If you have an unpaid tax bill, you should pay it in full immediately to avoid accruing additional penalties and interest. If you can't pay in full, you may be able to set up a payment plan.

If you do not resolve your tax bills on time, we may proceed with collections actions, such as wage liens and bank liens.  

Wage Liens

A wage lien is a garnishment against your wages, salaries, or commissions used to pay your past-due tax bills.

  • We’ll ask your employer to withhold 100% of your net wages to pay your debts.
  • Your employer will continue to garnish your wages until the balance is paid in full (including penalties and interest). 
  • You can review your balance and payment history, and make additional payments using your online services account.

Bank or Other Institution Liens

A lien is a garnishment against bank accounts and certain investments accounts of an individual or entity for assessments and/or tax liens due to Virginia Tax.

  • We’ll ask your bank or financial institution to hold any assets you have in an account, including interest, rent, or other funds. 
  • The bank or institution is required by law to send us all amounts up to the total balance due.

Exempted Funds

Certain property or funds are exempt from the lien process by law. These can include:

  • Federally protected benefits, like Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (42 U.S.C. §407), Veterans’ benefits (38 U.S.C. §3101), Longshoremen and Harborworkers Compensation Act benefits (33 U.S.C. §916), and Federal civil service retirement benefits (5 U.S.C. §8346)
  • Black lung benefits
  • Unemployment compensation benefits (§60.2-600, Code of Virginia)
  • Public assistance payments (§63.2-506, Code of Virginia)
  • Worker’s compensation (§65.2-531, Code of Virginia)
  • Child support payments (§20-108.1, Code of Virginia)

Contact us if you believe you have exempted funds affected by a lien. Identify the exemption you are claiming and explain why you believe that you qualify for the exemption. Attach additional pages if needed along with documents to support your claim for exemption. Return this information by email, fax, or mail.

Memorandum of Lien

  • If a tax bill goes unpaid after prior attempts at collection, we may file a Memorandum of Lien in 1 or more Circuit Courts.
  • A Memorandum of Lien has the same effect as a judgment in our favor. 
  • It is a matter of public record, and may adversely affect your credit, your ability to purchase items such as an automobile or home, or your ability to obtain employment. 
  • The recorded document will remain in force for 20 years, or until you pay the liabilities in full. 
     

Hardships

If you feel that the lien creates an undue hardship, we may be able to adjust the terms based on your circumstances.

  • To be eligible, you must have filed your taxes for the last 3 years. 
  • To request consideration, complete a financial statement.
  • Send it to us by email, fax, or mail with your account number, collection ID, and all required documentation.

Questions?

You can log into your individual online services account to see detailed billing and account information:

  • Check your balance
  • View your payment history
  • See detailed bill information
  • Make additional payments
  • Set up a payment plan

You may also call our Customer Service Contact Center to request a Consolidated Bill Notice.