There are three ways to file:
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Online - purchase software to prepare your taxes or, if eligible, use Free File
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Paper Returns - File a paper return by mail or in person
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Tax Professional - use a tax professional or volunteer assistance to prepare and file your return
Vermont income taxes are imposed on individuals and entities (taxpayers) that vary with the profitable income (taxable income) of the taxpayer. Separate taxes, such as Income and Property Tax, are assessed against each taxpayer meeting certain minimum criteria. Depending upon your residency status and your own personal situation, you may need additional forms and schedules.
Choosing Commercial Software
The Vermont Department of Taxes does not offer a direct e-file option for individual taxpayers at this time. However, you may e-file through one of a number of software vendors who offer federal and Vermont forms. Fees will vary. Some vendors may offer free e-filing depending on your income.
Why E-File?
Electronic filing allows us to quickly and more accurately process your refund. This is because the software does the math for you and may catch errors, such as omitting a Social Security Number or a signature, which can slow processing time.
E-filing is also a secure way to file. There is no evidence that e-filing contributes to identity theft and tax refund crime. Rather, it appears more likely that the recent incidences of tax refund fraud are connected to well-publicized data breaches unrelated to the e-filing of taxes.
Choosing A Professional Tax Preparer
Many taxpayers choose to work with professional tax preparers. Neither the IRS nor the Vermont Department of Taxes endorses tax preparers, so you should conduct your own due diligence to find a reputable professional who will meet your tax preparation needs. The IRS provides the following online searchable databases that can help you find a tax preparer in Vermont:
Paying Tax Owed On Your Income Tax Return
You may pay your income tax, estimated income tax, and any Vermont tax bill online using one of the following:
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ACH Debit (free)
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Credit card (3% nonrefundable fee)
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Personal check, cashier’s check, or money order
About ACH Debit
To pay with ACH Debit, you will need to enter the account number with your financial institution and the institution’s routing number into the secure online form. Be sure to double check these numbers and match them exactly as errors will result in processing delays, and additional interest and penalties may accrue. ACH debit payments are processed within one business day of submission.
What is “Timely” Payment?
Payment by check or money order
If you mail your check or money order, the payment is considered timely if the Department receives your payment within three (3) business days after the due date of the tax return.
Payment by electronic funds transfer (EFT)
If payment is allowed or required by EFT, then the payment must be received by the Department up to six (6) days after the due date of the tax return.
If you do not prefer to e-file, you have the option to file your return using a paper form and related schedules. Most forms are available as fillable PDFs, allowing you to type in the information. Typed characters make processing go more smoothly because the forms can be read more accurately by the Department’s scanners.
When you are ready to print the form, be sure to follow the printing instructions carefully to ensure our scanners can read and process your form. Printing the form in a different format slows processing.
Filing Paper Returns
Submit Your Return in Person
You may submit all forms, schedules, and payments by personal check, cashier’s check, or money order, in person to:
Vermont Department of Taxes
133 State Street, 1st Floor
Montpelier, VT 05633-1401
Our office hours are 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Submit Your Return or Payment by Mail
If mailing your return requesting a refund, no balance due, or no payment, mail to:
Vermont Department of Taxes
PO Box 1881
Montpelier, VT 05601-1881
If mailing your return with a payment, mail to:
Vermont Department of Taxes
PO Box 1779
Montpelier, VT 05601-1779
Returns filed using a mail service, including the U.S. Postal Service or a commercial mail delivery service, are considered on time if we receive your return within three (3) business days after the due date.
If you are unable to file electronically or download and print forms from our website, you may request paper forms be mailed to you. Learn more about placing an online order for tax forms and instructions.