How to Pay Virginia State Taxes Online and by Mail
Virginia's main payment methods and where to send money
The Virginia Department of Taxation accepts state income tax payments through three main routes: online through their website, by mail with a check, or through your bank's bill-pay system. The fastest and most direct method is paying online at the Virginia Department of Taxation website, where you can pay immediately using a debit or credit card, or an electronic bank transfer. If you prefer mail, you send your check to the address listed on your tax return or the department's website — processing takes 7 to 10 business days after arrival.
Each method has a different timeline and cost. Online payments through the state website process the same day you submit them, though credit card payments charge a convenience fee (the fee amount varies by processor). Bank transfers through the state website typically have no fee. Mailed checks are free but slower, and your payment date is the postmark date, not the arrival date — so mail early if you're close to a deadline.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at the Virginia Department of Taxation website for same-day processing, or mail a check to the address on your return for free payment without a fee.
- Credit card payments online charge a convenience fee set by the payment processor; bank transfer payments through the state website typically have no fee.
- The postmark date on a mailed check counts as your payment date, so mail at least one week before any deadline to avoid late penalties.
- If you owe back taxes or have an installment agreement with Virginia, contact the department directly to confirm the correct payment address for your situation.
- Late payments trigger a failure-to-pay penalty of 0.5% per month on the unpaid balance, plus interest that compounds daily.
Paying online through the Virginia Department of Taxation website
The state's official payment portal is the fastest route. Go to the Virginia Department of Taxation website, locate the payment section, and follow the prompts to enter your Social Security number or federal employer identification number, tax year, and the amount you owe. You will then choose your payment method: credit card, debit card, or electronic bank transfer (ACH).
Credit and debit card payments process immediately but include a convenience fee charged by the payment processor — this fee is separate from your tax bill and is not deductible. Bank transfer payments (ACH) also process the same day and typically carry no fee, though the transfer itself takes one to two business days to clear your account. The state sends you a confirmation number immediately after payment; save this for your records.
Mailing a check to the Virginia Department of Taxation
If you file a paper return, the mailing address appears on the return itself. If you file electronically or need to make a payment outside of tax season, the current mailing address is listed on the Virginia Department of Taxation website under "Payment" or "Where to Send." Always check the website before mailing, because addresses can change.
Write your Social Security number or business ID number on the check memo line, and include a note with your tax year and the type of tax (income, corporate, etc.). Mail your check at least one week before any deadline — the postmark date is your payment date, not the date the department receives it. If you mail it after the deadline, you will owe a late penalty even if the check arrives within a few days.
Using your bank's bill-pay system
Many banks allow you to pay the Virginia Department of Taxation directly through their online bill-pay service. Log into your bank's website or app, set up the Virginia Department of Taxation as a payee, and enter the mailing address from the state's website. Your bank will print and mail a check on your behalf, usually within one to three business days.
This method is free and gives you a record in your bank account, but it is slower than paying online through the state's portal. The payment date is still the postmark date on the check, so plan accordingly if you are near a deadline. Confirm with your bank that they have the correct mailing address before you submit the payment.
Late payments and penalties
If your payment arrives after the tax deadline (usually April 15 for individuals), Virginia charges a failure-to-pay penalty of 0.5% per month on the unpaid balance, starting the day after the deadline. The state also charges interest on the unpaid amount, compounded daily at a rate set quarterly by the Virginia Department of Taxation. Both penalties and interest accrue until you pay in full.
If you cannot pay by the deadline, you can request an extension or set up a payment plan with the Virginia Department of Taxation. Contact the department directly to discuss your options — an extension gives you more time to pay without penalty, while a payment plan lets you pay in installments. Even with a plan in place, interest still accrues on the unpaid balance.
Back taxes and installment agreements
If you owe taxes from a prior year, the Virginia Department of Taxation may have already sent you a notice with a specific payment address or instructions. Follow those instructions rather than using the standard online payment portal, because back tax payments sometimes route to a different department section. If you have an active installment agreement, make sure each payment goes to the address listed in your agreement letter.
Contact the Virginia Department of Taxation directly if you are unsure whether you owe back taxes or if you want to set up a payment plan. The department can tell you the exact amount owed, including penalties and interest, and can explain your payment options. Having a plan in writing protects you if a payment is delayed or lost in the mail.
What to do if you cannot pay in full
You do not have to pay your entire tax bill at once. The Virginia Department of Taxation allows you to set up a payment plan (sometimes called an installment agreement) if you owe more than you can pay immediately. Contact the department to request a plan — you will need to provide information about your income and expenses so the department can determine a reasonable monthly payment amount.
While you are on a payment plan, interest and penalties continue to accrue on the unpaid balance, but the failure-to-pay penalty may be reduced if you make your installment payments on time. Paying even a partial amount before the deadline also reduces the total penalty you owe. If your financial situation changes and you cannot make a scheduled payment, contact the department as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the postmark date and why does it matter?
The postmark date is the date the post office stamps on your envelope when you mail it. Virginia treats the postmark date as your payment date, not the date the department receives your check. If you mail a check on April 14 and it arrives on April 20, your payment date is April 14 and you avoid the late penalty. Always mail at least one week early to be safe.
Do I have to pay a fee if I use a credit card?
Yes. Credit card payments through the Virginia Department of Taxation website charge a convenience fee set by the payment processor — typically 2% to 3% of the payment amount. Bank transfer (ACH) payments through the state website usually have no fee. Mailed checks are free. Compare the fee cost against the value of paying immediately before choosing a credit card.
Can I pay Virginia taxes through the IRS website?
No. The IRS website is for federal taxes only. Virginia state taxes must be paid through the Virginia Department of Taxation website, by mail, or through your bank's bill-pay system. Do not send Virginia tax payments to the IRS — they will not reach the state and you will still owe the full amount plus penalties.
What happens if my check gets lost in the mail?
If you mailed a check and it never arrived, the Virginia Department of Taxation will send you a notice demanding payment. Contact the department immediately with your check number, amount, and postmark date. The department can sometimes verify that the check was mailed and adjust your account. If the check was never cashed, you may need to stop payment and send a new check or pay online.
How do I know if my payment was received?
Online payments generate a confirmation number immediately — save this. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to process; you can check your account status on the Virginia Department of Taxation website or call the department. If you do not see your payment posted within two weeks of mailing, contact the department with your check number and amount.