Statute Of Limitations State Taxes

[Debbron]

My question involves business law in the state of: Virginia. I have a friend who had a business in Va. that was incorporated. He left VA around 1997 after he lost his business. He is now getting letters from a collection agency (not from the state of VA but it does say to make the check payable to VA)stating he owes state taxes in the thousands of dollars for the tax year 1996. Since the law states you don't have to keep corporation records past 7 years all his records are gone. Do you think this is legit or is it just an attempt to get money? Any suggestions on what to do? Is there a statute of limitations in VA?

[LawResearcherMissy]

Do you think this is legit or is it just an attempt to get money?

If they're saying to make the check payable to the State of Virginia, why would you think it a scam?

It's legit.

Any suggestions on what to do?

Your friend needs to get hold of the tax returns for the years in question. He should be able to get these from the state if he no longer has any of the records.

He also needs to get a tax lawyer. If he's got a honking huge tax bill, he'll want someone who can help him negotiate a waiver of the interest and penalties.

Is there a statute of limitations in VA?

Taxes never go away.