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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Albemarle County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Albemarle County, VA. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$0.854 per $100 of assessed value (base rate, varies by district with additional levies for fire districts and service authorities)
1st Due
Jun 5
2nd Due
Dec 5
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Albemarle County, Virginia operates on an annual property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for county services, including public schools, law enforcement, fire and rescue services, parks and recreation, and infrastructure maintenance. Property owners receive tax bills based on the assessed value of their real estate, with taxes typically due twice annually on June 5th and December 5th.

The effective tax rate in Albemarle County varies by location within the county due to special taxing districts and service authorities that may impose additional assessments. For Tax Year 2024, the base real estate tax rate is $0.854 per $100 of assessed value, though property owners may also be subject to additional levies depending on their specific location within fire districts, service authorities, or other special assessment areas. The county conducts regular reassessments to maintain current market valuations, and property owners have appeal rights if they disagree with their assessed values.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
County Real Estate$0.854Base county levy for FY 2024
Tangible Personal Property$3.960Motor vehicles, boats, trailers
Machinery and Tools$3.960Business equipment and machinery
Fire/Rescue DistrictsVariesAdditional levy in certain districts
Service AuthorityVariesWater/sewer service areas
Stormwater ManagementVariesApplicable in designated areas

Note: These rates apply to Tax Year 2024 (FY 2024-2025). Actual tax bills may include additional special district assessments depending on property location. Tax Year 2025 rates have not yet been announced and will be set closer to the beginning of the fiscal year.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Albemarle County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Jun 5
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Dec 5
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Albemarle County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the county assessor determines the additional tax owed based on the increased value and the remaining months in the current tax year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between the old and new assessed values, applying the current tax rate, and prorating the amount based on the number of months remaining in the tax year. For example, if a $50,000 home addition is completed in March and assessed at that value, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the $50,000 increase at the current rate of $0.854 per $100, then prorated for the remaining 9 months of the fiscal year (March through June of the following year), resulting in approximately $320 in additional taxes for that year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Potential Tax Credit Applied: -$0 (assuming no credits claimed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 × ($0.854 ÷ $100) = $2,562
  • Monthly Escrow: $213.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Senior Credit

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Tax Credit Applied: -$500 (example senior/disabled credit, requires application)
  • Gross Tax: $600,000 × ($0.854 ÷ $100) = $5,124
  • Net Annual Tax: $5,124 - $500 = $4,624
  • Monthly Escrow: $385.33

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home with Land Use

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Agricultural/Forestry Credit: -$6,000 (land use taxation credit, requires annual application)
  • Gross Tax: $1,000,000 × ($0.854 ÷ $100) = $8,540
  • Net Annual Tax: $8,540 - $6,000 = $2,540
  • Monthly Escrow: $211.67

Note: Tax credits shown require separate applications and eligibility verification.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Albemarle County collect property taxes through monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment. The lender estimates your annual tax bill, divides it by 12, and collects this amount monthly along with principal, interest, and insurance. Lenders typically maintain a cushion in your escrow account to ensure sufficient funds are available when tax payments are due.

Your lender will pay your property taxes directly to Albemarle County on the June 5th and December 5th due dates. If your actual tax bill differs from the lender's estimate, they will conduct an annual escrow analysis and adjust your monthly payment accordingly. You should receive a copy of your tax bill even when using escrow, and it's important to verify that payments are made on time to avoid penalties. If you pay off your mortgage or switch lenders, ensure there's no gap in tax payment responsibility during the transition.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Albemarle County? A: Property taxes for FY 2024-2025 are due June 5th and December 5th annually. If the due date falls on a weekend, the deadline extends to the following Monday.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Albemarle County offers various tax credits including senior/disabled credits, military veteran credits, and agricultural/forestry land use credits. All credits require separate applications and are NOT automatic - you must apply directly with the county assessor's office.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: Virginia's homestead exemption caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. This credit limits how much your assessed value can increase each year and requires filing an application with supporting documentation of your primary residence status.

Q: How often does Albemarle County reassess properties? A: Albemarle County conducts general reassessments every 4-6 years, with the most recent occurring in 2023. Property owners receive reassessment notices by mail and have appeal rights through the Board of Equalization.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties. Contact the county treasurer's office at 434-296-5851 for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Albemarle County offers online payment options through their official website. You can pay by electronic check or credit card, though credit card payments may incur processing fees.

Q: Why did my tax bill include special district charges? A: Properties located in fire districts, service authorities, or other special taxing districts receive additional assessments for those specific services. These vary by location within the county.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File an appeal with the Albemarle County Board of Equalization within the specified timeframe after receiving your assessment notice. Appeals must be based on evidence that your assessed value exceeds fair market value.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
Tax Rates for County, City, Town, and Districts. TY 2024tax.virginia.gov
02
County
Tax Rates for County, City, Town, and Districts. TY 2023tax.virginia.gov
03
County
Code of Ordinances | Albemarle County, VA - Municode Librarymcclibraryweb.azurewebsites.us
04
Tax Doc
Where to File | Virginia Taxtax.virginia.gov
05
Browse Laws, Rules, and Decisionstax.virginia.gov
06
County
Albemarle County, VA | Homezipleaf.us
07
Tax Doc
83-267 | Virginia Taxtax.virginia.gov
08
Tax Doc
06171986 | Virginia Taxtax.virginia.gov
09
Tax Doc
NONRESIDENT - Virginia Taxtax.virginia.gov
10
Tax Doc
84-176 | Virginia Taxtax.virginia.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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