Senior Tax Exemption Virginia: What You Need to Know

When you’re over 65 in Virginia, senior tax exemption, a program that lowers property taxes for qualifying older homeowners. Also known as property tax relief for seniors, it’s not automatic—you have to apply, and the rules vary by county. This isn’t a federal benefit; it’s a local one, and that’s where things get messy. Many seniors in Virginia pay thousands in property taxes each year, even if they’re living on a fixed income. The state lets counties offer exemptions, but only if you meet strict age, income, and residency rules.

Most counties require you to be at least 65 by December 31 of the tax year, own and live in the home as your primary residence, and earn below a certain income limit—often between $35,000 and $50,000 for a single person. Some counties, like Fairfax and Arlington, offer full exemptions for low-income seniors, while others only reduce taxes by 25% or 50%. The exemption usually applies to the home itself, not land or outbuildings. And if you’ve added a deck, renovated the kitchen, or built a garage, your home’s assessed value might go up—making your exemption less valuable than you thought.

It’s not just about age. If you’re married, your spouse’s income counts too—even if they’re under 65. If you moved here from another state, you need to prove you’ve lived in Virginia for at least one year. And if you’ve ever gotten a homestead exemption before, you can’t get another one elsewhere. The homestead exemption, a protection that shields part of your home’s value from property taxes. Also known as primary residence tax break, it’s often the first step toward getting a senior exemption in Virginia. Some counties combine the two. Others don’t. You need to check with your local commissioner of the revenue or tax office. No one will call you. No one will remind you. You have to act.

People in Virginia’s rural areas—like Bedford, Rockingham, or Shenandoah County—often get bigger breaks because home values are lower. But in places like Loudoun or Prince William, even a 50% exemption might only save you $1,200 a year if your home is worth $800,000. That’s why income limits matter more than you think. A senior making $60,000 from Social Security and a part-time job might not qualify anywhere. But someone making $32,000 from Social Security alone? They could get their entire tax bill wiped out in some counties.

And don’t assume your tax bill stays low forever. If your home is reassessed and the value jumps, your exemption might not keep up. Some counties freeze the assessed value for seniors, but only if you’ve been approved for the exemption for at least five years. Others don’t freeze anything. That’s why filing every year—even if you think you’re already covered—is critical. Miss a deadline, and you lose the break until next year. No appeals. No grace period.

There are also special programs for disabled veterans, surviving spouses, and people with severe disabilities. These aren’t part of the senior exemption, but they often overlap. If you’re 65 and disabled, you might qualify for both. You just need to know where to look. Most counties have a downloadable application on their website. Some still require you to mail in paper forms. A few still make you show up in person.

What you’ll find below are real cases from Virginia homeowners who cut their property tax bills by thousands—some even to zero. You’ll see what paperwork they filed, what income they reported, which counties gave them the best deals, and what mistakes they made along the way. No fluff. No theory. Just what actually works in Virginia right now.