Property Taxes in Virginia: Rates, Exemptions, and How They Work (2026)
TL;DR
Virginia property taxes are assessed at 100% of fair market value by the local Commissioner of the Revenue or county assessor. Most jurisdictions reassess annually or biennially. The average effective rate is about 0.80%. Virginia offers real estate tax relief for elderly (65+) and disabled homeowners, with specifics set by each locality. Appeals go to the local Board of Equalization, typically with a filing window in the spring. Virginia also levies a separate personal property tax on vehicles.
Assessment
Virginia assesses real property at 100% of fair market value. Most counties and cities reassess annually, though some reassess every 2 or 4 years. The assessment date is January 1.
Tax Rates
Tax rates are set by each locality (county, city, or town) and expressed per $100 of assessed value. Rates typically range from $0.50 to $1.20 per $100, with most areas falling between $0.80 and $1.10.
Exemptions and Relief
| Program | Benefit | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Elderly/Disabled Tax Relief | Exemption or deferral (varies by locality) | 65+ or disabled, income/net worth limits set locally |
| Disabled Veterans | Full exemption | 100% service-connected disability |
| Land Use Assessment | Agricultural/forest land assessed at use value | Qualifying agricultural, horticultural, forest, or open-space land |
Each locality sets its own income and net worth thresholds for the elderly/disabled relief program. Some localities offer full exemption, others offer deferral until the property is sold. Check with your local Commissioner of the Revenue.
Personal Property Tax
Virginia is one of the few states with a significant personal property tax on vehicles. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, and boats are assessed annually based on value. The state provides a Personal Property Tax Relief Act (PPTRA) credit that covers a portion of the tax on qualifying vehicles.
Appeal Process
- Administrative appeal: Contact the assessor's office to discuss your value informally
- Board of Equalization: File an appeal during the board's sitting period (typically spring, varies by locality)
- Circuit Court: Appeal within 30 days of the board's decision
Use our free property tax analyzer to check your Virginia property assessment against market data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about property taxes in virginia: rates, exemptions, and how they work (2026)?
Virginia property taxes are assessed at 100% of fair market value by the local Commissioner of the Revenue or county assessor. Most jurisdictions reassess annually or biennially. The average effective rate is about 0.80%.
What should I know about assessment?
Virginia assesses real property at 100% of fair market value. Most counties and cities reassess annually, though some reassess every 2 or 4 years. The assessment date is January 1.
What should I know about tax rates?
Tax rates are set by each locality (county, city, or town) and expressed per $100 of assessed value. Rates typically range from $0.50 to $1.20 per $100, with most areas falling between $0.80 and $1.10.
What should I know about exemptions and relief?
Each locality sets its own income and net worth thresholds for the elderly/disabled relief program. Some localities offer full exemption, others offer deferral until the property is sold. Check with your local Commissioner of the Revenue.
What should I know about personal property tax?
Virginia is one of the few states with a significant personal property tax on vehicles. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, and boats are assessed annually based on value. The state provides a Personal Property Tax Relief Act (PPTRA) credit that covers a portion of the tax on qualifying vehicles.
What is the process for appeal process?
Use our free property tax analyzer to check your Virginia property assessment against market data.