RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia taxpayers are only a few days away from a key deadline to pay their state income taxes.
The deadline to file state tax returns is May 1.
The state grants an automatic six-month extension to taxpayers who miss the deadline, but taxes still need to be paid by May 1 to avoid penalties and interest.
Taxpayers have an added incentive to file their returns in a timely manner this year. Those who file before July 1 will be eligible for a one-time tax refund of $110 for individuals and $220 for couples.
A change in federal tax law led to a windfall in state taxes, leading state lawmakers to approve refunds earlier this year. The state expects to start sending checks to taxpayers in late August or early September.