Knowing which taxes to file and when they are due is essential for avoiding penalties and interest. For individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations in Ashburn and across Northern Virginia, the 2026 tax filing season includes several important deadlines. Individual Taxes to File (Form 1040) For most individual taxpayers, the deadline to file a 2025 federal tax return is April 15, 2026. Virginia’s individual income tax deadline is May 1, 2026—a unique two-week buffer after the federal deadline . Extension to File – Virginia allows an automatic 6-month extension to file your return (November 1 for most people), with no application required . However, an extension to file is not an extension to pay. Any taxes owed must be paid by May 1, 2026, regardless of whether you take the filing extension. Estimated Tax Payments – If you are self-employed, receive significant investment income, or have taxes not fully withheld from your paycheck, you likely need to make quarterly estimated tax payments. Business Taxes to File Partnerships (Form 1065) – Due by March 15, with extension to September 15. S-Corporations (Form 1120-S) – Due by March 15, with extension to September 15. C-Corporations (Form 1120) – Due by April 15, with extension to October 15. Payroll Taxes (Form 941) – Quarterly filings are due April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31. Sales Tax – Virginia has implemented changes to sales tax filing. Starting with April 2025 returns, the ST-1 consolidated form replaced the ST-8 and ST-9 file layouts . Businesses can use Web Upload for multiple sales tax types, including ST-6 and ST-7 . Virginia encourages businesses to download and use the new ST-1 file layout to avoid problems when the old layout is no longer available . Nonprofit Taxes to File (Form 990) Tax-exempt organizations must file Form 990 annually. For calendar-year organizations, the deadline is May 15, with a six-month extension to November 15. The IRS Stay Exempt program provides resources for exempt organizations . The IRS notes that the terms “nonprofit,” “not-for-profit,” and “nonstock” describe how an organization incorporates under state law, while “tax exempt” refers to the status granted by the IRS to qualifying organizations . Which Form Does Your Organization File? Form 990-N (e-Postcard) – Gross receipts under $50,000 Form 990-EZ – Gross receipts under $200,000 AND total assets under $500,000 Form 990 (long form) – Gross receipts over $200,000 OR total assets over $500,000 Form 990-PF – Private foundations (any revenue level) Maintaining Tax-Exempt Status Organizations must comply with normal annual return filing requirements, including Form 990-N, unless they are otherwise not required to file a return . Failure to file for three consecutive years results in automatic revocation of tax-exempt status. Four main activities can jeopardize a 501(c)(3)’s tax-exempt status: activity that results in private benefit or inurement; lobbying activity that constitutes a substantial part of overall activities; political campaign activity; and unrelated business activity that is substantial when compared with exempt-function activities . Virginia Tax Filing Addresses For paper filings, the Virginia Department of Taxation provides specific mailing addresses: Tax Payments: P.O. Box 760, Richmond, VA 23218-0760 Tax Refunds: P.O. Box 1498, Richmond, VA 23218-1498 Estimated Payments: P.O. Box 1478, Richmond, VA 23218-1478 At Nova Tax & Accounting Services , our expert tax solutions team helps clients file all required returns accurately and on time. Schedule your free consultation to ensure you meet every deadline.
A CPA firm is a professional practice staffed by Certified Public Accountants who provide tax, audit, accounting, and advisory services. Unlike solo practitioners or uncredentialed tax preparers, CPA firms offer the depth of expertise, quality control, and professional oversight that comes with state licensure and regulatory compliance. What CPA Firms Do Tax Services – CPA firms prepare federal, state, and local tax returns for individuals, businesses, estates, trusts, and nonprofit organizations. They also provide year-round tax planning, estimated tax calculations, and IRS representation. Audit and Assurance – CPA firms conduct independent financial statement audits, reviews, and compilations. These services provide assurance to lenders, grantors, investors, and regulatory bodies that financial statements are accurate and reliable. Accounting and Bookkeeping – Many CPA firms offer day-to-day accounting and bookkeeping services including transaction recording, bank reconciliations, payroll processing, and financial statement preparation. Nonprofit Services – CPA firms help tax-exempt organizations with Form 990 preparation and compliance. IRS Resources for CPA Firms The IRS.gov website is the official source for federal tax information . All IRS.gov web page addresses begin with http://www.irs.gov . Taxpayers should be cautious of commercial sites that resemble the authentic IRS site but end with .com, .net, or .org instead of .gov . The IRS provides various online tools for individual taxpayers, businesses, and tax professionals through its “Tools” web page . The “Where’s My Refund?” tool allows taxpayers to check refund dates . Virginia Tax Filing for CPA Firms The Virginia Department of Taxation offers a Web Upload system that provides a fast, convenient, and secure method of filing returns and payments electronically . Features include availability 24/7, submission of one or thousands of returns in a single file, instant validation and feedback, and confirmation emails for all submitted files . Choosing a CPA Firm Verify Licensure – Confirm that the firm’s CPAs hold active Virginia licenses through the Virginia Board of Accountancy . Review Specialization – Some firms specialize in particular industries or service areas. Ask about experience relevant to your situation. Assess Size and Resources – Larger firms may offer more specialized expertise and resources; smaller firms may offer more personalized attention and lower rates. Understand Fee Structure – CPA firms may charge hourly rates, flat fees, or retainer arrangements. Request a clear estimate before engaging services. CPA Firms in Ashburn, Virginia Ashburn’s economy—dominated by data centers, technology firms, government contractors, and professional services—creates demand for CPA firms with specialized industry knowledge. Local firms understand Virginia’s tax structure, the BPOL tax requirements, and the unique challenges facing businesses in Loudoun County. At Nova Tax & Accounting Services , we are a licensed CPA firm serving Ashburn and the greater Washington DC metro area. Our audit and assurance services and expert tax solutions are delivered by licensed CPAs committed to professional excellence. Schedule your free consultation today.
When it comes to CPA and taxes, the credential matters. Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are the only tax professionals licensed by state boards of accountancy, having passed the rigorous Uniform CPA Examination and met strict education and experience requirements. For taxpayers in Ashburn, Loudoun County, and across Northern Virginia, working with a CPA offers distinct advantages over other tax preparers. What Makes a CPA Different Licensing and Regulation – The Virginia Board of Accountancy licenses CPAs in Virginia. CPAs must complete continuing professional education annually to maintain their licenses, ensuring they stay current with changing tax laws. Unlimited Representation Rights – Unlike many tax preparers, CPAs can represent clients before the IRS on any matter, including audits, appeals, and collections. This representation right is critical when disputes arise. Ethical Standards – CPAs are bound by professional ethical standards enforced by state boards. Clients have recourse if a CPA violates these standards. The IRS Organization and CPA Role The IRS is led by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue and supported by Deputy Commissioners for Operations Support and Services and Enforcement . To carry out its mission, the IRS relies on accountants, appeals officers, attorneys, internal revenue agents and officers, tax compliance officers, tax examiners, tax law specialists, and other professionals . CPAs often work alongside these IRS professionals in tax matters. CPA Services Beyond Tax Preparation While many taxpayers associate CPAs primarily with tax filing, CPAs offer a much broader range of services: Tax Planning – CPAs help clients develop year-round strategies to minimize tax liabilities, including retirement contributions, investment timing, and business structure decisions. Audit and Assurance – For businesses and nonprofits, CPAs conduct independent financial statement audits, reviews, and compilations that satisfy lender, grantor, and regulatory requirements. Business Advisory – CPAs advise on entity selection (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp), succession planning, mergers and acquisitions, and financial forecasting. IRS Representation – When the IRS audits a return or proposes adjustments, a CPA can handle all communications and negotiations on the client’s behalf. Virginia Tax Filing Requirements for CPAs The Virginia Department of Taxation processes individual income tax returns with a typical due date of May 1 . For fiscal year filers, returns are due the 15th day of the 4th month after the close of your fiscal year . Virginia offers electronic filing options, including the Web Upload system for businesses filing sales and use tax, withholding tax, and Forms W-2, 1099-R, 1099-MISC, and VK-1 . When to Hire a CPA Consider engaging a CPA when: You own a business, even if it is a side business You have rental properties or other passive income You receive significant investment income or have complex capital gains You are planning a major transaction such as selling a business or real estate You have received an IRS notice or been selected for audit You need to file back taxes or negotiate a payment plan CPA and Taxes in Ashburn, Virginia Ashburn’s diverse economy—including technology firms, government contractors, data centers, and professional services—creates complex tax situations that benefit from CPA expertise. Local CPAs understand Virginia’s specific tax rules, including the BPOL tax, business tangible property tax, and the unique May 1 filing deadline. At Nova Tax & Accounting Services , our expert tax solutions team includes licensed CPAs dedicated to serving Ashburn and the greater Washington DC metro area. Schedule your free consultation to experience the difference a CPA can make.