Useful Income Tax Filing Information

The State of Vermont has put out a press release regarding the filing of income taxes as well as some useful information for filing.

Additionally did you know that about 65 percent of Vermont taxpayers qualified for Free File, but only 5 percent of those eligible used the service. Visit the Free File page on the Department of Taxes’ website to see who qualifies.

The State provides a wealth of help and information on their website, check out the Filing Season Updates

Following are a few reminders and resources for Vermont taxpayers from the Vermont Department of Taxes:
Reminders

  •        January 27: Official date the IRS and Vermont will begin accepting personal income tax returns
  •        April 15: Due date for federal and Vermont personal income taxes, Homestead Declaration, Property Tax Credit, Renter Rebate, and Extension of Time to File
  •        Report ALL income: The most common problem that holds up processing is when the taxpayer does not report all income earned for the tax year. Be sure to wait for all forms W-2 and 1099 before filing. These documents should arrive by January 31.
  •        Double check your tax forms for accuracy: Sometimes the simplest mistakes (math errors or transposing numbers in a Social Security Number) or omissions (taxpayer didn’t sign the form) may delay your tax refund. Be sure to double-check your return before submitting it.
  •        E-filing: The Department of Taxes encourages taxpayers to file their personal income taxes electronically using commercial software. In general, e-filing results in improved accuracy and faster refunds.
  •        Free File: More than half of Vermonters were eligible to e-file their federal and state taxes for free last year, but only 5% of those eligible actually used Free File. Check out Free File at tax.vermont.gov/free-file to see if you qualify to e-file for free.
  •        Forms W-4 and W-4VT: Now is a good time to review and update your tax withholding on Form W-4 and W-4VT so your employer will withhold the correct amount of taxes from your paychecks in 2020.


Resources

  •        tax.vermont.gov: The Vermont Department of Taxes website is the best resource for Vermont taxes.
  •        tax.vermont.gov/individual/filing-season-update: 2020 Tax Season update and press release
  •        irs.gov: The IRS provides a comprehensive website with federal forms, instructions, and more.
  •        myVTax.vermont.gov: Free e-filing is available through myVTax for your Homestead Declaration, Property Tax Credit Claim, Renter Rebate Claim, and Landlord Certificate.
  •        tax.vermont.gov/free-prep: Free in-person tax help is available for qualifying taxpayers through IRS VITA/TCE, AARP, and the MyFreeTaxes Partnership.
  •        tax.vermont.gov/forms: If you want paper tax forms/instructions or the Vermont Income Tax Return booklet for tax year 2019, download them for free from the Department’s website as fillable PDFs and print them, or you may order them (see below).
  •        tax.vermont.gov/form-request: Order tax forms or the Vermont Income Tax Return Booklet by 1) using the online form or 2) calling the forms hotline at (802) 828-2515 or(855) 297-5600 (toll-free in Vermont) or 3) emailing tax.formsrequest@vermont.gov. Include your name, mailing address, a daytime phone number, the form number and title, and quantity. If you order six or more forms/instructions in a calendar year, there is a fee of $1.00 per form and $3.00 per booklet.
  •        myVTax.vermont.gov: Find the status of your income tax return or refund by clicking “Check the status of your return” on myVTax.
  •        tax.vermont.gov/fact-sheets: Find fact sheets, guides, and more on the Department’s website.
  •        tax.vermont.gov/identity-theft: Learn how to guard against identity theft and tax fraud and what to do if you become a victim. 

 
Questions?

  •      Call the Taxpayer Services Call Center (802) 828-2865 or (866) 828-2865 (toll-free in Vermont) Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  •      Email tax.individualincome@vermont.gov

Visit 133 State Street, Montpelier, Mon-Fri, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.