Virginia Property Taxes: Due Dates, Rates & Exemptions (2026)

Virginia property owners face two annual tax deadlines: June 5 and December 5 (semi-annual payments). With an effective state property tax rate of 0.82% and an average home price of $380,000, most Virginia homeowners pay roughly $3,100 per year—though local county rates vary significantly. If you're unsure when your payment is due or how much you'll owe, this guide covers everything you need to stay compliant and avoid costly penalties.

When Are Virginia Property Taxes Due?

Virginia operates on a semi-annual property tax payment schedule. Your taxes are due in two equal installments:

For a nationwide overview of payment schedules, see our guide to when property taxes are due.

Schedule	Due Date	Notes
First installment	June 5	Confirm with county treasurer
Second installment	December 5	Confirm with county treasurer

Most Virginia counties collect property taxes through the county treasurer's office. However, payment deadlines and methods vary by county—some allow online payment, automatic bank drafts, or mail-in checks. Contact your county treasurer directly to confirm your specific due date and preferred payment method, as a few counties may have slightly different schedules.

The semi-annual format means you're not hit with one large bill once per year. Instead, you spread payments across June and December, which can help with household cash flow planning.

Virginia Property Tax Rates

Virginia's effective state property tax rate is 0.82%, but this is just the state average. Individual county rates can range significantly higher or lower depending on local budgets and assessment practices.

To calculate your estimated annual property tax:

• Take your home's assessed value
• Multiply by your county's tax rate (e.g., 0.0082 for the state average)
• Divide by 2 for each semi-annual payment

For example, a $380,000 home at the state average rate would owe roughly $3,100 per year ($1,550 per installment). However, if your county's rate is 1.0%, that same home would owe $3,800 annually.

Check your county assessor's website for your specific rate, or review your last property tax bill—it will clearly show your assessed value and local tax rate.

Virginia Property Tax Exemptions

Virginia offers several property tax exemptions and deductions. Homestead, senior citizen, and veteran exemptions vary widely by county, so you must check directly with your county assessor to determine eligibility.

Common exemptions include:

• Homestead exemptions: Reduce assessed value by a set dollar amount; available in many Virginia counties for primary residences
• Senior citizen exemptions: Often reduce taxes for homeowners 65+ with qualifying income limits
• Veteran exemptions: Available to disabled veterans and surviving spouses; benefits depend on disability rating
• Agricultural exemptions: For farmland and rural properties actively used in agriculture

To learn about exemptions in your county, visit your county assessor's office website or call their property tax department. Many exemptions require annual re-certification or proof of eligibility, so mark your calendar after applying.

How to Pay Virginia Property Taxes

Property taxes in Virginia are paid to your county treasurer or tax collector. Here's where and how to pay:

1. Online: Many Virginia counties offer online payment portals through their treasurer's website. Search "[Your County Name] Virginia treasurer online payment."
2. By mail: Send a check to your county treasurer's office with your property tax account number on the check.
3. Automatic bank draft: Set up recurring payments so you never miss a deadline.
4. In person: Visit your county treasurer's office during business hours.

If you have a mortgage, your lender may handle property taxes through an escrow account (part of your monthly PITI payment). Use our free Virginia mortgage calculator to estimate your total monthly housing payment, including taxes and insurance.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

Missing a Virginia property tax deadline carries real financial consequences. If you pay late, you'll face a penalty of typically 1%–2% per month, calculated on the unpaid balance. These penalties add up quickly—miss a June 5 deadline by three months, and you could owe an extra 3–6% on top of your tax bill.

If delinquency continues beyond six months, your county may file a tax lien against your property. A tax lien gives the county a legal claim to your home and can severely damage your credit, making it harder to refinance, sell, or secure loans. In extreme cases, counties may pursue foreclosure after extended non-payment.

Pay on time to avoid these outcomes. If you're facing financial hardship, contact your county treasurer immediately to discuss payment plans or deferrals—many counties offer options for struggling homeowners.

Property Taxes and Your Mortgage Payment

If you financed your home with a mortgage, your lender likely requires you to pay property taxes through escrow—part of your monthly PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance) payment. Your lender collects 1/12 of your annual property tax estimate each month, then pays your county on your behalf when taxes are due.

This means your property tax liability is built into your mortgage payment, and you don't need to write separate checks on June 5 and December 5. However, if your home's assessed value increases and taxes rise, your lender may increase your escrow payment to cover the higher liability.

Want to estimate your full monthly mortgage payment including taxes and insurance? Use our Virginia mortgage calculator to see how property taxes affect your total housing cost. For first-time buyers, Virginia also offers the VHDA Down Payment Assistance Grant (up to $10,000), which can reduce your required down payment and monthly payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are Virginia property taxes due?
Virginia property taxes are due June 5 and December 5 each year (semi-annual). These are the statewide deadlines, though some counties may allow a short grace period. Always confirm the exact due date with your county treasurer, as payment methods and deadlines can vary slightly by locality. Missing either deadline triggers late penalties of 1–2% per month.

What is the property tax rate in Virginia?
Virginia's effective state property tax rate is 0.82%, but individual county rates range higher and lower based on local needs and budgets. To find your county's exact rate, check your most recent property tax bill or visit your county assessor's website. For example, a $380,000 home at the state average rate would owe roughly $3,100 per year; a county at 1.0% would owe $3,800 on the same home.

What exemptions are available in Virginia?
Virginia offers homestead, senior citizen, disabled veteran, and agricultural exemptions—but eligibility and benefits vary significantly by county. Homestead exemptions typically reduce your assessed value by a fixed dollar amount. Senior and veteran exemptions may apply if you meet income or disability thresholds. Visit your county assessor's website to learn about exemptions and submit applications; many require annual re-certification.

What happens if I pay property taxes late?
Late property tax payments trigger a penalty of 1–2% per month on the unpaid balance. If you remain delinquent for six months or longer, your county may file a tax lien against your property, which damages your credit and gives the county a legal claim to your home. In extreme cases, extended delinquency can lead to foreclosure. If you're unable to pay, contact your county treasurer immediately to explore payment plans or deferrals.