Virginia Property Tax Calculator
2026Calculate property taxes in Virginia. The average effective property tax rate in VA is 0.82%, which is below the national average of 1.1%. Estimate your annual property tax bill.
Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated
Annual Property Tax
$2,870.00
Monthly Equivalent
$239.17
Effective Rate
0.820%
Property Tax Breakdown
| Assessed Value | $350,000.00 |
| Homestead Exemption | $0.00 |
| Taxable Value | $350,000.00 |
| Annual Tax | $2,870.00 |
| Monthly Equivalent | $239.17 |
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
How is property tax calculated in Virginia?
Virginia's average effective property tax rate is 0.82% of assessed value (2026), in the moderate range. Property tax is administered by counties and municipalities — the state sets a framework, but local taxing authorities (school districts, county boards, special-service districts, fire/police districts) levy their own millage rates that stack onto the bill.
Your tax bill is the assessed value times the combined millage rate (1 mill = $1 per $1,000 of assessed value). Many jurisdictions assess at less than 100% of market value (e.g., 80% or 50%), so the effective rate on market value can be much lower than the headline millage. Common reductions include homestead exemptions (primary residence discount), senior or disabled-person freezes, veteran exemptions, and farm/agricultural use deferrals — these can cut a primary-residence bill by 10–50% in many states.
Most jurisdictions reassess property values every 1–4 years; rapid market gains can produce large bill jumps unless capped by state law (e.g., California's Proposition 13 limits annual increases to 2% on a primary residence; Texas caps homesteads at 10%/yr). Property tax is deductible federally as part of the SALT itemized deduction, capped at a combined $40,000 in 2026 under OBBBA (raised from $10,000), with a 30% phase-down on MAGI above $500,000 (floor $10,000). Use this calculator to estimate your annual bill and monthly escrow contribution.
Virginia property assessment, homestead exemption, and appeal process
- Assessment ratio
- 100% of fair-market value
- Median home price (Q4 2025)
- $410,000
- Homestead exemption
- Personal Property Tax (Car Tax) Relief; no statewide real-estate homestead but localities offer senior/disabled exemptions
Virginia property tax is administered entirely at the county/city level (no statewide property tax). Effective rates statewide average ~0.82%. The state's Personal Property Tax (Car Tax) — a separate annual assessment on vehicles, boats, and business property — is partially relieved by the 1998 Personal Property Tax Relief Act (PPTRA), reducing the bill on the first $20,000 of car value by 70%. Many localities offer real-estate exemptions for owners 65+ under defined income limits.
Virginia Property Tax Details (2026)
| Avg. Effective Property Tax Rate | 0.82% |
| National Average | 1.1% |
| vs. National Average | 0.28% below |
| Estate Tax | None |
| State Sales Tax | 4.3% |
| State Income Tax | progressive (up to 5.8%) |
Virginia property tax — frequently asked questions
What is the average property tax rate in the US?
The national average effective property tax rate is about 1.1% of assessed home value. Rates vary widely, from under 0.3% in Hawaii to over 2% in New Jersey and Illinois.
What is a homestead exemption?
A homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence. For example, a $50,000 exemption on a $300,000 home means you are taxed on $250,000. Rules and amounts vary by state and county.
How can I lower my property tax bill?
You can appeal your property assessment if comparable homes sold for less, apply for all eligible exemptions (homestead, senior, veteran, disability), and check for assessment errors in your home's square footage or features.