June 20, 2019
Secretary Aubrey L. Layne, Jr., CPA
Office of the Secretary of Finance
Patrick Henry Building
1111 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
RE: Upcoming Virginia State Income Tax Rebates
Dear Secretary Layne:
The Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA) Tax Advisory Committee would like to provide comments on the process for the issuance of 2018 tax rebates to eligible Virginia taxpayers this fall and offers the following three recommendations:
- To limit delay on taxpayers receiving their rebates and to reduce processing costs to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the VSCPA recommends rebates be issued to taxpayers in the manner previously selected on their Virginia return, including the option of direct deposit to their bank account.
- To ensure there are not delays in taxpayers receiving their rebate, the VSCPA encourages the Virginia Department of Taxation (TAX) to send communications to taxpayers making sure they are aware of the pending refund checks so they are able to update their personal information. Further, a secure way should be set up for taxpayers to change or update filing status, mailing address and bank account information such as an electronic or paper form available on TAX’s website.
- To address taxpayers who are not able to file their Virginia return by July 1 to qualify for the rebate, the VSCPA recommends allowing eligible taxpayers who have filed for extended returns be able to claim a credit on their 2019 return.
As TAX proceeds with the issuance of the tax rebates, we encourage you to take these recommendations into consideration.
The Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA) is the leading professional association in the Commonwealth dedicated to empowering CPAs to thrive. Founded in 1909, the VSCPA has more than 13,000 members who work in public accounting, industry, government and education. Please feel free to contact me or VSCPA Vice President, Advocacy Emily Walker, CAE, at (804) 612-9428 or [email protected] if we can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
Vivian J. Paige, CPA
2019–2020 Tax Advisory Committee Chair
Virginia Society of CPAs
CC: Mr. Craig M. Burns