Fairfax State and Local Tax Lawyer

Sometimes money is tight, and you put off paying your taxes until your financial situation eases. Other taxpayers may disagree with the local taxing authorities about how much they owe.

If you are involved in a dispute with the Virginia Department of Taxation, consider seeking help from a Fairfax state and local tax lawyer. Our skilled tax attorney at Pontius Tax Law represents individuals and businesses in federal, state, and local tax controversies, and our staff includes Enrolled Agents and former IRS Revenue Officers, so we have first-hand knowledge of taxing agency enforcement procedures.

Who Must Pay Virginia Income Taxes?

People who earn money in Virginia must file income tax returns in the state. Virginia income tax applies to all full or part-time residents of the state and non-residents who earn income here.

Anyone who resides in the state for more than 183 days per year is considered a full-time resident and must pay Virginia taxes on all the money they earn. People who reside in the state for less than 183 days in a year must pay state tax on all the income they make while residing here and on any income earned in Virginia while residing elsewhere. If you do not live in the state but earn money here through employment or investments, you must pay Virginia tax on your local earnings.

Sometimes people mistakenly believe that their income is insufficient to trigger tax liability, or that they do not owe tax because they do not reside in the state. If the Virginia Department of Taxation has contacted you about a state-level tax debt, a Fairfax attorney experienced in managing tax controversies could analyze your situation to determine your next steps.

Reciprocity May Provide Relief

Virginia residents who work in Washington D.C. and residents of Washington D.C. who work in Virginia benefit from a tax reciprocity agreement between the two governments. According to this agreement, commuters only need to pay tax on their wages and salary income to the taxing authority where they reside.

Residents of Fairfax working in the federal capitol must file Form D-4A, Certificate of Nonresidence. Residents of D.C. working in Virginia must file Form VA-4, Personal Exemption Worksheet. These forms are filed with the employer and instruct the employer not to deduct local taxes from your paycheck.

If you believe the jurisdiction where you work is improperly collecting local income taxes on your earnings, contact our attorney in Fairfax right away to address your situation and help you resolve the matter.

State Tax Disputes

When the Virginia Department of Taxation believes you have failed to file or underpaid your taxes, it has several options. It could conduct an audit to verify that your returns were accurate. If you do not respond to requests for payment, it could put a lien on your property or seize your bank account. Our experienced Fairfax attorney can help you resolve a state tax dispute that risks penalties or collection efforts. We can protect your rights, and manage communication and document production during audits. If the Department of Taxation has initiated collection actions against you or your business, we can pursue options to resolve the debt, such as an installment agreement or Offer in Compromise.

Consult a Fairfax Attorney About State or Local Tax Issues

It is not uncommon for there to be confusion over state-level tax questions, especially if you work in a different jurisdiction. Our Fairfax state and local tax lawyer at Pontius Tax Law can evaluate your situation and find a solution that addresses the discrepancy or allows you to pay what you owe without concern for aggressive collection efforts. Trust us with your tax situation by calling today for a consultation.