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Virginia Tax Refund Calculator
Use this free calculator to estimate your Virginia state tax refund for the 2025-2026 tax year. Virginia uses a progressive income tax system with rates from 2-5.75%. Enter your income, filing status, and deductions below to see your estimated refund or balance due.
This calculator uses official Virginia Department of Revenue tax tables and standard deduction amounts for the 2026 tax year. Results are estimates and should be verified with a tax professional.
Virginia State Tax Calculator 2025-2026
Virginia Tax System Details
Virginia operates a progressive income tax system with 4 tax brackets. Tax rates range from 2-5.75%, applying to all taxable income earned by Virginia residents. The state standard deduction for 2026 is $4,500 for single filers and $9,000 for married filing jointly.
How Virginia Compares to Other States
Virginia's top rate of 5.75% is moderate compared to neighboring states. Maryland's combined rates can exceed 9%, West Virginia's top is 5.12%, North Carolina's flat rate is 4.5%, and Tennessee has no income tax. Unlike Maryland, Virginia does not impose local income taxes, making it attractive for Northern Virginia residents working near DC.
A single filer earning $75,000 would pay approximately $3,550 in Virginia state tax. The low top-bracket threshold ($17,000) means most filers pay 5.75% on most of their income.
Deductions and Credits Available in Virginia
Virginia offers a $930 personal exemption per taxpayer and dependent, a retirement income deduction of up to $12,000 for those 65+, and a land preservation tax credit. Social Security benefits are fully exempt. Contributions to Virginia's 529 plan are deductible.
For federal tax purposes, Virginia residents can deduct their state income tax payments on their federal return if they itemize deductions, subject to the $40,000 SALT cap.
Sales Tax in Virginia
Virginia's state sales tax rate is 5.3% (4.3% state plus mandatory 1% local). Groceries and prescription drugs are exempt from the state portion. Property taxes average about 0.81% of home value.
Virginia Income Tax Overview
The standard deduction is subtracted from your gross income to determine your taxable income before the brackets are applied. Practical tip: the effective rate you actually pay is usually far lower than the top marginal rate. For typical middle-income earners, the effective state tax rate lands well below the headline rate.
The standard deduction directly reduces your taxable income before any tax brackets are applied. The state sales tax rate is 5.3% (avg combined 5.6%), which applies to most goods and some services depending on local laws. Property taxes in Virginia average approximately 0.81% of home value. For context, the national average property tax rate is roughly 1.1%. Residents should check their city and county rates, as local add-ons can significantly increase the combined sales tax rate above the state base rate.
Compared to neighboring states — Maryland (5.75%), West Virginia (6.5%), Kentucky (4.5%), Tennessee (none), North Carolina (4.5%) — Virginia offers a distinct balance of rates, deductions, and available credits that can significantly impact your total tax burden. For retirement income: SS exempt, $12,000 pension deduction 65+. VA offers a generous retirement income deduction for seniors 65+. Virginia offers various state-specific deductions and credits that can reduce tax liability. The annual filing deadline for state income tax returns is April 15, matching the federal deadline. Taxpayers who cannot file by the deadline can request an automatic six-month extension, though any tax owed must still be paid by April 15 to avoid interest and penalty charges. Self-employed individuals, recent movers, and retirees with complex income sources should consult a qualified tax professional for personalized guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia Taxes
What is the Virginia state income tax rate structure?
Virginia uses 2-5.75% progressive (4 brackets) system. This rate structure determines how much state tax you owe based on your taxable income after subtracting the standard deduction of $8,000 single / $16,000 married. Understanding where your income falls within this structure is the first step in estimating your state tax liability. Taxpayers should verify current year rates with the state department of revenue, as legislative changes can affect brackets and rates from year to year.
Does Virginia tax Social Security and retirement income?
SS exempt, $12,000 pension deduction 65+. Social Security benefits are generally treated favorably across most states, and Virginia follows this approach. However, federal taxation of Social Security may still apply based on your combined income level. Retirees should also consider how Virginia handles pension income, 401(k) withdrawals, and IRA distributions when planning their retirement budget, as state-level treatment varies significantly across the country.
What are the sales and property tax rates in
The Virginia state sales tax rate is 5.3% (avg combined 5.6%). Combined state and local rates can vary by city and county. Property taxes average approximately 0.81% of home value. VA offers a generous retirement income deduction for seniors 65+. Taxpayers should consider these consumption-based and property-based taxes when evaluating their overall tax burden, as they can significantly affect the true cost of living in Virginia compared to other states with different tax structures.