Virginia Property Tax: What You Need to Know About Rates, Exemptions, and Appeals

When you own property in Virginia property tax, a local tax based on assessed home value, not state income or sales tax. Also known as real estate tax, it’s paid annually to your county or city government and funds schools, roads, and emergency services. Unlike states with a flat rate, Virginia lets each locality set its own tax rate—so your bill in Fairfax County could be twice what someone pays in rural Buchanan County, even for similar homes.

Property tax assessment, the process of valuing your home for tax purposes happens every few years, usually by the local commissioner of revenue. They don’t just look at what you paid—it’s based on recent sales of similar homes nearby. If your neighbor’s house sold for $400K and yours is identical, your assessment might jump even if you didn’t remodel. That’s why many people get shocked when their tax bill spikes overnight. You can challenge it, but you need proof: recent comparable sales, photos of damage, or a professional appraisal.

Property tax exemptions, reductions or full waivers for certain homeowners are common in Virginia. Seniors over 65, veterans with service-related disabilities, and primary residents in some counties can get big breaks. The Homestead Exemption, for example, can cut your taxable value by $25,000 or more. But you have to apply—no one sends you a form. Missing the deadline means paying full tax for the year. And if you rent out your home, you lose most exemptions. It’s not just about owning—it’s about how you use it.

And then there’s the Virginia tax appeal, the formal process to dispute your assessment. Most counties give you 30 to 60 days after your notice arrives to file. You don’t need a lawyer, but you do need paperwork: sales records, repair receipts, even a letter from your inspector. If you wait too long, you’re stuck paying until next year. And if you win? Your next bill drops. If you lose? You can go to a board or court, but that’s where costs add up fast.

People often think Virginia property tax is predictable. It’s not. One year your rate stays flat, the next your neighborhood gets rezoned and your bill jumps 20%. One family gets a senior discount, another doesn’t because they filed late. Some counties offer payment plans; others don’t. There’s no single rule—it’s all local. That’s why knowing your county’s website, deadlines, and exemption forms isn’t optional. It’s your first line of defense.

Below, you’ll find real cases from Virginia homeowners who fought their assessments, saved money on exemptions they didn’t know about, and avoided penalties by acting fast. Whether you’re new to the state, just bought your first home, or think your tax bill is wrong—you’ll find what actually works here.