Corporation e-File FAQs

General Information

Who is required to file and pay electronically?

Every corporation organized under the laws of Virginia, every foreign corporation registered with the State Corporation Commission for the privilege of doing business in Virginia and every corporation having income from Virginia sources (with exceptions stated in the Form 500 instructions) must file and pay electronically.

What tax years are accepted in Virginia Corporate e-File?

Virginia's e-File program will accept the current tax year and 2 prior years for original and amended returns.

What electronic filing options are available for filing the corporate return?

The Virginia e-File program is the only electronic option offered for filing Virginia Form 500 and all accompanying schedules. This Federal/State program allows Virginia to use IRS technology to receive an electronic copy of the full federal return, the accompanying federal schedules and the Virginia return. Virginia does not receive the electronic copy if the data is rejected at the federal IRS level.

It is considered a "Linked" submission when the transmitter (most often the software vendor) electronically transmits the federal and state returns simultaneously via e-File. The other submission type supported is referred to as "Unlinked" or a "state only" submission, when the state return is sent separately from the federal return. The state only submission is still e-Filed via the federal IRS level before Virginia receives the electronic copy.

Corporations meeting certain eligibility criteria can file and pay Form 500EZ using the eForms system.

If filed electronically, is the due date still the same for corporate returns?

A corporate return is due on or before the 15th day of the fourth month following the close of the taxable year, regardless if filed electronically or by paper to Virginia Tax.

Should a corporate return be electronically filed if there is no income or tax liability?

Yes, all corporate income tax returns must be filed electronically, regardless of the income or tax liability.

Are tax professionals subject to the electronic filing requirement?

Yes, tax preparers who prepare corporate returns must ensure compliance with the electronic filing and payment requirements.

Who provides authorization to file corporation returns electronically?

Acceptance by the IRS as an Electronic Return Originator (ERO) automatically qualifies tax professionals to submit Virginia corporate income tax returns electronically. They must register with the IRS and be accepted as an ERO. The IRS then assigns each ERO an Electronic Filer Identification Number (EFIN) and then the tax professional can submit returns via e-File. Depending on the e-File option chosen, an Electronic Transmitter Identification Number (ETIN) may be needed. For more details, visit the IRS website.

Filing and Paying

How do I send my documents with the electronic return?

It is strongly recommended to use either a desktop scanner or software that is able to produce a PDF. If not already owned, either can be obtained at reasonable prices. The ability to produce a PDF is necessary in order for a corporation to attach required documentation, such as credit certifications, to the Virginia electronic return transmission.

Is there a signature requirement for e-filed returns?

As with a return submitted to the IRS on paper, the customer and paid preparer (if applicable) must "sign" an electronic income tax return. Corporate income tax returns must be signed electronically. The two methods for signing corporate income tax returns electronically are detailed in the Corporation and PTE e-File Guide.

What are my payment options?

There are multiple options that corporations can choose to make their return, estimated and extension payments. Review each link below to learn more.

Does Virginia accept electronic payments that are withdrawn from a non-US Financial institution?

No. All remittances must be from a bank in the United States. Federal banking regulations have imposed additional reporting requirements on all electronic banking transactions that directly involve a financial institution outside of the territorial jurisdiction of the US at any point in the process. These are called International ACH Transactions (IAT), which Virginia Tax does not support.

If an IAT is processed by Virginia Tax as a domestic transaction, the bank may reject it and subject the customer to late penalties. By instructing Virginia Tax to process the electronic banking transactions contained in your submission, you certify that the transactions do not directly involve a financial institution outside of the territorial jurisdiction of the US at any point in the process. If any transaction is IAT, payment will need to be made by ACH Credit instead.

Does Virginia have a "perfection period" for rejected submissions?

Virginia does not follow the IRS return perfection period. A return must be transmitted and accepted by the due date of the return to be considered timely filed.

How do I get an extension for the Virginia Corporate return with e-File?

An automatic 7-month filing extension is given for filing Form 500, 6-months for nonprofits. No request is required. The extension does not apply to any tax payment due with Form 500. To avoid penalties, Form 500 filers must pay at least 90% of their final tax liability by the original due date for filing the return.

Can a return be amended through corporate e-File?

Yes. The "amended return" indicator must be marked on the return within the software package. An explanation of any changes made must be documented with the e-File submission, including any supporting forms or schedules.

Can a final return (business is closed/dissolved) be submitted via Corporate e-File?

Yes. Ensure the "final return" indicator is marked on the return within the software package before submitting it.

Software

What is the cost for e-filing a corporate return electronically?

There is no charge to e-File with Virginia Tax; however, corporations (or their tax preparers) must purchase commercial software in order to file through Virginia's Corporation e-File program. Product choices include online programs, off-the-shelf and professional programs for tax preparers.

Where do I find Virginia approved Corporate e-File software vendors?

Approved e-File software vendors are listed on our Corporate e-File webpage.

What happens if software is purchased and it does not support the Virginia e-File program?

If the corporation's current software vendor does not support the Virginia e-File program and the corporation is not eligible for the 500EZ eForm, a waiver will be granted (for one year). However, it is the corporation's responsibility to either source a new software product that does support the Virginia e-File program or contact its software vendor and request that the vendor support the e-File program for the next taxable year.

Can a company develop their own software program for filing returns electronically?

Commercial software products are specifically designed to IRS and Virginia specifications and are put through rigorous testing by both agencies before being approved. They must also apply to the IRS to obtain an EFIN and/or ETIN.

A company that wishes to develop its own software program must obtain approval from Virginia Tax before implementing its own program. While Virginia Tax strongly discourages this practice, exceptions may be made in extreme cases. Requests for approval may be sent to Bus_eFile@tax.virginia.gov.

Waivers

Are tax preparers eligible for a waiver?

Yes. A tax preparer who cannot comply may request a hardship waiver on behalf of any affected client. In cases involving multiple clients, the preparer can submit one Waiver Request Form for all the affected clients by attaching a list of the corporation Names and FEINs, and indicating whether the preparer has a Power of Attorney on file for each client with Virginia Tax.

Will a waiver be granted if the corporate federal return cannot be submitted via the IRS e-File program?

No. The Virginia e-File program will accept PDF attachments to ensure that all corporations have the ability to file electronically, even if the IRS e-File program does not yet support the federal return filed by the corporation. The corporation can use the same tax preparation software to prepare both the federal and state return. The state return can be transmitted electronically by itself and the federal return can be attached to the state return as a PDF document.

Can a permanent waiver be granted?

No, the requirement cannot be permanently waived. Arrangements must be made to comply with the electronic filing and payment requirements. However, if an additional waiver is needed, submit a new Waiver Request before the due date for filing the return. Customers must request a waiver each year until they have the means to file electronically.