Is there a statue of limitation on VA state taxes. Request today for 1990, who keeps records this long?

Question

Letter came from a collection agency from CA. We don't have any idea where our records could be from 1990 thought we only had to keep for 7 yrs. Even bank mirco only goes back 10 yrs. First we have heard that our taxes were not considered right. Collection agency says amount is substantial. We know that taxes were deducded by employer and that we filed each year. Don't know what we are getting into by calling this collection agency. Are fearful (as are most people) about calling the state of VA dept. of taxation without having records that go back 16 years.

Answer 1

Federal requirement unless changed in the last year was 5 years of tax returns the norm is 10 years but hell my dad has kept his returns for the past 30 yrs

on top of that if they plan on taking you to court they will have to show proof of what you owe, before it goes that far dont give them any information about yourself bank account numbers SSI numbers and the such. ask for proof of what they claim if they cant provide it to you then tell them to take you to court.

oh and if you are able to get your conversation on tape. and besure to tell them that the conversation is being recored cause if you dont you will be unable to use it in court as evidence

Answer 2

First, call the collection agency and have them mail you the source of their claim. This could be some old tax lein that you paid off and someone didn't clear it from the records.

Second, get a copy of your credit report. If you have an active lien against you, it will be on the credit report.

Third, call the VA deptartment of taxation to verify if this is a legitimate claim.

I'm guessing that this claim is bogus. If it is, send the collection agency a letter telling them to stop all contact with you. If they continue to contact you after that, start by reporting them to the Federal Trade Commission and the Virginia State Attorney.

Answer 3

The VA department of taxation FAQ states you should keep tax records for 3 years. A collection agency authorized by the VA Dept. of tax. would not have to ask you for records. They would have received any records they need from VA. I suspect a scam. Contact the VA Dept. of Tax. directly.

How long am I required to keep my state tax returns?
You should keep your tax records for at least three years from the due date of the return or the date the return was filed, whichever is later. If the Internal Revenue Service requires you to keep your federal records for a longer period, keep your state records for the same period of time. Top

Answer 4

First, call the state and ask if they use collection agencies. I think I smell a scam if they did not approach you with a billing of the actual amount and your taxpayer ID, SSN, or something. Consumer debt is one thing, but taxes? I would be highly suspicious. Do not--I repeat DO NOT--give tham ANY personal information of ANY kind until you determine the validity of the claim.