What’s the process for filling out and submitting my tax return via eForms?
eForms are fillable electronic forms designed to look and function similar to the paper version of tax returns. You do not need to log in to submit your return through eForms. Simply fill in your information and submit the form electronically to Virginia Tax.For more information, see the eForms User Guide.
What information do I need before filling out eForms?
- Your 9-digit SSN or 9-digit FEIN with 3-digit business location code (F001, F002, etc.)
- The correct filing period
- Your tax return amounts
- Your schedule amounts (when applicable)
- Your routing number/account number (if you need to make a payment)
Can I start my eForm and finish it later? How can I retrieve it later?
Yes, you can save your progress by clicking the "Save as Draft" button. You will be prompted to enter a password to access your eForm at a later time.
You can save one draft on your computer for each form type supported by eForms. You do not need a unique password for each eForm draft.
To retrieve your saved draft, you must use the same computer. Visit the eForms page and click on the form you were preparing. A pop-up titled "Retrieve Saved Data" will appear. Enter your password to continue working on the form. If you are not using the same computer, you will not be asked for your password and a new, blank tax return will be displayed instead.
Note: If you use Firefox and want to save eForms information, the privacy mode setting should be set to "Remember History." Review this setting by clicking on the "Tools" menu and then selecting "Options." The "Privacy" tab will allow you to change the setting to your preference.
When should I click the "Calculate" button? Why should I click it?
Once you have entered all of the tax return (and schedule) information, click the blue "Calculate" button to check for basic errors and to perform basic math calculations. This helps to ensure the information displayed is as correct as possible. If no corrections are required, you will be prompted to "File Now" or "Pay Now."
How do I pay my tax return?
You are required to pay electronically. Do not mail in a paper check if you submitted your return through eForms.
When an amount is due, enter your banking and payment information on the Payment Details screen.
Can I file my eForm return now and pay later?
Yes. There is an option to schedule your payment for a future date. You may select a date up to, but no more than, 90 days from the date you are currently filing. If you select a payment date later than the due date, the return will be subject to penalty and interest.
To file and pay on the current date, leave the Payment Date option on the default of "Today" and continue filing the eForm.
I use the same business and banking information when I file. Can I save it instead of re-entering it each time?
Yes. You can save your information in a template known as a Starter Return. This will save all information (business name and address, banking information, etc.), except for the new filing period and the tax return amount you report on each eForm.
This option is available once you reach the confirmation screen labeled "Confirmed Filing." You must click the "Save Starter Return" button and enter a password to save the template to your computer.
You can save one Starter Return on your computer for each form type supported by eForms. You do not need a unique password for each eForm Starter Return.
To retrieve your saved Starter Return, you must use the same computer. Visit the eForms page and click on the form you were preparing. A pop-up titled "Retrieve Saved Data" will appear. Enter your password to continue working on the form. If you are not using the same computer, you will not be asked for your password and a new, blank tax return will be displayed instead.
What if I forget my password to access my Draft or my Starter Return?
You have multiple attempts to enter your password. After the last failed attempt, a pop-up message will inform you that the saved data will be deleted from your computer and a new, blank eForm will be displayed. You may then enter and save the eForm data with a new password.
Virginia Tax is not able to reset or provide any password information.
Will eForms calculate penalty and interest for my late return?
No. If you wish to pay the penalty and interest with your return, it must be manually calculated and entered. Contact Us if you need assistance with determining the amounts.
How do I correct an error on my eForm?
Click on the field highlighted in red to read and correct the error. Also review the “Schedule” (if applicable) for error messages. After you have corrected any errors, click the blue "Calculate" button again.
Once there are no more errors, you will be able to complete your tax return.
Do I need to mail in my tax return after I use eForms?
No. Filing and paying your tax return electronically with eForms replaces mailing a paper tax return and check. Do not mail in a paper tax return if you submitted your return through eForms.
How will I know when my return was successfully submitted to Virginia Tax?
The status of your tax return will display in the top-right corner of your screen. Once the return is successfully filed, the status will change from, "NOT FILED" in red, to "FILED" in green. If you made a payment with the tax return, it will display "FILED AND PAID."
You will also receive a confirmation number that starts with "EZ". This number appears on the "Confirmed Filing" screen, the PDF copy of your tax return, and in the payment confirmation tab (if applicable).
Will eForms calculate the Dealer's Discount for my sales and use tax returns?
If you leave the field blank, eForms will calculate the amount for you. If you are late or do not qualify for the dealer's discount, you must enter "0" (zero) in that field.
How to Get Help
If I have questions about filling out my tax return or using eForms, what can I do?
- Refer to the return instructions with the "See [Form] Instructions" link at the top of each eForm.
- Review the error message instructions.
- Review the eForms User Guide.
- Refer to the Contact Uslink at the top of each eForm.
