How Much Is Virginia Property Tax? Rates, Calculations, and What Affects Your Bill
Virginia Property Tax Calculator
Calculate your annual property tax based on your home's assessed value, location, and potential exemptions. Virginia property taxes vary significantly by county.
Your Estimated Property Tax
Virginia property tax isn’t set by the state-it’s decided by your city or county. That means your bill can jump dramatically depending on where you live. A home in Fairfax County might pay twice as much in property tax as a similar home in rural Wise County. There’s no single Virginia rate. You need to know your local rules, how your home is valued, and what exemptions you might qualify for.
How Virginia Property Tax Is Calculated
Your property tax bill comes from three things: the assessed value of your home, the tax rate in your jurisdiction, and any exemptions you get. The formula is simple: assessed value × tax rate = your annual tax.
Here’s how it works in practice. Let’s say your home in Loudoun County is assessed at $500,000. Loudoun’s 2025 tax rate is $1.15 per $100 of value. You multiply $500,000 by 1.15%, which equals $5,750. That’s your total tax before exemptions.
Assessments happen every two years in most Virginia counties. But some, like Richmond and Norfolk, reassess annually. If your neighborhood saw a boom in home sales last year, your assessment could jump-even if you didn’t renovate a thing. That’s why you should check your assessment notice every year. If it looks wrong, you can appeal.
Virginia Property Tax Rates by Region
There’s no statewide average that tells you much. The range is huge. Here’s what you’ll actually pay in a few key areas as of 2025:
| County/City | Tax Rate | Median Home Value | Annual Tax on Median Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfax County | $1.17 | $720,000 | $8,424 |
| Loudoun County | $1.15 | $610,000 | $7,015 |
| Arlington County | $1.08 | $840,000 | $9,072 |
| Richmond City | $1.12 | $290,000 | $3,248 |
| Virginia Beach | $0.98 | $340,000 | $3,332 |
| Wise County | $0.74 | $160,000 | $1,184 |
Notice how Arlington has a lower rate than Fairfax-but because homes are worth so much more, the actual tax bill is higher. That’s why looking at just the tax rate can be misleading. You need to combine it with the typical home value in that area.
Who Gets Tax Breaks in Virginia?
Virginia offers several property tax relief programs. You might not know you qualify unless you ask.
- Senior Citizen and Disabled Person Exemption: If you’re 65 or older or permanently disabled, and your income is under $50,000 (or $75,000 for couples), you can get a partial exemption. Some counties, like Henrico, offer up to 100% relief on the first $200,000 of value.
- Homestead Exemption: Available in most counties. Reduces your taxable value by $10,000 to $25,000. You have to apply-don’t assume it’s automatic.
- Veteran Exemption: Disabled veterans with a 100% service-connected disability may get a full exemption. Partial exemptions exist for others based on disability rating.
- Farmland and Open Space: If you own 5+ acres used for farming, forestry, or conservation, you can get assessed at use-value instead of market value. That can cut your tax bill by 50% or more.
These aren’t federal programs. Each county runs its own version. Contact your local commissioner of the revenue office. Don’t wait until your bill arrives. Apply early.
When and How You Pay
Virginia property taxes are due in two installments: June and December. Most counties send out bills in late spring. If you don’t get one, call your treasurer’s office. Missing a deadline means penalties-usually 10% after 30 days, then interest kicks in.
You can pay online, by mail, in person, or through automatic bank draft. Many counties offer discounts for paying in full by the first due date. Some let you pay monthly through escrow if you have a mortgage. Your lender handles it for you.
If you’re buying a home, your closing attorney will prorate the tax. You’ll pay your share from the closing date to the end of the tax period. That’s usually shown on your settlement statement. Don’t ignore it. Underpaying at closing means you’ll owe more later.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay?
Virginia takes nonpayment seriously. After 30 days past due, you get a penalty. After 90 days, interest starts compounding at 10% annually. After one year, the county can place a lien on your property. That means you can’t sell or refinance until the tax is paid.
If it goes unpaid for two years, the county can auction your home. That’s rare, but it happens. In 2024, Virginia counties collected over $12 million in unpaid property taxes through tax lien sales. Most homeowners catch it before it gets that far-but only if they open their mail.
How to Find Your Exact Tax Bill
You can look up your property tax details online. Every county has a public assessment portal. Here’s how to find yours:
- Go to your county’s official website.
- Search for “property tax lookup,” “assessment records,” or “tax collector.”
- Enter your address or parcel number.
- View your current assessment, tax rate, payment history, and due dates.
For example, in Fairfax County, visit fairfaxcounty.gov/propertytax. In Roanoke, go to roanokeva.gov/treasurer. You don’t need an account. Just your address.
Some third-party sites like Zillow or Realtor.com show estimated taxes-but they’re often outdated. Always rely on your county’s official site. They have the real numbers.
Why Your Tax Bill Might Go Up Even If You Didn’t Touch Your House
It’s not just about renovations. If your neighborhood is hot, your assessment rises. That’s how the system works. In 2023, homes in Alexandria’s Old Town saw assessments jump 35% in two years because of high demand. Taxes went up even though no one added a deck or new kitchen.
Also, new infrastructure projects can raise your rate. If your county builds a new school or fire station, they might raise the tax rate to pay for it. That’s not personal-it’s budgeting.
And if you got a home equity loan or refinanced, your lender might have triggered a reassessment. That’s rare, but it happens in counties with strict rules.
What to Do If You Think Your Assessment Is Too High
You have the right to challenge it. Most counties let you file an appeal between March and May. You need to prove your home is worth less than the assessed value.
Here’s how:
- Compare your home to three similar homes that sold in the last year. Use your county’s sales database.
- Point out issues your home has that others don’t-like a leaky roof, outdated plumbing, or a small lot.
- Get a professional appraisal if you’re serious. It costs $300-$500, but it’s worth it if your tax bill is over $5,000.
- Submit your appeal before the deadline. Missing it means you wait another year.
Success rates vary. In Loudoun County, about 40% of appeals result in a lower assessment. In rural areas, it’s lower-because there are fewer comparable sales. But it’s free to try. Don’t assume you’re stuck with the number they gave you.
Final Thoughts: Know Your Numbers
Virginia property tax isn’t a mystery. It’s just local. You can’t guess it. You have to look it up. Your tax bill isn’t random-it’s based on your home’s value, your location, and your eligibility for relief.
Don’t wait for a penalty notice. Check your assessment every year. Apply for exemptions you qualify for. Appeal if the number doesn’t match reality. Pay on time. And if you’re buying, make sure property tax is part of your budget-not an afterthought.
For most homeowners, property tax is the second biggest housing cost after the mortgage. Knowing how it works means you’re not just paying-it’s managing.
Is Virginia property tax higher than other states?
Virginia’s property tax rates are moderate compared to other states. They’re lower than New Jersey, Illinois, or Connecticut, but higher than Alabama, Louisiana, or Hawaii. What makes Virginia stand out is the wide variation between counties. A home in Arlington pays more than one in Wise County-even though both are in the same state. It’s not about the state-it’s about your city or county.
Do seniors pay less property tax in Virginia?
Yes, many do. Virginia offers property tax relief for seniors 65 and older, or those who are permanently disabled, if their income is below certain limits. The relief isn’t automatic-you must apply. Some counties offer full exemptions on the first $200,000 of value. Others give a flat reduction. Contact your local commissioner of the revenue to find out what’s available in your area.
How often are properties reassessed in Virginia?
Most counties reassess every two years. But a few, like Richmond, Norfolk, and Alexandria, reassess annually. This means your tax bill can change faster if home values in your area rise quickly. You’ll get a notice in the mail before any change takes effect. If you think the new value is wrong, you can appeal.
Can I pay Virginia property tax monthly?
Not directly through the county. But if you have a mortgage, your lender likely collects a portion of your property tax each month and pays it for you in two lump sums-June and December. This is called escrow. If you own your home outright, you’ll need to pay the full amount twice a year. Some counties offer payment plans for those who are behind, but not for regular monthly payments.
What happens if I can’t afford my Virginia property tax?
If you’re struggling to pay, contact your county treasurer’s office immediately. Many counties have hardship programs, especially for seniors, veterans, or low-income homeowners. You might qualify for a payment plan, deferment, or partial exemption. Ignoring the bill leads to penalties, then liens, and eventually a tax sale. Don’t wait. Help is available if you ask.
