The Virginia Quarterly Wage Report Form VEC FC-20/21 is the Employer’s Quarterly Tax and Payroll Report used to document wages and calculate unemployment insurance tax. Virginia employers must file it each quarter with the Virginia Employment Commission, or VEC.
The filing combines payroll details and tax reporting into two related forms: FC-21 for wages paid to employees and FC-20 for the unemployment tax calculation. Understanding both parts, the due dates, and the filing methods can help employers avoid penalties and stay compliant.
What The Virginia Quarterly Wage Report Form VEC FC-20/21 Is
The Virginia Quarterly Wage Report Form VEC FC-20/21 is the state’s standard quarterly filing for unemployment insurance reporting. It gives the VEC the wage information needed to maintain employer accounts and determine tax liability.
This report is required even if a business had limited activity during the quarter, unless the VEC specifically says otherwise. Employers should treat it as a core compliance task, not an optional administrative step.
Understanding Form VEC FC-21 in The Virginia Quarterly Wage Report
Form VEC FC-21 is the payroll portion of the quarterly report. It lists the wages paid to each employee during the reporting period and provides the wage detail the VEC uses to verify totals.
This form typically asks for the employer name, address, VEC account number, and quarter-ending date. It also requires each employee’s Social Security Number, first and last name, and total wages paid during the quarter.
What FC-21 Records for Virginia Employers
FC-21 is where employers report individual wage data. That employee-level reporting is what allows the VEC to match payroll totals against the tax report.
Accuracy matters here because errors can create mismatches that slow processing or trigger follow-up from the agency.
Understanding Form VEC FC-20 in The Virginia Quarterly Wage Report
Form VEC FC-20 is the tax portion of the filing. It summarizes total wages and calculates the unemployment insurance tax due for the quarter.
The FC-20 is generally pre-populated with employer information from the FC-21, but it also requires the FEIN and tax rate. It then calculates total wages, excess wages, wages subject to tax, tax due, interest, penalty, and the total amount due.
How FC-20 Calculates Virginia Unemployment Tax
The FC-20 uses wage totals and the employer’s assigned tax rate to determine the amount owed. It also accounts for excess wages, which are wages over $8,000 per employee per year.
Because the tax calculation depends on the numbers reported, employers should confirm that the payroll data and tax rate are correct before filing.
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Virginia Quarterly Wage Report Filing Deadlines for VEC FC-20/21
Virginia requires quarterly reports to be filed by the last day of the month after the quarter ends. Missing the deadline can quickly lead to penalties and interest, so employers should build the dates into their payroll calendar.
The due dates are straightforward, but they come quickly after each quarter closes.
- First Quarter (January, February, March): Due April 30
- Second Quarter (April, May, June): Due July 31
- Third Quarter (July, August, September): Due October 31
- Fourth Quarter (October, November, December): Due January 31
Virginia Quarterly Wage Report Penalties for Late VEC FC-20/21 Filings
Late filing or late payment can be expensive. Virginia imposes a $100 penalty for late submissions, and that penalty applies to all employers, including state and political subdivisions.
Interest is also charged on late payments at 1.5% per month, which equals an 18% annual rate. That makes timely filing important not just for compliance, but also for cost control.
How To File The Virginia Quarterly Wage Report VEC FC-20/21
Employers can file electronically through the VEC’s online systems, which are available 24/7. Electronic filing is the most efficient option for most businesses because it reduces manual handling and speeds up submission.
The VEC offers different systems based on employer size.
VEC eForms for Smaller Virginia Employers
The eForms system is suited for small or household employers with 0 to 25 employees. It provides an accessible way to submit quarterly reports without a more complex payroll platform.
For simple filing needs, eForms can be the most practical choice.
Business iFile for Medium-Sized Virginia Employers
Business iFile is designed for medium-sized businesses with 0 to 99 employees. It includes additional features such as real-time account status and agency communications.
Those enhanced features can help employers keep better track of their account and respond more quickly to VEC notices.
What To Review Before Submitting The Virginia Quarterly Wage Report
Before filing, employers should confirm that the payroll report and tax report agree. Small errors in names, Social Security Numbers, wage totals, or quarter-end dates can create avoidable problems.
A careful review also helps ensure the correct FEIN and tax rate are being used on FC-20. Since FC-20 pulls in information from FC-21, one mistake can affect the entire submission.
Common Items Virginia Employers Should Check
It helps to verify the following before filing:
- Employer name and address
- VEC account number
- Quarter ending date
- Employee names and Social Security Numbers
- Total wages paid during the quarter
- FEIN and tax rate
- Any excess wage calculations
How To Correct Errors on The Virginia Quarterly Wage Report
If an employer discovers that wages were reported incorrectly, the correction should be made through the Employer Combined Amended Quarterly Tax and Wage Report, Form FC-34. This form is used to adjust wages reported on the original filing or on a prior amended report.
Using the correct amendment form is important because it helps preserve the accuracy of the employer’s unemployment tax history. It also reduces confusion if the VEC compares prior and current filings.
Other Virginia Quarterly Wage Report Forms and Resources
In addition to FC-20/21, the VEC provides other forms that can help employers manage their accounts. These can be useful when a company is updating information, checking liability, or making a standalone tax payment.
Knowing which form to use can save time and help employers avoid submitting the wrong paperwork.
- Form FC-20C, the Employer Account Change Notice, for updates to employer account information
- Form T-FC-27, the Report to Determine Liability, to determine whether an employer is subject to unemployment tax
- Payment Coupon, for sending tax payments without a report
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Why The Virginia Quarterly Wage Report Matters for Employers
The quarterly wage report is more than a bookkeeping task. It supports Virginia’s unemployment insurance system and helps keep employer accounts in good standing.
For businesses, consistent filing also creates cleaner payroll records and fewer surprises if the VEC requests documentation later. That makes the process valuable for both compliance and internal recordkeeping.
Official Resources for The Virginia Quarterly Wage Report Form VEC FC-20/21
If you need the latest instructions or related forms, the VEC’s official website is the best place to start. These resources can help you file accurately, amend past reports, or update your employer account.
- Virginia Employment Commission Forms and Publications
- Filing Unemployment Taxes
- Quarterly Payroll and Tax Report Instructions
- Employer Combined Amended Quarterly Tax and Wage Report
- Employer Account Change Notice
Final Thoughts on The Virginia Quarterly Wage Report FC-20/21
The Virginia Quarterly Wage Report Form VEC FC-20/21 is a required quarterly filing for most employers and plays a major role in unemployment tax compliance. FC-21 reports employee wages, while FC-20 calculates the tax due.
By filing on time, reviewing the details carefully, and using the correct amendment forms when needed, employers can avoid penalties and keep their accounts in good standing with the VEC.
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