissioner shall have the discretion to permit the joinder of a party or consolidate proceedings on applications filed by different taxpayers if the interest of the party or the applications involve adjustments to credits or other tax attributes arising from the same transaction or occurrence, provided that no interests are prejudiced and the joinder or consolidation advances administrative economy.

On receipt of a notice of intent to file under this section, the Tax Commissioner shall refrain from collecting the tax until the time for filing hereunder has expired, unless he determines that collection is in jeopardy.

Any person whose tax assessment has been improperly collected by the Department may apply hereunder to assert a claim that any amount so collected was exempt from process.

The initial assessment of any tax administered by the Department of Taxation shall include a notice to the taxpayer that specifies all of the taxpayer's rights under this section, including but not limited to the right to have the Tax Commissioner refrain from collecting the tax upon the Commissioner's receipt from the taxpayer of a notice of intent to file for relief under this section.

Code 1950, § 58-1118; 1950, p. 597; 1956, c. 502; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 13; 1972, c. 721; 1973, c. 446; 1980, c. 633; 1984, c. 675; 2007, c. 750; 2008, c. 549; 2020, cc. 681, 682.

If the Tax Commissioner is satisfied, by evidence submitted to him or otherwise, that an applicant is erroneously or improperly assessed with any tax administered by the Department of Taxation, or that an action with respect to a transferred credit or other tax attribute is erroneous, the Tax Commissioner may order that such assessment or action be corrected. If the assessment exceeds the proper amount, the Tax Commissioner shall order that the applicant be exonerated from the payment of so much as is erroneously or improperly charged, if not already paid into the state treasury, and, if paid, that it be refunded to him. If the assessment is less than the proper amount, the Tax Commissioner shall order that the applicant pay the proper taxes. He shall refund to the taxpayer any exempt funds which have been improperly collected. The Tax Commissioner shall refrain from collecting a contested assessment until he has made a final determination under this section unless he determines that collection is in jeopardy. In any action on an application for correction, the Tax Commissioner shall state in writing the facts and law supporting the action on such application.

For all outstanding liabilities upon which an application for correction has been filed, interest shall accrue on the outstanding liability at the rate prescribed by § 58.1-15 until nine months from the date of assessment. From nine months after the date of the related assessment until the Tax Commissioner issues a determination under this section, interest shall accrue at the "Federal short-term rate" established pursuant to § 6621(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. If the Tax Commissioner determines that any portion of the assessment is correct after considering the application for correction, accrual of interest at the rate prescribed in § 58.1-15 shall resume 30 days after the date of the Tax Commissioner's action on the application for correction. If the Tax Commissioner issues a determination within nine months from the date of assessment, interest shall accrue on the outstanding liability solely at the rate prescribed by § 58.1-15.

Code 1950, § 58-1119; 1972, c. 721; 1980, c. 633; 1984, c. 675; 1997, c. 428; 2008, c. 549; 2011, c. 295.

Any person filing a tax return or paying an assessment required for any tax administered by the Department may file an amended return with the Department within the later of (i) three years from the last day prescribed by law for the timely filing of the return; (ii) one year from the final determination date, as defined in § 58.1-311.2, for any change or correction in the liability of the taxpayer for any federal tax upon which the state tax is based, provided that the refund does not exceed the amount of the decrease in Virginia tax attributable to such federal change or correction; (iii) two years from the filing of an amended Virginia return resulting in the payment of additional tax, provided that the amended return raises issues relating solely to such prior amended return and that the refund does not exceed the amount of the payment with such prior amended return; (iv) two years from the payment of an assessment, provided that the amended return raises issues relating solely to such assessment and that the refund does not exceed the amount of such payment; or (v) one year from the final determination of any change or correction in the income tax of the taxpayer for any other state, provided that the refund does not exceed the amount of the decrease in Virginia tax attributable to such change or correction. If the Department is satisfied, by evidence submitted to it or otherwise, that the tax assessed and paid upon the original return exceeds the proper amount, the Department may reassess the taxpayer and order that any amount excessively paid be refunded to him. The Department may reduce such refund by the amount of any taxes, penalties and interest which are due for the period covered by the amended return, or any past-due taxes, penalties and interest which have been assessed within the appropriate period of limitations. Any order of the Department denying such reassessment and refund, or the failure of the Department to act thereon within three months shall, as to matters first raised by the amended return, be deemed an assessment for the purpose of enabling the taxpayer to pursue the remedies allowed under this chapter.

Code 1950, § 58-1118.1; 1972, c. 721; 1973, c. 446; 1979, c. 690; 1980, c. 633; 1984, c. 675; 1989, Sp. Sess., cc. 1, 2, 6; 1992, c. 678; 1994, c. 488; 1994, 1st Sp. Sess., cc. 2, 5; 1996, cc. 637, 654; 1998, cc. 358, 374; 2006, c. 234; 2010, c. 228; 2017, c. 444; 2020, c. 1030.

Any person who has paid an assessment of taxes administered by the Department of Taxation may preserve his judicial remedies by filing a claim for refund with the Tax Commissioner on forms prescribed by the Department within three years of the date such tax was assessed. Such taxpayer may, at any time before the end of one year after the date of the Tax Commissioner's decision on such claim, seek redress from the circuit court under § 58.1-1825. The Tax Commissioner may decide such claim on the merits in the manner provided in § 58.1-1822 for appeals under § 58.1-1821, or may, in his discretion, hold such claim without decision pending the conclusion of litigation affecting such claim. The fact that such claim is pending shall not be a bar to any other action under this chapter.

Code 1950, § 58-1119.1; 1980, c. 633; 1984, c. 675.

A. Any person assessed with any tax administered by the Department of Taxation and aggrieved by any such assessment, or aggrieved by an action by the Department with respect to a transferred credit or other tax attribute, or aggrieved by an action by the Department with respect to debarment pursuant to § 58.1-1902, may, unless otherwise specifically provided by law, within (i) three years from the date such assessment is made or (ii) one year from the date of the Tax Commissioner's determination under § 58.1-1822, whichever is later, apply to a circuit court for relief. The venue for such proceeding shall be as specified in subdivision 13 b of § 8.01-261. The application shall be before the court when it is filed in the clerk's office.

B. Except as provided in subsection C, the court shall require the applicant to pay the assessment before proceeding with its application upon granting a motion by the Tax Commissioner seeking to compel such payment and showing to the satisfaction of the court that the Department is likely to prevail on the merits of the case, that the application is (i) not well grounded in fact; (ii) not warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law; (iii) interposed for an improper purpose, such as to harass, to cause unnecessary delay in the collection of the revenue, or to create needless cost to the Commonwealth from the litigation; or (iv) otherwise frivolous.

C. In lieu of the payment required in subsection B, the taxpayer may, within 60 days of the court's ruling, (i) post a bond pursuant to the provisions of § 16.1-107, with a corporate surety licensed to do business in Virginia, or (ii) file an irrevocable letter of credit satisfactory to the Tax Commissioner as to the bank or savings institution, the form and substance, and payable to the Commonwealth in the face amount of the contested assessment increased by twice the interest rate for underpayments published by the Department and in effect at the time the application is filed. The letter of credit shall be from a bank incorporated or authorized to conduct banking business under the laws of this Commonwealth or authorized to do business in this Commonwealth under the banking laws of the United States, or a federally insured savings institution located in this Commonwealth. Such bond or irrevocable letter of credit shall be conditioned upon payment by the applicant of the amount of the taxes, penalty and interest ordered by the court pursuant to § 58.1-1826, if any.

D. Any person whose assessment has been improperly collected from property exempt from process may within three years from the date such assessment is made, or if later, within one year of the Tax Commissioner's decision on a process exemption claim under § 58.1-1821 apply to a circuit court for relief. The venue for such proceeding shall be as specified in subdivision 13 b of § 8.01-261.

The Department shall be named as defendant, and the proceedings shall be conducted as an action at law before the court sitting without a jury. It shall be the burden of the applicant in any such proceeding to show that the assessment or collection or action on a transferred credit or other tax attribute complained of is erroneous or otherwise improper. The court's order shall be entered pursuant to § 58.1-1826.

E. Nothing in this section shall prevent the Tax Commissioner from collecting the assessment if he determines that collection is in jeopardy.

Code 1950, § 58-1130; 1950, p. 598; 1973, c. 280; 1976, c. 311; 1977, c. 624; 1980, c. 633; 1984, c. 675; 1985, c. 221; 1991, c. 714; 1998, c. 529; 2003, c. 908; 2008, c. 549; 2020, cc. 681, 682.

If the court is satisfied that the applicant is erroneously or improperly assessed with any taxes, or that an action with respect to a transferred credit or other tax attribute is erroneous, and that the erroneous assessment or action was not caused by the willful failure or refusal of the applicant to furnish the Department with the necessary information, as required by law, the court may order that the assessment or action be corrected. If the assessment exceeds the proper amount, the court may order that the applicant be exonerated from the payment of so much as is erroneously or improperly charged, if not already paid and, if paid, that it be refunded to him. If the assessment is less than the proper amount, the court shall order that the applicant pay the proper taxes and to this end the court shall be clothed with all the powers and duties of the authority which made the assessment complained of as of the time when such assessment was made and all the powers and duties conferred by law upon such authority between the time such assessment was made and the time such application is heard. The court may order that any amount which has been improperly collected be refunded to such applicant. A copy of any order made under this section or § 58.1-1827 correcting an erroneous or improper assessment shall be certified by the clerk of the court to the Tax Commissioner.

Code 1950, § 58-1134; 1972, c. 721; 1980, c. 633; 1984, c. 675; 1985, c. 221; 2006, c. 342; 2008, c. 549.

Irrespective of the foregoing provisions, when it is shown to the satisfaction of the court that there has been a double assessment in any case, one of which assessments is proper and the other erroneous, and that a proper single tax has been paid thereon, the court may order that such erroneous assessment be corrected, whether the erroneous tax has been paid or not and even though the application was not made within the period of limitation, as hereinbefore required.

Code 1950, § 58-1132; 1950, p. 598; 1972, c. 721; 1984, c. 675.

The Tax Commissioner or the taxpayer may take an appeal from any final order of the court to the Court of Appeals.

Code 1950, § 58-1138; 1972, c. 721; 1984, c. 675; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 489.

If the final order of the court in any proceeding under §§ 58.1-1825 through 58.1-1828 grants the relief prayed for, no costs shall be taxed against the applicant; but in no event shall any costs be taxed against the Commonwealth in any proceeding under such sections.

Code 1950, §§ 58-1139, 58-1157; 1984, c. 675.

An order of exoneration under §§ 58.1-1826, 58.1-1827 or § 58.1-1828, when delivered to the Tax Commissioner, shall restrain him from collecting so much as is thus erroneously charged. If what was so erroneously charged has been paid, the order of the court under §§ 58.1-1826, 58.1-1827 or § 58.1-1828, when presented to the appropriate state or local official, shall serve as the only direction necessary to obtain refund of the amount so ordered.

Code 1950, § 58-1136; 1980, c. 633; 1984, c. 675.

No suit for the purpose of restraining the assessment or collection of any tax, state or local, shall be maintained in any court of this Commonwealth, except when the party has no adequate remedy at law.

Code 1950, § 58-1158; 1984, c. 675.

This chapter shall be construed to include taxes, levies, penalties and interest, or all of them.

Code 1950, § 58-1159; 1984, c. 675.

A. Interest shall be allowed and paid upon the overpayment of any tax administered by the Department, the refund of which is permitted or required under the provisions of this article, or on moneys improperly collected from the taxpayer and refunded pursuant to § 58.1-1822, at a rate equal to the rate of interest established pursuant to § 58.1-15. Such interest shall accrue from a date sixty days after payment of the tax, or sixty days after the last day prescribed by law for such payment, whichever is later, and shall end on a date determined by the Department preceding the date of the refund check by not more than thirty days. Notwithstanding the above, any tax refunded pursuant to a court order or otherwise as a result of an erroneous assessment shall bear interest from the date the assessment was paid. No interest will be paid on sales taxes refunded to a dealer unless the dealer agrees to pass such interest on to the purchaser.

B. 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, if an individual overpays his individual income tax, the overpayment was for individual income taxes for the immediately preceding taxable year, and the overpayment has not been refunded, then interest shall accrue on the amount of the overpayment, beginning:

(i) thirty days after payment of such tax if the individual filed his individual income tax return via electronic means; or

(ii) sixty days after payment of such tax if the individual filed his individual income tax return using a method other than electronic means.

In no case shall interest be paid for the overpayment of the same tax pursuant to this subsection and subsection A.

2. For the purposes of this subsection, interest shall accrue at a rate equal to the rate of interest established pursuant to § 58.1-15. Such interest shall end on a date determined by the Department preceding the date of the refund check by not more than seven days.

C. For purposes of this section:

1. Any individual income tax deducted and withheld at the source and paid to the Department, and any amount paid as estimated tax, shall be deemed to have been paid on the day on which the return for such year's income was filed;

2. Any corporate or estate and trust income tax deducted and withheld at the source and paid to the Department, and any amount paid as estimated tax, shall be deemed to have been paid on the day on which the return for such year's income was filed, or the last day prescribed by law for filing such return, whichever is later; and

3. Any overpayment of tax resulting from the carry-back of a net operating loss or net capital loss shall be deemed to have been made on the day on which the return for the year in which the loss occurred was filed, or the last day prescribed by law for such filing, whichever is later.

D. The Tax Commissioner and the State Comptroller shall implement procedures to allow an individual requesting a refund of the overpayment of individual income tax when filing his individual income tax return to elect on such return to have the refund paid by check mailed to the address provided on his return. The ability of the individual to elect such refund check shall be in addition to other methods utilized by the State Comptroller for the payment of such refund, including but not limited to direct deposits or other electronic means.

Code 1950, § 58-1140.1; 1973, c. 446; 1974, c. 425; 1976, c. 456; 1980, c. 663; 1984, c. 675; 2002, cc. 184, 462; 2015, cc. 76, 229.

A. At or before an initial meeting relating to the determination of a tax, the Department shall provide the taxpayer a written explanation of the audit process and the taxpayer's rights in the process. At or before an initial meeting relating to the collection of a tax, the Department shall provide the taxpayer a written explanation of the collection process and the taxpayer's rights in the process.

B. A taxpayer may authorize a person, through a power of attorney filed with the Department, to represent the taxpayer at his cost. Once a taxpayer files a power of attorney with the Department in accordance with procedures developed by the Department and while the power of attorney is in effect, at the same time that the Department mails, issues, or otherwise provides to the taxpayer any written correspondence, documentation, or other written materials that relate to the tax matter for which the power of attorney has been filed, the Department shall provide a copy of the same to the person named as power of attorney. The copy shall be furnished to the person named as power of attorney under the same delivery method used for providing the written correspondence, documentation, or other written materials to the taxpayer.

The Department may not require a taxpayer to accompany the taxpayer's representative to the meeting unless the Tax Commissioner has summoned the taxpayer pursuant to § 58.1-216.

C. The Department shall suspend a meeting relating to the determination of a tax if, at any time during the meeting, the taxpayer expresses the desire to consult with an attorney, accountant, or other person who, through a power of attorney, may represent the taxpayer before the Department. However, after one such suspension has been granted and upon a finding that a taxpayer's request for suspension is frivolous or groundless, the Department may terminate the meeting and issue an assessment, if appropriate.

D. The Department shall allow a taxpayer to make an audio recording of a meeting relating to the determination of a tax at the taxpayer's expense and using the taxpayer's equipment. The Department may make an audio recording of such meetings at its own expense and using its own equipment. The Department shall, upon request of the taxpayer, provide the taxpayer a transcript of a meeting recorded by the Department. The Department may charge the taxpayer for the cost of the requested transcription and reproduction of the transcript. Receipts from the charges for the transcripts shall be credited to the Department for reimbursement of transcription expenses.

1996, c. 634; 2009, c. 503.

The Tax Commissioner shall abate any portion of any tax, interest, and penalty attributable to erroneous advice furnished to the taxpayer in writing by an employee of the Department acting in his official capacity if:

1. The written advice was reasonably relied upon by the taxpayer and was in response to a specific written request by the taxpayer;

2. The portion of the penalty or tax did not result from a failure by the taxpayer to provide adequate or accurate information; and

3. The facts of the case described in the written advice and the request therefor are the same, and the taxpayer's business or personal operations have not changed since the advice was rendered.

1996, c. 634.

Reserved.

Repealed by Acts 1997, c. 63.

Repealed by Acts 2016, c. 305, cl. 2.

A. There is hereby established the Virginia Tax Amnesty Program (the Program).

B. The Virginia Tax Amnesty Program shall be administered by the Department. Any taxpayer required to file a return or to pay any tax administered or collected by the Department shall be eligible to participate in the Program, subject to the requirements in this section and guidelines established by the Tax Commissioner. The Tax Commissioner may require participants in the Program to complete an amnesty application and such other forms as he may prescribe and to furnish any additional information he deems necessary to make a determination regarding the validity of such amnesty application.

C. The Tax Commissioner shall establish guidelines and rules for the procedures for participation and any other rules that are deemed necessary by the Tax Commissioner. The guidelines and rules issued by the Tax Commissioner regarding the Program shall be exempt from the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).

D. The Program shall have the following features:

1. The Program shall be conducted during the period July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2018, and shall not last less than 60 nor more than 75 days. The exact dates of the Program shall be established by the Tax Commissioner.

2. All civil or criminal penalties assessed or assessable, as provided in this title, including the addition to tax under §§ 58.1-492 and 58.1-504, and one-half of the interest assessed or assessable, as provided in this title, which are the result of nonpayment, underpayment, nonreporting, or underreporting of tax liabilities, shall be waived upon receipt of the payment of the amount of taxes and interest owed, with the following exceptions:

a. No taxpayer currently under investigation or prosecution for filing a fraudulent return or failing to file a return with the intent to evade tax shall be eligible to participate in the Program.

b. No taxpayer shall be eligible to participate in the Program with respect to any assessment outstanding for which the date of assessment is less than 90 days prior to the first day of the Program or with respect to any liability arising from the failure to file a return for which the due date of the return is less than 90 days prior to the first day of the Program.

c. No taxpayer shall be eligible to participate in the Program with respect to any tax liability from the income taxes imposed by §§ 58.1-320, 58.1-360, and 58.1-400, if the tax liability is attributable to taxable years beginning on and after January 1, 2016.

E. For the purpose of computing the outstanding balance due because of the nonpayment, underpayment, nonreporting, or underreporting of any tax liability that has not been assessed prior to the first day of the Program, the rate of interest specified for omitted taxes and assessments under § 58.1-15 shall not be applicable. Instead, the Tax Commissioner shall establish one interest rate to be used for each taxable year that approximates the average "underpayment rate" specified under § 58.1-15 for the five-year period immediately preceding the Program.

F. 1. If any taxpayer eligible for amnesty under this section and under the rules and guidelines established by the Tax Commissioner retains any outstanding balance after the close of the Program because of the nonpayment, underpayment, nonreporting, or underreporting of any tax liability eligible for relief under the Program, then such balance shall be subject to a 20 percent penalty on the unpaid tax. This penalty is in addition to all other penalties that may apply to the taxpayer.

2. Any taxpayer who defaults upon any agreement to pay tax and interest arising out of a grant of amnesty is subject to reinstatement of the penalty and interest forgiven and the imposition of the penalty under this section as though the taxpayer retained the original outstanding balance at the close of the Program.

G. For the purpose of implementing the Program, the Department is exempt from subsection B of § 2.2-2016.1 and §§ 2.2-2018.1, 2.2-2020, and 2.2-2021 pertaining to the Virginia Information Technologies Agency's project management and procurement oversight.

2017, cc. 53, 433.

There is created the Virginia Taxpayer Bill of Rights to guarantee that (i) the rights, privacy, and property of Virginia taxpayers are adequately safeguarded and protected during tax assessment, collection, and enforcement processes administered under the revenue laws of the Commonwealth and (ii) the taxpayer is treated with dignity and respect. The Taxpayer Bill of Rights compiles, in one document, brief but comprehensive statements which explain, in simple, nontechnical terms, the rights and obligations of the Department and taxpayers. The rights afforded taxpayers to assure that their privacy and property are safeguarded and protected during tax assessment and collections are available only insofar as they are implemented in other sections of the Code of Virginia or rules of the Department. The rights so guaranteed Virginia taxpayers in the Code of Virginia and the Department's rules and regulations are:

1. The right to available information and prompt, courteous, accurate responses to questions and requests for tax assistance.

2. The right to request assistance from a taxpayers' rights advocate of the Department, in accordance with § 58.1-1818, who shall be responsible for facilitating the resolution of taxpayer complaints and problems not resolved through the normal administrative channels within the Department.

3. The right to be represented or advised by counsel or other qualified representatives at any time in administrative interactions with the Department; the right to procedural safeguards with respect to recording of meetings during tax determination or collection processes conducted by the Department in accordance with § 58.1-1834; and the right to have audits, inspections of records, and meetings conducted at a reasonable time and place except in criminal and internal investigations, in accordance with § 58.1-307.

4. The right to abatement of tax, interest, and penalties, in accordance with § 58.1-1835, attributable to any taxes administered by the Department, when the taxpayer reasonably relies upon binding written advice furnished to the taxpayer by the Department through authorized representatives in response to the taxpayer's specific written request which provided adequate and accurate information.

5. The right to obtain simple, nontechnical statements which explain the procedures, remedies, and rights available during audit, appeals, and collection proceedings, including, but not limited to, the rights pursuant to this Taxpayer Bill of Rights and the right to be provided with an explanation for denials of refunds as well as the basis of the audit, assessments, and denials of refunds which identify any amount of tax, interest, or penalty due and which explain the consequences of the taxpayer's failure to comply with the notice, in accordance with § 58.1-1805.

6. The right to be informed of impending collection actions which require sale or seizure of property or freezing of assets, except jeopardy assessments, and the right to at least fourteen days' notice in which to pay the liability or seek further review.

7. After a jeopardy assessment, the right to have an immediate review of the jeopardy assessment, in accordance with § 58.1-313.

8. The right to seek review, through formal or informal proceedings, of any adverse decisions relating to determinations in the audit or collections processes.

9. The right to have the taxpayer's tax information kept confidential unless otherwise specified by law, in accordance with § 58.1-3.

10. The right to procedures for retirement of tax obligations by installment payment agreements, in accordance with § 58.1-1817, which recognize both the taxpayer's financial condition and the best interests of the Commonwealth, provided that the taxpayer gives accurate, current information and meets all other tax obligations on schedule.

11. The right to procedures, in accordance with § 58.1-1805, for requesting release of liens filed by the Department and for requesting that any lien which is filed in error be so noted on the lien cancellation filed by the Department and in a notice to any credit agency at the taxpayer's request, provided such request is made within three years of the release of the lien by the Department.

12. The right to procedures which assure that the individual employees of the Department are not paid, evaluated, or promoted on the basis of the amount of assessments or collections from taxpayers, in accordance with subdivision 13 of § 58.1-202.

13. The right to have the Department begin and complete its audits in a timely and expeditious manner after notification of intent to audit.

1996, c. 634.