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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Arlington County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Arlington 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
$1.013 per $100 assessed value (base rate varies by special districts)
1st Due
Jun 5
2nd Due
Dec 5
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Arlington County's property tax system serves as the primary revenue source for essential local services including public schools, police and fire protection, parks and recreation, and county infrastructure. Property taxes in Arlington County are assessed and collected annually based on the fair market value of real estate as determined by the county assessor. The county reassesses all properties annually to ensure assessments reflect current market conditions.

The effective tax rate varies by location within Arlington County due to special taxing districts and assessment areas. While the base county rate applies to all properties, certain areas may have additional levies for special services or improvements. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate based on their property's location and any applicable special district assessments that may apply to their area.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Base Real Estate Tax (2024)$1.033Standard county rate for FY 2024-2025
Base Real Estate Tax (2025)$1.043Proposed county rate for FY 2025-2026
Special District VariationsVariesAdditional assessments may apply based on location

The Arlington County Board has set the real estate tax rate at $1.043 per $100 of assessed value for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, representing a 1-cent increase from the previous year's rate of $1.033. These rates apply to the base county levy, but property owners should note that actual tax rates may vary depending on their property's location within specific special taxing districts or assessment areas within Arlington County.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Arlington 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 Arlington 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 assessments occur, the county issues a supplemental tax bill to account for the increased value and corresponding tax liability for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if a property undergoes significant renovation that increases its assessed value by $50,000 mid-year, and the current tax rate is $1.043 per $100, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($50,000 ÷ 100) × $1.043 × (remaining months ÷ 12). Supplemental assessment bills are typically due on December 5th of the current year, and property owners receive a notice of supplemental assessment detailing the changes in assessed value and the additional tax owed.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (assuming no credits claimed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: $1.043 per $100
  • Annual Tax: ($300,000 ÷ 100) × $1.043 = $3,129
  • Monthly Escrow: $261

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (assuming no credits claimed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate: $1.043 per $100
  • Annual Tax: ($600,000 ÷ 100) × $1.043 = $6,258
  • Monthly Escrow: $521

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (assuming no credits claimed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: $1.043 per $100
  • Annual Tax: ($1,000,000 ÷ 100) × $1.043 = $10,430
  • Monthly Escrow: $869

Note: Tax credits such as the Real Estate Tax Relief Program for seniors and disabled homeowners require separate application and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Arlington County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or upon borrower request. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12th of the annual property tax bill along with the mortgage payment. The lender then pays the property taxes directly to Arlington County when due.

Property taxes in Arlington County are paid in two installments: the first installment is due June 15th and the second installment is due October 5th. Lenders typically make these payments on behalf of escrowed borrowers, but property owners should verify with their mortgage servicer that payments are made timely. Property owners can verify tax payments and outstanding balances through Arlington County's online property tax portal, and should review their annual escrow analysis statement to ensure adequate funds are being collected.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Arlington County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are paid in two installments - the first installment is due June 15th and the second installment is due October 5th. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, penalties do not apply until the next business day.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary tax credit is the Real Estate Tax Relief Program for homeowners age 65 or older or those who are totally/permanently disabled. This program requires a separate application and provides either an exemption or deferral of real estate taxes for eligible applicants - it is not automatically applied.

Q: How does the homestead credit work in Arlington County? A: Arlington County follows Virginia state law regarding assessment limitations. Property owners should contact the county assessor's office to inquire about available programs that may limit assessment increases, as these typically require filing an application.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Arlington County conducts annual reassessments of all real property to ensure assessments reflect current market values.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payment penalties apply to taxes not paid by the due dates. Contact Arlington County's tax collection office for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Arlington County offers online payment options for property taxes through their official county website and tax portal.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who disagree with their assessment can file an appeal with the Arlington County Board of Equalization during the designated appeal period, typically in the spring.

Q: Do special districts within Arlington County have additional taxes? A: Yes, some areas within Arlington County may be subject to additional special district assessments depending on location and services provided. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate based on their property's location.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Board Advertises Tax Rate Increase in Response to ...arlingtonva.us
02
REVENUE SUMMARYarlingtonva.us
03
FY 2026 Budget responds to Pressing Needs amid Economic ...arlingtonva.us
04
Tax Doc
Tax Payment Due Datesarlingtonva.us
05
State
Real Estate Taxes and Paymentsarlingtonva.us
06
Tax Doc
Tax Calendararlingtonva.us
07
Tax Doc
Tax Relief and Exemptionsarlingtonva.us
08
Homeownershiparlingtonva.us
09
Tax Doc
Tax Reliefarlingtonva.us
10
Supplemental Informationfairfaxcounty.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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