The state of Virginia does provide state tax extensions for those who will be unable to complete their state tax return by the May 1 deadline. Extensions should only be used by individuals who have legitimate reasons for not filing on time, such as those who are having difficulty getting their tax documents or receipts to file.http://www.tax.virginia.gov/site.cfm?alias=IndividualFAQ  

While some states require that paperwork be completed, Virginia instead offers an automatic extension of six months once the state tax deadline passes. This means that you will not have to file a form in order to receive an extension. On the other hand, you will have to remit any payment due before May 1.http://www.tax.virginia.gov/site.cfm?alias=IndividualFAQ 

The first thing you need to do is to assemble all of your relevant tax information. Even though you are not filing your return yet, you will need these documents in order to figure your tax liability and any balance due you may have. Gather the following:

1. The total of your earned income for the year––If you are an employee, this can be usually be found on your Form W-2 or Form 1099. If you are self-employed, you will need to total up your earnings for yourself.
2. The total of your Virginia state taxes paid––This will either be taxes that you paid in yourself during the year or taxes that were withheld from your pay.
3. A copy of your federal income tax return, if you are filing one.
4. Any applicable Virginia credits and deductions that you may qualify for––You can find out more about these by visiting the Virginia Department of Taxation website.
   

You will also need a copy of the Virginia state tax return and the accompanying instructions. The form is referred to as Form 760 "Virginia Resident Individual Income Tax Return". If you have access to the Internet, you can download the form and instructions from the Virginia Department of Taxation website. If you don't have Internet access, you can usually pick this form up at your local library.http://www.tax.virginia.gov/taxforms/Individual/Income%20Tax/currentyear/760.pdf

Your tax liability is the amount of state taxes that are assessed based on your earned income minus any applicable deductions or credits you qualify for. This amount is also affected by the amount of state taxes that you have already paid in.http://www.tax.virginia.gov/taxforms/Individual/Income%20Tax/currentyear/760.pdf 

Begin by reading through the Form 760 instructions to see if there are any state credits that you can use on your return or any worksheets that you will need to complete. Then, get your Form 760 and enter the amount of your federal adjusted gross income on line 1. You will find your adjusted gross income, or AGI, near the bottom of page 1 on your federal Form 1040.http://www.tax.virginia.gov/taxforms/Individual/Income%20Tax/currentyear/760.pdf 

After that, continue working through the state return, stopping to complete worksheets and schedules as you come to them. If you are unsure about any of the line directions, consult your accompanying instructions for clarification. If you are still unsure, consult a tax professional for assistance.http://www.tax.virginia.gov/taxforms/Individual/Income%20Tax/currentyear/760.pdf 

At the bottom of the first page of the form, you will enter your taxable income in Virginia. Then, you will consult the instructions to locate your appropriate tax in the tax tables. Enter that amount on the next line. Subtract your payments or withheld taxes from this total.http://www.tax.virginia.gov/taxforms/Individual/Income%20Tax/currentyear/760.pdf  

Then subtract any state credits you qualify for. If your deductions are less than your liability, you will have a balance due. If your deductions and credits are more than your liability, you will have an overpayment and will be issued a refund.http://www.tax.virginia.gov/taxforms/Individual/Income%20Tax/currentyear/760.pdf

It is important to note that, even though you are automatically granted a six month extension to file your Virginia tax return, this extension does not apply to the balance due. If you owe taxes, these will still have to be remitted by May 1 or you will be assessed late penalties and interest.http://www.tax.virginia.gov/site.cfm?alias=IndividualFAQ 

To avoid this, you need to send in at least 90% of your balance by the May 1 deadline. You will use Form 760-IP "Virginia Automatic Extension Payment Voucher for Individuals" to remit your payment. To complete the voucher, you will need to enter your full name and current mailing address. You will also need to enter your Social Security number and your spouse's Social Security number if you are filing a joint tax return.http://www.tax.virginia.gov/taxforms/Individual/Income%20Tax/2010/760IP.pdf  

To send in your payment by mail, you will detach the voucher from the Form 760-IP and enclose it with your check or money order. Send these to the address given on the form and be sure it is postmarked by May 1. If you prefer to remit your payment electronically, you can do so on the Virginia Department of Taxation website. If you pay online, you will not need to complete the Form 760-IP.http://www.tax.virginia.gov/taxforms/Individual/Income%20Tax/2010/760IP.pdf 

The extension is available until November 1, but it is a good idea to begin preparing to file your return as soon as you can. This is especially true if you are due a refund, so that you can receive your money as quickly as possible.