Fairfax County Real Estate Taxes: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding Fairfax County Real Estate Taxes

Fairfax County, Virginia, is known for its thriving economy, high quality of life, and educated population. As a result, real estate in the county is highly sought-after, and property taxes play a significant role in the cost of homeownership.

How Fairfax County Real Estate Taxes are Calculated

Fairfax County real estate taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of your property. This value is determined by the county's Office of Property Tax Assessment, which takes into account factors such as the property's location, size, and condition.

The county's real estate tax rate for 2023 is $1.034 per $100 of assessed value. This means that a property with an assessed value of $500,000 would be subject to annual real estate taxes of $5,170.

Exemptions and Deductions

Fairfax County offers a number of exemptions and deductions that can reduce your real estate tax bill. These include:

• Homestead exemption: A homeowner who occupies their property as their primary residence is eligible for a homestead exemption of up to $45,000.
• Senior citizen exemption: Senior citizens who are 65 years of age or older and meet certain income requirements are eligible for an additional exemption of up to $55,000.
• Disability exemption: Individuals who are disabled and meet certain income requirements are eligible for an additional exemption of up to $20,000.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when paying your Fairfax County real estate taxes:

• Not paying on time: Real estate taxes are due twice a year, on June 30 and December 5. If you fail to pay your taxes on time, you will be subject to late payment penalties and interest.
• Paying more than you owe: Make sure you understand the exemptions and deductions that you are eligible for before paying your taxes. If you overpay, you will not be able to get a refund.
• Not appealing your assessment: If you believe that your property is assessed at an incorrect value, you have the right to appeal the assessment. The deadline to file an appeal is April 15.

Why Paying Fairfax County Real Estate Taxes Matters

Paying your Fairfax County real estate taxes is not only a legal obligation, but it is also an important investment in your community. Real estate taxes fund essential services such as schools, roads, and parks. By paying your taxes, you are helping to maintain the high quality of life that Fairfax County residents enjoy.

Benefits of Paying Your Fairfax County Real Estate Taxes on Time

There are a number of benefits to paying your Fairfax County real estate taxes on time, including:

• Avoiding late payment penalties and interest: If you pay your taxes on time, you will avoid being charged late payment penalties and interest.
• Maintaining a good credit score: Paying your taxes on time will help you maintain a good credit score, which can save you money on other loans and financial transactions.
• Supporting your community: By paying your taxes on time, you are helping to fund essential services that benefit the entire community.

How to Pay Fairfax County Real Estate Taxes

You can pay your Fairfax County real estate taxes in a number of ways, including:

• Online: You can pay your taxes online at the Fairfax County website.
• By mail: You can mail your payment to the Fairfax County Treasurer's Office at:

Fairfax County Treasurer's Office
12000 Government Center Parkway
Suite 301
Fairfax, VA 22035

• In person: You can pay your taxes in person at the Fairfax County Treasurer's Office. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Understanding Your Tax Bill

Your Fairfax County real estate tax bill will include the following information:

• Your property's assessed value: This is the value of your property as determined by the county's Office of Property Tax Assessment.
• Your tax rate: This is the rate at which your property is taxed. The county's real estate tax rate for 2023 is $1.034 per $100 of assessed value.
• Your total tax bill: This is the amount of real estate taxes that you owe for the year.

Real Estate Tax Rates in Fairfax County

The real estate tax rate in Fairfax County varies depending on the location of the property. The following table shows the real estate tax rates for each of the county's six districts:

Real Estate Tax Exemptions and Deductions in Fairfax County

Fairfax County offers a number of exemptions and deductions that can reduce your real estate tax bill. The following table summarizes the exemptions and deductions that are available:

Real Estate Tax Assessment Appeals in Fairfax County

If you believe that your property is assessed at an incorrect value, you have the right to appeal the assessment. The deadline to file an appeal is April 15.

To file an appeal, you must submit a written notice of appeal to the Fairfax County Board of Equalization. The notice of appeal must include the following information:

• Your name and address
• The address of the property being appealed
• The assessed value of the property
• The reason for the appeal

The Board of Equalization will review your appeal and make a decision on whether or not to adjust the assessed value of your property.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fairfax County Real Estate Taxes

• When are real estate taxes due in Fairfax County? Real estate taxes are due twice a year, on June 30 and December 5.
• How can I pay my Fairfax County real estate taxes? You can pay your taxes online, by mail, or in person.
• What are the exemptions and deductions that I can claim on my Fairfax County real estate taxes? Fairfax County offers a number of exemptions and deductions, including the homestead exemption, the senior citizen exemption, and the disability exemption.
• How can I appeal my Fairfax County real estate assessment? If you believe that your property is assessed at an incorrect value, you have the right to appeal the assessment. The deadline to file an appeal is April 15.

Additional Resources

• Fairfax County Real Estate Tax Calculator
• Fairfax County Tax Maps
• Fairfax County Board of Equalization
• Virginia Real Estate Tax Guide