Vermont Department of Taxes
News for Individuals
November 18, 2020
New Look, Same Service
A new and improved myVTax was rolled out Nov. 9. myVTax still offers options for filing Vermont forms. These include the Homestead Declaration Claim, Renter Rebate, Estimated Income Tax, Return Refund Status, Use Tax, and Land Gains Tax. If you use e-file software, you may continue to do so even if myVTax offers a particular form.

Note that personal income tax and fiduciary income tax cannot be filed using myVTax, but must be filed with e-file software or paper forms.

Learn more at www.myVTax.vermont.gov
No Change to Home Office Deduction
Due to the pandemic, more people than ever are working from home this year. Naturally, the question arises of whether a home office that is otherwise part of the household qualifies for a tax deduction. The answer is no.

The rules for deducting home office space have not changed. Vermont follows federal law on this matter. As before COVID-19, the space must be exclusively used as an office--not shared with the household--to qualify for a deduction.
Employment Opportunity
The Department of Taxes is seeks a Director of Taxpayer Services. The director administers operations for individual, business, corporate and fiduciary taxes, as well as two property tax types.
Compliance Tips for Employers
Vermont Withholding
Many Vermonters under-withhold their Vermont income tax. This is due to differences between federal and Vermont withholding allowances and tax credits. For proper withholding, the Department recommends that all Vermont businesses have employees complete both Vermont Form W-4VT as well as federal Form W-4.
Compliance logo
Do You Have the Right Social Security Number?
Employers should make it a practice to review employees' Social Security Numbers every year. Mismatched SSNs follow unreported income as a major cause of delayed return processing. This year, approximately 600 Vermont businesses were notified of mismatches between the SSN an employee used on a tax return and what the business used to report withholding.

If you are an employee or contractor, be sure your employer has your correct SSN and current contact information.
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In the time between publications of this e-newsletter, you can stay ahead with our daily updates on Facebook and Twitter. We highlight changes to our website, new guides and fact sheets, useful tips to help individuals and businesses with state and federal taxes, financial safety alerts, and more. To get on board, visit our Facebook page and "Like" us or hit the "Follow" button on our Twitter feed
Connect with Us
Most Department employees are working remotely, but that doesn't mean we aren't available to answer your questions. Should you have a need to contact us about a return, secure email is the best method. See our contact options here. We are here to help.
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