Virginia Property Tax Exemptions: Complete Guide for 2026
TL;DR
Virginia offers several property tax exemptions that can save homeowners hundreds or thousands per year. The most widely available is the Elderly/Disabled Tax Relief (Varies widely by locality. Can be exemption, deferral, or freeze.). Additional exemptions are available for seniors, disabled homeowners, veterans, and agricultural land. Most require an application. If you have not filed, you may be leaving money on the table.
Property taxes in Virginia average 0.82% of home value, which means the typical homeowner pays about $2,993 per year on a $365,000 home. Exemptions directly reduce your taxable value or tax bill, and they apply every year once approved. Here is every exemption available in Virginia for 2026.
Summary of Virginia Property Tax Exemptions
| Exemption | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Elderly/Disabled Tax Relief | Varies widely by locality. Can be exemption, deferral, or freeze. |
| Disabled Veterans Exemption | Complete exemption from property taxes on primary residence |
| Land Use Valuation (Use Value Assessment) | Assessment based on agricultural, horticultural, forest, or open-space use value rather than market value. Can reduce land taxes by 50-90%. |
| Surviving Spouse of Military KIA | Complete exemption from property taxes |
Detailed Exemption Guide
Elderly/Disabled Tax Relief
| Amount | Varies widely by locality. Can be exemption, deferral, or freeze. |
| Who Qualifies | Homeowners 65+ or permanently disabled. Income and net worth limits set by each locality. |
| How to Apply | Apply through your local Commissioner of the Revenue or Treasurer |
| Deadline | Varies by locality. Typically by March 1 or April 15. |
Disabled Veterans Exemption
| Amount | Complete exemption from property taxes on primary residence |
| Who Qualifies | Veterans with 100% permanent, service-connected disability. Surviving spouses also qualify. |
| How to Apply | Apply through the Commissioner of the Revenue with VA documentation |
| Deadline | Apply by the locality deadline (typically April 1) |
Land Use Valuation (Use Value Assessment)
| Amount | Assessment based on agricultural, horticultural, forest, or open-space use value rather than market value. Can reduce land taxes by 50-90%. |
| Who Qualifies | Property owners meeting acreage and use requirements |
| How to Apply | File with the Commissioner of the Revenue |
| Deadline | November 1 for the following tax year |
Surviving Spouse of Military KIA
| Amount | Complete exemption from property taxes |
| Who Qualifies | Surviving spouses of military members killed in action |
| How to Apply | Apply through Commissioner of the Revenue |
| Deadline | Varies by locality |
How to Maximize Your Savings
Stack Multiple Exemptions
Many of these exemptions can be combined. For example, you can claim a homestead exemption and a veteran exemption at the same time. Check each exemption's eligibility requirements, and apply for every one you qualify for.
Combine Exemptions with an Assessment Appeal
Exemptions reduce your taxable value, but if the underlying assessed value is too high, you are still overpaying. File for exemptions and appeal your assessment for maximum savings. See our Virginia property tax appeal guide for step-by-step instructions.
Do Not Miss Deadlines
Most exemptions have application deadlines. Missing the deadline means waiting another year. Mark the dates on your calendar and file early.
How PropertyTaxFight Can Help
Exemptions are just one piece of the puzzle. If your assessed value is too high, PropertyTaxFight can help you build a strong appeal case for $79. You get comparable sales data, equity analysis, and county-specific filing instructions. Combined with the right exemptions, you can significantly reduce your annual tax bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to reapply for exemptions every year in Virginia?
It depends on the exemption. Some (like homestead exemptions) are one-time filings that auto-renew. Others (especially income-based exemptions for seniors) require annual renewal. Check the specific requirements for each exemption you claim.
Can I apply for exemptions retroactively?
Some Virginia exemptions allow retroactive applications for prior tax years. Check with your county assessor or tax office for the specific rules. In many cases, you can recover 1-2 years of missed exemptions.
What happens to my exemption if I sell my home?
Exemptions tied to owner-occupancy (like homestead exemptions) do not transfer to the buyer. The new owner must apply for their own exemptions. When you buy a new home, remember to file for exemptions at your new address.
How do I know if I am already receiving an exemption?
Check your property tax bill or assessment notice. Exemptions are usually listed as line items. You can also check with your county assessor or auditor to see which exemptions are on file for your property.
Start Saving on Your Virginia Property Taxes
File for every exemption you qualify for. It is free money that reduces your tax bill every year. Then, if your assessed value seems too high, use PropertyTaxFight to build your appeal case. The combination of exemptions and a successful appeal can save you thousands.