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| Gross Income | 0 |
| State Deductions | 0 |
| Exemptions | 0 |
| Taxable Income | 0 |
| Gross State Tax | 0 |
| Less State Credits | 0 |
| Final State Tax | 0 |
Virginia uses a graduated income tax system, with four brackets ranging from 2% to 5.75%. While the rate structure is relatively straightforward, knowing which income applies to which bracket, along with your deductions and credits, makes a big difference in your final tax outcome.
Our estimator helps you navigate Virginia’s tax system quickly — whether you’re living in Richmond, working in Arlington, or retired in Roanoke.
To calculate your federal income tax head over to our federal income tax calculator here.
| Tax rate | Single; married filing separately | Married filing jointly; surviving spouse | Head of household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.00% | $0 – $3,000 | $0 – $3,000 | $0 – $3,000 |
| 3.00% | $3,001 – $5,000 | $3,001 – $5,000 | $3,001 – $5,000 |
| 5.00% | $5,001 – $17,000 | $5,001 – $17,000 | $5,001 – $17,000 |
| 5.75% | $17,001+ | $17,001+ | $17,001+ |
Virginia has no local income taxes, unlike neighboring Maryland
To calculate your Virginia income tax, our estimator takes into account:
Filing status: Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household
Total income: Wages, self-employment, interest, dividends
Standard or itemized deductions
Exemptions and credits (e.g., dependent credits, age deductions)
It then applies the correct tax bracket and subtracts eligible deductions and credits to deliver your estimated tax due or refund.
No local income taxes – Simpler than Maryland/DC systems
Military-friendly – Combat pay excluded from taxation
Low property taxes – Average effective rate of 0.80%
Standard deduction nearly doubled in recent tax reforms
1. Standard Deduction
Single: $8,500
Married Filing Jointly: $17,000
2. Retirement Benefits
Social Security: Not taxed
Military pensions: Up to $10,000 exemption
Other retirement income: Up to $12,000 exemption for seniors
3. Family & Education Credits
Child Tax Credit: $500 per child
Land Preservation Credit: 40% of donation value
College Savings (529) Deduction: Up to $4,000 per account
4. Unique Virginia Benefits
Historic Rehabilitation Credit: 25% of qualified expenses
Telework Expenses Credit: Up to $1,000 for remote workers
Energy Efficient Appliance Credit: Up to $500
5. Personal Exemptions
Single: $930
Married Filing Jointly: $1,860
Dependent: $930
Account for recent tax cuts – Standard deduction increased significantly
Maximize military benefits – Special combat pay exemptions
Plan for DC commuters – No reciprocity with DC (must file non-resident return)
| State | Income Tax | Local Taxes | Retirement Tax | Property Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 2-5.75% | None | Social Security exempt | 0.80% avg |
| Maryland | 2-5.75% + local | 1.75-3.2% | Social Security exempt | 1.06% avg |
| North Carolina | 4.75% flat | None | Social Security exempt | 0.78% avg |
| West Virginia | 3-6.5% | None | Partial exemption | 0.53% avg |
Key Advantage: Virginia offers urban amenities with simpler taxation than Maryland.
You work in DC but live in Virginia
You’re a military family with complex pay structures
You own historic property
You qualify for telework or energy credits
Q: Does Virginia tax Social Security?
A: No! Virginia is retirement-friendly with no tax on Social Security.
Q: What’s the tax rate for most Virginians?
A: Most filers pay 5.75% on income over $17,000 after deductions.
Q: How does Virginia treat remote workers?
A: Virginia offers a special telework credit and taxes based on residence, not work location.
Q: Is Virginia better for taxes than Maryland?
A: For most filers: Yes – no local taxes and lower overall burden, though property taxes are comparable.
Schedule a free live 5 minute CPA call here. Questions are the stepping stones to answers, and we’re here to guide you across the river of tax confusion. Whether it’s a tiny trickle of doubt or a surging river of perplexity, our customer support team is on standby, ready to provide the answers you need. Reach out via chat, email, or phone – we’re committed to making sure your experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible. So, go ahead and ask away!