With filing season just around the corner, take these steps now to be prepared to file your individual income taxes.
Review changes that may affect your tax return
Did you recently get married or divorced, or experience the death of a spouse? These and other life events could affect your tax benefit eligibility and filing status.
- See Filing Status for more information on your requirements.
- Visit How to Change Your Name, Address, or Social Security Number for instructions on changing your personal information.
- Review our Tax Tips for Newlyweds page if you got married recently.
- Visit our Deceased Individuals page if you’re a surviving spouse.
Gather Records, Including Past Tax Returns
Having a copy of last year’s tax return on hand while you’re filing may make it easier to fill out your tax return. For example, if you’re using a software product for the first time, you may need to provide information from last year’s return. If you need a copy, see Request a Copy of a Tax Return for more information.
You should keep your tax records for at least 3 years. For more information, visit Recordkeeping for Individual Income Tax Purposes.
Stay Alert
Scammers and fraudsters often pose as employees of Virginia Tax, the IRS, or other government agencies. Then they contact unsuspecting taxpayers and pressure them in the hopes of obtaining confidential personal information. Some may claim that you violated a tax law, cheated on tax credits, or failed to pay money to the commonwealth, or the federal government. As we head into tax season, review our Refund Fraud Prevention page for tips on how to protect yourself against fraud.