Do Seniors Pay Taxes in VA? Your Guide to Property Tax Breaks

If you're over 65 in Virginia and own your own place, you might be wondering: Do you really have to pay all those property taxes? As it turns out, the answer isn't a flat yes or no—it depends on a bunch of factors, mostly your income and the value of your assets. Some Virginia counties and cities actually cut seniors a pretty good deal on real estate taxes, sometimes wiping them out completely for the folks who really need it.

You don't just get a pass just for turning 65, though. These property tax breaks have rules, and every city or county sets their own. That means what works for someone in Fairfax might not fly in Richmond. But the good news? There are plenty of spots across the state that want to help seniors hang onto their homes. If you meet certain requirements, you could slash your property tax bill—or erase it altogether.

Still, these reliefs aren't handed out automatically. You’ve got to know where to look, and you have to apply—usually every year. The process can be a headache, but it’s a lot easier if you know what’s expected and what documents you’re going to need. There’s a good chance you could keep more cash in your pocket, instead of watching it go down the tax drain.

• How Property Taxes Work for Seniors in VA
• Who Gets the Tax Breaks?
• What Are the Limits and Rules?
• How to Apply and Save More

How Property Taxes Work for Seniors in VA

So, here’s how it plays out if you’re a senior and a homeowner in Virginia. Every city or county has its own rules, but the basics stay the same: you owe property taxes based on your home’s assessed value. The tax rate is set locally—not by the state—so what you pay can be wildly different depending on where you live. For example, in 2025, Fairfax County charges $1.095 for every $100 of your home’s assessed value, while Roanoke’s rate is a lot lower at $1.06 per $100. That might not seem like much, but it can add up fast if your home is worth a few hundred thousand dollars.

Here’s where it gets interesting for seniors. Lots of places in VA offer property tax relief programs for those over 65 or who are totally and permanently disabled. These aren’t guaranteed—you have to qualify usually based on your income and your finances. The most common perks include:

• Full or partial exemption from paying real estate taxes
• Property tax deferral (meaning, you pay later, not now)
• Tax rate reductions or credits

But not every county or city is as generous. Programs and limits change a lot. For example, the maximum income allowed for senior tax relief in Arlington County is $62,000 a year, with asset limits of $440,000 (excluding the value of your home). In Richmond, that income limit is a bit lower—around $60,000. Some places let you keep even more in assets before they cut off benefits.

To give you a quick snapshot, here’s how property taxes and common senior relief rules compare in a few Virginia localities:

With all these differences, you can see why it pays to check your local government’s property tax relief page or call the local commissioner of revenue. If you think you fit, you could seriously cut your property tax bill and keep more of your retirement money for the things that matter—like fixing the house or treating yourself at your favorite diner.

Who Gets the Tax Breaks?

Virginia doesn’t just give seniors an automatic property tax break. To qualify, there are a few big requirements you’ve got to meet. In most places, you need to be at least 65 years old—or if you're fully disabled, you might also qualify. But age is just the starter; what really matters is how much money you’re bringing in and what your home and assets are worth.

Each county or city sets its own cut-off for income and net worth. For example, in Fairfax County, you typically need a gross household income below $90,000 and assets (not counting your house) under $400,000 to get the biggest break. In Richmond or Virginia Beach, those numbers are different. It pays to check with your local government about their specific rules.

• You must own and live in the property as your main home.
• You have to meet local age or disability rules (usually 65+ or totally disabled).
• There's a max income limit—sometimes as high as $100,000, sometimes lower.
• Asset or “net worth” limits usually don’t include your house or one car.

Here’s a quick look at how a few spots in Virginia set their property tax relief rules for seniors:

If you’re living with family members, their income usually has to be counted too—most places look at your whole household. If you’re right on the edge, some counties offer partial exemption or just freeze your taxes where they are so they don’t keep climbing every year.

The bottom line: check out your local treasurer’s or commissioner’s office website (they’re usually the ones running these programs) and see what you might qualify for. And don’t be shy about asking questions—sometimes a simple call means you find out about a special break you didn’t even know existed.

What Are the Limits and Rules?

So what’s the catch with property tax relief for seniors in Virginia? The bottom line is, there are strict limits on who actually qualifies. You won’t get a break just by being a certain age. Most places set rules about your income, assets, and sometimes even who lives with you.

Let’s look at how it usually shakes out. Most counties and cities require you to be at least 65 years old or totally and permanently disabled. Then, they check what you make and what you own. There isn’t one number for all of Virginia—it’s set by each locality—but here’s what you can generally expect:

• Income limits for seniors usually fall between $50,000 and $75,000 a year (before taxes), but some counties go higher or lower. They might ask about everyone’s income who lives in the house, not just yours.
• Asset limits (not counting the house and maybe one car) also come into play. Common thresholds are $200,000 to $400,000 in assets, but again, it depends on where you live.
• You almost always have to use the property as your main home. Vacation homes or rentals don’t count for these deals.

If you fall under those limits, you could get different types of breaks. Some places offer a full exemption (that means zero property taxes), while others might just freeze your tax rate or knock off a percentage. And yes, you’ll have to reapply every year—usually with bank statements, tax returns, and proof of age or disability.

A quick tip: some counties give partial relief to people who just barely miss the income cutoff. For example, if your income is just a bit over, you might get a 25% reduction instead of the full thing. The key here is always double-checking your specific city or county’s requirements and using their program if you’re even close to qualifying, because every little bit helps.

How to Apply and Save More

Getting a break on your property tax bill in Virginia isn’t automatic—you need to fill out some forms and show you meet the requirements every year. The application is handled by your local city or county's tax office. Most offices require their own forms, so you'll want to grab the right paperwork from your local government website or office.

Here's a step-by-step look at how to apply:

1. Check Your Eligibility: Double-check age limits (generally 65+), income caps, and asset rules for your area. For instance, Fairfax County set the income limit at $90,000 and the net worth limit at $400,000 (not counting your home).
2. Get Your Documents Ready: You’ll usually need ID showing your age, proof of income (like tax returns or Social Security statements), info about all the people living with you, plus documents showing home ownership and maybe bank statements.
3. Fill Out the Application: Most localities put these online now, but you can download and print them if you prefer. Make sure all the info matches your supporting paperwork.
4. Submit Before the Deadline: Deadlines are serious business. Many localities set them in late winter or early spring. For example, Richmond’s deadline is March 31 each year. Don’t risk missing out—set a reminder or mark your calendar!
5. Wait for Approval: Sometimes, the tax office might ask for extra information or clarification, so keep your phone handy. If you get approved, you’ll see the relief reflected on your next tax bill.

If you want to make this even easier, here’s a nerdy tip: Some counties—like Arlington and Loudoun—let you apply online and track your application status from home. You can even sign up for reminders by email.

Let’s talk about what you might save. Here’s a quick look at exemption rates from a few of Virginia’s bigger counties:

Keep in mind, these numbers change now and then. Your local government website will have the freshest info. If in doubt, just call the office (they’ve heard every question before—really, nothing surprises them).

Don’t forget: If you move, your relief doesn’t follow you. You must reapply in your new city or county. And if your income or savings change a lot during the year, let the office know. They can walk you through what it means for your taxes—that’s what they’re there for!