Tax Scam Alert

Virginia Tax is committed to protecting our customers from identity theft and fraud. Please beware of scams involving communications from parties representing themselves as IRS agents or Virginia Tax employees. The parties may state that you have violated a tax law, cheated on tax credits, demand payment on money you owe to the state or federal government, or ask you to verify information to receive your refund. They may ask you to wire money, send cash or checks, or submit money on prepaid cards to resolve the matter. They may also threaten physical violence or imprisonment if you do not comply.   

Virginia Tax initiates most collections actions through regular mail delivered by the United States Postal Service. However, in some circumstances, we will call you to resolve an unpaid tax bill. We’ll mail letters to the address we have for you on file first. 

Note that Virginia Tax does not:

  • Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card, or wire transfer. If you owe taxes, we will first mail a bill to the address we have for you on file.
  • Demand that you pay taxes without the opportunity to question or appeal. 
  • Threaten violence or have you arrested for not paying. We also cannot revoke your driver’s license, business licenses, or immigration status. Threats like these are common tactics scam artists use to trick victims.
  • Ask for personal information through text message, social media, or other methods that aren’t secure.

For more information about the collections process and your specific rights, see our Taxpayer Bill of Rights.

Help us protect your information by keeping your account details current. Let us know if you have moved or have made changes to authorized agents, powers of attorney, or other authorized individuals on your account. If you ever have questions about your tax account, please contact us.   

Report Payroll Record Breaches to Virginia Tax

Payroll records with employees’ personal information have become prime targets for identity thieves. Employers, payroll providers, and other payers:

  • Take extra steps to protect your employees' personal information including names, Social Security numbers, withholding, wages, and bank account information.
  • Immediately report any breach of payroll records to our Identity Theft Information Line at 804.404.4185.  

Please provide: 

  • Name of the employer or payer
  • Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
  • Tax year involved​
  • Contact name and phone number for the business  

To learn about ways to avoid data theft, see "Start with Security: A Guide for Business" on the Federal Trade Commission’s website. 

Refund Fraud Prevention Reminder: Potential Refund Delays

We're committed to protecting taxpayers’ identities and preventing fraudulent filing of tax returns. We continue to work closely with the IRS, other revenue agencies, and tax preparation software vendors to take proactive measures to safeguard your tax returns prior to issuing refunds.

While the majority of tax returns are processed without delay, processing of some returns may take longer due to our refund review and validation procedures. If your return has been stopped for review, you may receive a letter asking for additional information. Please provide any requested information promptly to ensure timely review.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Refund Fraud Prevention

See our Refund Fraud Prevention page to see what we're doing to keep your information secure and how you can protect yourself.