How it works:
Virginia tax rates increase with income: 2% up to $3,000; 3% from $3,000 to $5,000; 5% from $5,000 to $17,000; and 5.75% for income over $17,000. Both incomes reported on jointly filed returns benefit from the lower tax rates if the STA is used.
Married couples filing jointly on Form 760 may reduce their tax by up to $259 with the STA if each spouse received income during the taxable year.
Joint taxable income must be over $3,000 and both parties must have taxable income to benefit from this adjustment.
Two-income couples filing a joint return will not pay more tax than the combined tax that would be due if separate returns were filed.
Example:
A couple has combined Virginia taxable income of $47,000. One spouse's taxable income is $35,000 and the other spouse's taxable income is $12,000. Without the STA, their Virginia tax is $2,445. With the STA, both spouses benefit from the lower tax rates. Using the STA Calculator, the couple computes the STA of $220, reducing their taxes to $2,225.