Filing your Vermont state tax return for the 2014 tax year may feel overwhelming, especially if you handle your taxes without professional guidance. Many taxpayers are unsure whether they qualify to file, which forms are required, or how to avoid penalties. This guide is designed to walk you through the process so you can confidently submit a complete income tax return and stay on track during tax season.

Whether you are a full-year resident, part-year resident, or a nonresident who earned income in Vermont, you must review your tax situation carefully to determine if you must file. Most people start by checking their federal tax return, since filing at the federal level often means you are also required to file a state return. If you owe money, need to claim deductions such as mortgage interest, or expect a refund, this guide will show you how to file your taxes correctly and on time.

This resource is written for individuals who want practical tax advice without unnecessary jargon. It explains how to gather forms, decide between e-file or paper submission, and understand the details of payments, refunds, and deadlines. You will also learn about options like direct deposit through your bank or financial institution, how to request a payment plan if you cannot pay in full, and where to get refund information. With clear steps and examples, you can avoid mistakes, protect your funds, and work toward your max refund while reducing the hassle of filing.

Who Must File a Vermont State Tax Return in 2014

Not every taxpayer is required to file a Vermont state tax return for the 2014 tax year. Filing depends on residency status, income level, and whether you submitted a federal tax return. If you are uncertain about your tax situation, reviewing the basic requirements can help you decide if you need to file your taxes.

General Filing Requirement

You must file a 2014 Vermont income tax return if both conditions apply:

  1. You were required to file a federal tax return for 2014.

  2. You meet the Vermont income thresholds for your residency category.

Residency Categories and Income Thresholds

Full-Year or Part-Year Residents

  • Income Threshold:
    You must file if you had $100 or more in Vermont income.
  • Filing Requirement:
    Must file

Nonresidents

  • Income Threshold:
    You must file if you had $1,000 or more in gross Vermont income from Vermont sources.
  • Filing Requirement:
    Must file

Additional Considerations

  • Part-year residents must file if they earned at least $100 in Vermont income while living there.

  • Gig workers and independent contractors are subject to the same thresholds as employees, since all taxable income counts toward filing requirements.

  • Even if you do not owe money, filing may allow you to claim credits, request a refund, or correct a mistake with an amended return.

  • Taxpayers who receive a notice from the Vermont Department of Taxes should review their account and submit a return if requested.

Key Changes in Vermont Tax Filing for 2014

The Vermont Department of Taxes made several changes in 2014 to simplify tax filing and encourage taxpayers to use online resources. These updates reduced the size of the printed booklet and gave taxpayers more flexibility in completing their income tax returns.

  • Several forms were no longer included in the printed booklet but were made available online only. These included IN-117 (Credit for Income Tax Paid to Other State), IN-119 (Economic Incentive Income Tax Credits), and IN-153 (Capital Gains Exclusion). Taxpayers who needed these schedules had to download them directly from the department’s website.

  • All Vermont tax forms were released as fillable PDFs in 2014, which allowed taxpayers to complete their returns electronically before printing or e-filing. This change helped reduce errors and made the process more accessible for those with internet access.

  • The printed tax booklet was shortened to focus on the most commonly used forms and instructions. This made it easier for taxpayers to find what they needed without sorting through forms that applied to only a small group of filers.

Vermont Tax Forms You’ll Need

Before you file your Vermont state tax return for the 2014 tax year, it is important to gather all required forms. The main form applies to nearly every taxpayer, but several supporting schedules may be necessary depending on your tax situation.

Primary Form

  • Form IN-111 is the Vermont Income Tax Return, which serves as the main filing document for residents, part-year residents, and nonresidents. Most taxpayers will complete this form to report income, claim deductions, and determine their Vermont tax liability.

Supporting Forms You May Need

  • Form IN-112 is used to report Vermont tax adjustments and credits, which may reduce the amount of tax you owe.

  • Form IN-113 applies to nonresidents and part-year residents who must adjust income earned inside and outside Vermont.

  • Form IN-117 provides a credit for income tax paid to another state or Canadian province. Beginning in 2014, this form was only available online.

  • Form IN-119 covers Economic Incentive Income Tax Credits and was available only online in 2014.

  • Form IN-153 applies if you qualify for the Capital Gains Exclusion. Like IN-117 and IN-119, it was moved to an online-only format.

  • Form IN-154 calculates the state or local income tax addback if your deductions exceed certain limits.

  • Form PR-141 allows eligible renters to claim the renter rebate.

  • Form HS-122 is the Homestead Declaration and Property Tax Adjustment Claim, required for many Vermont homeowners.

  • Form HI-144 reports household income and is often used with the homestead declaration or other credits.

Where to Get Forms

All Vermont tax forms for 2014 are available as fillable PDFs at the Vermont Department of Taxes website. Taxpayers can complete them online, save copies for their records, and then e-file or mail the return. Accessing forms online is free, ensuring you are working with the most current versions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Form IN-111

Form IN-111 is the central document for filing your Vermont state income tax return. It is organized into ten sections, each focusing on a specific part of the filing process. The following breakdown explains what each section requires and how it applies to your tax situation.

Section 1: Taxpayer Information

This section collects your basic information, including your name, Social Security Number, and address. If you file jointly, you must include details of your spouse or civil union partner. Vermont residents must enter their school district code, while nonresidents should enter “999.”

Section 2: Filing Status Rules

In most cases, your Vermont filing status must match the filing status you used on your federal tax return. However, exceptions apply to taxpayers in civil unions and certain residents married to nonresidents with no Vermont income.

Section 3: Calculating Vermont Taxable Income

This section determines your taxable income for Vermont purposes. You will enter your exemptions, federal adjusted gross income, and federal taxable income. You will then add back certain types of income, such as non-Vermont state obligation interest or state and local income tax deductions over $5,000. Next, you will subtract allowable deductions, including mortgage interest, U.S. government bond interest, and the Vermont capital gains exclusion. The final result is your Vermont taxable income.

Section 4: Vermont Income Tax Calculation

Once your taxable income is established, you will calculate your Vermont tax. You must use the Vermont Tax Tables if your taxable income is less than $75,000. If your taxable income is $75,000 or more, you must use the Vermont Tax Rate Schedules. You will then add any additional taxes and subtract eligible credits to determine your adjusted Vermont income tax.

Section 5: Credits and Use Tax

This section allows you to reduce your tax liability with available credits and requires you to report use tax. Taxpayers who paid income tax to another state must use Schedule IN-117 to claim a credit. Other credits are reported on Schedules IN-112 or IN-119. In addition, Vermont requires taxpayers to report use tax on out-of-state or online purchases if no sales tax was collected. The standard rate is 6 percent, and the department provides a table to estimate use tax based on income.

Section 6: Voluntary Contributions

You may direct part of your refund or add an amount to your payment to support specific Vermont programs. Options include contributions to the Vermont Nongame Wildlife Fund, the Vermont Children’s Trust Fund, the Vermont Veterans Fund, and Green Up Vermont.

Section 7: Payments and Credits

This section requires you to report Vermont income tax withheld by your employer, estimated payments made during the tax year, and any additional credits, such as the Vermont Earned Income Tax Credit or renter rebate amounts.

Section 8: Refunds

You will be eligible for a refund if your total payments and credits exceed your tax liability. You can request direct deposit into your bank checking or savings account at a financial institution. Direct deposit provides faster access to funds and is generally more secure than receiving a paper check.

Section 9: Amount You Owe

You must pay the remaining balance if your tax liability exceeds your total payments and credits. You may also need to include penalties or interest if you underpaid during the year.

Section 10: Signatures and Final Checks

The last section requires signatures from all filers. If you are filing jointly, both spouses must sign. Paid preparers must sign and include their PTIN or SSN. Before you submit your return, review all forms and schedules carefully to ensure they are complete. Doing so helps you avoid mistakes, delays, or notices from the Vermont Department of Taxes.

Filing Your Vermont State Tax Return

Once you have completed Form IN-111 and any required schedules, the next step is to decide how to file. Vermont allows both electronic and paper filing, and your option can affect how quickly your return is processed.

  • Filing electronically, also known as e-filing, is the fastest and most reliable option. When you e-file, you receive confirmation that your return has been submitted successfully, and you can track your refund online. Some taxpayers may qualify for Free File programs, which allow them to file at no cost using approved tax software.

  • Filing by mail is still an option if you prefer paper forms. If you are due a refund or have no tax, you must mail your return to: Vermont Department of Taxes, PO Box 1881, Montpelier, VT 05601-1881. If you owe a balance, you must mail your return and payment to: Vermont Department of Taxes, PO Box 1779, Montpelier, VT 05601-1779. Be sure to include your check or money order with the return.

Whichever method you choose, it is important to double-check that your return is complete, signed, and includes all required forms. Incomplete or unsigned returns can result in delays or notices from the Department.

Vermont Tax Deadlines, Extensions, and Penalties

Every Vermont taxpayer must pay attention to deadlines to avoid penalties and interest. Filing on time is the best way to protect yourself from additional costs.

  • The filing deadline for the 2014 tax year was April 15, 2015. Returns mailed through the U.S. Postal Service were considered on time if postmarked by the due date.

  • If you need more time to file, you can request an extension by submitting Form IN-151 by April 15. An extension gave you until October 15, 2015, to file your tax return. However, the extension applied only to filing paperwork. You must still pay your taxes by April 15 to avoid interest and penalties.

  • If you did not file by the due date, Vermont allowed a 60-day grace period without a late filing penalty. Returns filed more than 60 days late were subject to a $50 penalty, even if you were due a refund. In addition, unpaid balances accrued interest until they were paid in full.

By submitting your return and making timely payments, you can avoid penalties, interest, and additional notices that could complicate your tax situation.

How to Pay Your Vermont Taxes

If you owe money when filing your Vermont income tax return, the Department of Taxes provides several convenient payment methods. Choosing the right option depends on your account preferences and whether you are filing online or by mail.

  • Taxpayers can make payments online using the Vermont VTPay system. This service allows payments by credit card, debit card, or ACH bank withdrawal. Credit and debit card payments include a 3 percent service fee, while ACH payments do not.

  • If you prefer traditional methods, you may send a check or money order payable to the Vermont Department of Taxes. When mailed, the payment should be attached to the lower left side of your return. Always include your Social Security Number and the tax year on the check to ensure it is applied correctly.

  • If you cannot pay your full balance, Vermont allows you to request a payment plan. To qualify, you must file your taxes on time and pay as much as possible with your return. You then must write separately to the department to request a plan. Depending on your financial situation, the department may ask for additional documents before approving your request. Without an approved plan, collection actions such as wage garnishment, liens, or license suspension may apply.

Paying your taxes on time or planning helps avoid penalties, interest, and complications in future tax seasons.

How to Track Your Refund or Balance Due

After you file your Vermont state tax return, you may want to know when to expect your refund or confirm the status of a balance due. The Vermont Department of Taxes provides both online and phone options for taxpayers.

  • You can check your refund information online using the “Check Return or Refund Status” tool at www.tax.vermont.gov. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and provides the most up-to-date details.

  • You can also contact the department by phone. Calls can be made toll-free within Vermont at 866-828-2865 or locally at 802-828-2865. Select option one and have your Social Security Number and tax year available when calling.

  • Processing times vary depending on how you file. E-filed returns are generally processed faster, and refunds are issued more quickly, especially if you choose direct deposit. Paper returns may take longer, particularly if they are incomplete or missing documentation.

By checking online or calling, taxpayers can estimate when to expect their refund or determine whether they still owe money for the 2014 tax year.

Final Filing Checklist for Vermont Taxpayers

Reviewing a checklist before submitting your 2014 Vermont income tax return is helpful to ensure everything is complete. Missing information can cause delays or trigger a notice from the Department of Taxes.

  • Confirm that your return is signed and dated by all required parties. If you are filing jointly, both spouses must sign.

  • Attach all W-2s, 1099s, and other income forms provided by your employer or financial institution. These documents must be reviewed and included to validate your income reporting.

  • Verify that you used the correct mailing address, depending on whether you expect a refund or have a balance due.

  • Provide bank details for direct deposit if you want your refund sent directly to your checking or savings account. This option helps you access funds more quickly.

  • If you owe money and are mailing your return, attach a check or money order. Make sure your payment clearly lists your account details and tax year.

  • Review all schedules, deductions, and credits to ensure they are complete and accurate. This step helps avoid mistakes affecting your refund or increasing your owed amount.

  • Keep copies of your return and supporting forms for your personal records. You may need them in future tax seasons or if the IRS or state authorities contact you.

Following this checklist can reduce hassle, prevent delays, and give you confidence that your return is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file a Vermont tax return for 2014 if I am a resident?

To file your Vermont state tax return for 2014, you must complete Form IN-111 and any required schedules. Most taxpayers start by reviewing their federal tax return to determine eligibility. You can e-file using approved tax software or mail a paper return to the Department of Taxes. Filing online is faster, provides refund information quickly, and allows direct deposit into your bank account for maximum refund.

Do gig workers need to file a Vermont income tax return?

Yes, gig workers must file if they earned at least $100 in Vermont income as a resident or $1,000 as a nonresident. These income thresholds apply even if no employer provided a W-2. Taxpayers should review their tax situation carefully, submit all required forms, and claim deductions such as mortgage interest when eligible. Filing ensures income tax payments are complete and helps avoid penalties or future notices from the department.

What if I made a mistake and need to file an amended return?

If you discover a mistake on your Vermont income tax return, you must submit an amended return using Form IN-111. Check the “Amended Return” box in Section 1 and include all corrected forms and schedules. Vermont requires this process within 60 days of any change to your federal tax return. Filing promptly helps determine accurate payments, protects your account, and prevents additional penalties or delays in future tax years.

How can I pay my Vermont taxes if I owe money?

If you owe money when you file your taxes, you can pay online through the Vermont VTPay system or mail a check or money order with your return. Online payments allow you to use a credit card, debit card, or ACH bank withdrawal. You may contact the department to request a payment plan if you cannot pay in full. Submitting timely payments helps avoid penalties, interest, and unnecessary hassle with your account.

Will my Vermont refund be reduced to cover other debts?

Yes, refunds can be reduced if you owe debts such as IRS taxes, overdue child support, or student loans. When this happens, you will receive a notice explaining the details. To receive any remaining funds quickly, request direct deposit into your checking or savings account at a financial institution. Direct deposit ensures your money is secure, offers faster access compared to paper checks by mail, and provides added convenience during tax season.

Where can I get tax advice or expert help?

Taxpayers can seek expert help from a licensed tax professional, use reviewed tax software, or contact the Vermont Department of Taxes for guidance. Tax experts can advise, explain deductions like mortgage interest, and help you claim eligible credits. Using software with unlimited access to forms can simplify the process, reduce mistakes, and help you file your taxes on time. Professional support can also determine the best options for your personal tax situation.

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