Section 30. Filing of tax returns or payment of taxes by mail

A. Generally.

1. When remittance of a tax return or a tax payment is made by mail, receipt of the return or payment by the person with whom the return is required to be filed or the payment is required to be made shall constitute timely filing or payment, provided that (a) the tax return or tax payment is received in a sealed envelope with sufficient postage; and (b) the envelope bears a postmark on or before midnight of the day the return is required to be filed or the payment be made without penalty or interest.

2. Returns mailed with insufficient postage shall not be deemed filed until actually received or remailed with adequate postage.

B. Definitions.

1. Person. The term "person" includes, but is not limited to, a Commissioner of the Revenue, a Director of Finance or the Department of Taxation.

2. Postmark. A "postmark" means the United States Post Office cancellation mark stamped upon the envelope. A mark made by a postage meter under control of a person other than the U.S. Post Office is not a postmark.

C. Example. Taxpayer X is required to file a sales tax return on February 20, which falls on a Saturday. Monday, February 22, is a legal holiday (Washington's birthday). The Department of Taxation receives the return on Friday, February 26 in a sealed envelope bearing a postmark of February 23 (Tuesday). No interest or penalties for late filing or late payment will be assessed.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR630-1-9, eff. January 1, 1985, with retroactive effect according to § 58.1-203 of the Code of Virginia.

Statutory Authority

§§ 58.1-9 and 58.1-203 of the Code of Virginia.