Virginia Property Taxes: Quick Guide for Homeowners

If you own a house or land in Virginia, you’ll pay property taxes every year. They fund schools, roads, and local services. Understanding how the tax is figured out can save you money and avoid surprises.

How Virginia Calculates Property Taxes

First, the county or city decides the "assessment" value of your property. This is an estimate of what your home would sell for on the open market. The assessor looks at size, location, age, and recent sales of similar homes. Once the assessed value is set, the local government applies a tax rate, called a "millage rate," to that number.

A mill is one‑tenth of a cent, so a rate of 10 mills means you pay $10 for every $1,000 of assessed value. For example, if your home is assessed at $250,000 and the local rate is 9 mills, your annual tax bill would be $2,250 (250,000 ÷ 1,000 × 9).

Virginia has no statewide property tax; each locality sets its own rate. That’s why a home in Fairfax might have a higher bill than a similar house in a rural county. You can find the exact millage on your county’s website or in the annual tax notice you receive.

Tips to Lower Your Virginia Property Tax Bill

1. Check the assessment. Mistakes happen. If you think your home’s assessed value is too high, you can file an appeal. Most counties have a deadline—usually 30 days after you get the notice. Gather recent sales of comparable homes and any evidence of damage or improvements that affect value.

2. Apply for exemptions. Virginia offers several exemptions that can shave off hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Common ones include the Homestead Exemption for seniors, disabled veterans, and low‑income homeowners. There’s also an agricultural exemption if you run a small farm.

3. Stay on top of improvements. Adding a bedroom or finishing a basement raises your assessed value, but you can sometimes offset that by claiming energy‑efficiency upgrades. Some counties give credit for solar panels or other green improvements.

4. Pay on time. Late payments often incur penalties and interest. Most localities let you pay online, by mail, or in person. Setting up automatic payments can keep you from missing a due date.

5. Talk to your neighbors. If many people feel the assessment is too high, a community-wide appeal can be more effective. Organize a meeting, share information, and approach the tax board together.

Remember, property taxes are a regular cost of owning real estate in Virginia. By knowing how the numbers are built and taking advantage of exemptions and appeals, you can keep your bill as low as possible. Stay informed, file on time, and don’t be afraid to ask questions—you’ll protect your wallet and your peace of mind.