West Virginia Personal Income Tax Returns filed with errors can cause processing delays and that means those taxpayers eagerly anticipating their refunds must wait.

Due to a new computer system installed at the West Virginia State Tax Department, personal income tax returns are processed faster than ever before. Automation between the State Tax Department and the state’s centralized accounting system has reduced the timeframe from the day the taxpayer’s refund is approved to the day the refund is sent to the taxpayer from 3 weeks to now as few as 3 days. This time frame does not include processing time. Incomplete returns or returns filed with errors slow the personal income tax return processing and refund approval process down significantly.

Taxpayers can help speed the refund process along by electronically filing their return and choosing direct deposit. For the balance due filers, choosing the direct debit option provides an additional convenience for the taxpayer and allows the West Virginia State Tax Department to process the return more efficiently.

For those taxpayers who prefer to file their returns through traditional United States Postal Service, there are a number of small steps a taxpayer can take to keep the process moving along.

To help avoid errors on your state personal income tax return when filing:
 

• Make sure the taxpayer(s) name(s) and the taxpayer(s) address information are clearly and completely stated in the proper spaces on the tax return.
• Make sure the taxpayer(s) social security number, and all required social security numbers are written correctly on the return.
• Make sure that all W-2's have been received from all sources, complete the new IT-140W, and make sure that the IT-140W correctly reflects all of the taxpayer’s West Virginia withholding and is sent with the taxpayers return.
• Make sure the W-2 information on the new IT-140W is for the current tax year.
• When using direct deposit, be sure the taxpayer’s routing transit number to the taxpayer’s bank account is accurate and contains all nine digits.
• For processing accuracy and speed, complete the returns in blue or black ink only.
• Only use the current tax year 2009 personal income return form mailed or printed by the West Virginia Tax Department or found at www.wvtax.gov.
• Do not staple your documents together. Place the completed personal income tax return along with the new IT-140W, any attachment and check (if applicable) in one envelope, to be mailed to the address provided.
• Print neatly in the spaces provided. Follow the instructions for printing in the spaces.
• Make sure all information required for the personal income tax return to be filed is correct and complete before submitting the return.
• Follow the instructions provided in the personal income tax booklet.
• Complete every required line applicable to the taxpayer filing status.
• Make sure all required forms and schedules are included with the tax return. Non-electronic forms and schedules required with e-file returns can be e-mailed as pdf or Word attachments to wvefile@tax.state.wv.us.

More personal income tax tips from the West Virginia State Tax Department can be found at www.wvtax.gov.