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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Bath County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Bath 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
$0.60 per $100 of assessed value (uniform across all 5 districts)
1st Due
Dec 5
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Bath County, Virginia operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for essential county services, including public schools, public safety, road maintenance, and general government operations. The county's property tax system is administered through the Commissioner of Revenue's office for assessments and the County Treasurer's office for collections. Property owners should note that Bath County is divided into five distinct districts: Cedar Creek, Millboro, Valley Springs, Warm Springs, and Williamsville, though all districts currently maintain uniform tax rates.

The effective property tax rate in Bath County is relatively moderate compared to other Virginia localities. For FY 2025, the county maintains a real estate tax rate of $0.60 per $100 of assessed value across all districts, resulting in an effective rate of 0.60%. Personal property is taxed at a slightly lower rate of $0.55 per $100 of assessed value. Property assessments in Bath County are conducted regularly to ensure fair market value representation, and property owners have the right to appeal their assessments through established procedures.

Bath County's economy significantly depends on tourism, with major employers like the Homestead resort contributing substantially to the local tax base. This economic foundation helps maintain competitive tax rates while providing necessary county services to both residents and the tourism industry that supports the local economy.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Real Estate Tax$0.60 per $100 assessed valueApplied to all real property including land, buildings, and improvements
Personal Property Tax$0.55 per $100 assessed valueApplied to vehicles, boats, machinery, and other personal property
Total Effective Rate0.60% (real estate) / 0.55% (personal property)Based on assessed fair market value

These rates apply to FY 2025 (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025) and were approved by the Bath County Board of Supervisors at their June 11, 2024 meeting. The rates are uniform across all five county districts: Cedar Creek, Millboro, Valley Springs, Warm Springs, and Williamsville. Unlike some Virginia counties, Bath County does not currently impose additional special district taxes or assessments beyond the base county levy. Property tax rates are subject to annual review and potential adjustment based on county budget requirements and state mandates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Dec 5
Delinquent after Dec 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 property taxes in Bath County are additional tax bills issued when property changes ownership, undergoes new construction, or receives improvements that increase its assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental assessments ensure that property taxes reflect current ownership and property conditions rather than waiting for the next regular assessment cycle.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between the old and new assessed values, applying the current tax rate to that difference, and prorating the amount based on the remaining months in the fiscal year. For example, if a property's assessed value increases from $200,000 to $250,000 due to completed renovations in January, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the $50,000 increase at the rate of $0.60 per $100, resulting in $300 annually, prorated for the remaining six months of the fiscal year ($150).

The supplemental tax becomes due on the date specified on the supplemental bill, typically 30 days from the issue date. Property owners receiving supplemental assessments after September 1 of any tax year should pay particular attention to payment deadlines to avoid penalties. These supplemental taxes are in addition to, not in place of, regular property tax obligations.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Applicable Credits: $0 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 ÷ 100 × $0.60 = $1,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $150

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Senior Credit

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Senior/Disabled Tax Credit: -$500 (example, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax Before Credits: $600,000 ÷ 100 × $0.60 = $3,600
  • Annual Tax After Credits: $3,600 - $500 = $3,100
  • Monthly Escrow: $258

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home with Multiple Credits

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Veterans Disability Credit: -$300 (example, requires application)
  • Land Use Assessment: -$1,000 (example, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax Before Credits: $1,000,000 ÷ 100 × $0.60 = $6,000
  • Annual Tax After Credits: $6,000 - $1,300 = $4,700
  • Monthly Escrow: $392

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and approval. Credits shown are examples and actual available credits may vary.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Bath County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders may require escrow regardless of down payment amount. The lender collects monthly property tax payments along with principal, interest, and insurance, depositing these funds into an escrow account. Bath County's semi-annual payment schedule (June 5th and December 5th for real estate taxes) means lenders must carefully manage escrow accounts to ensure sufficient funds are available for each payment period.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, adjusting monthly payments if property taxes increase or decrease. Property owners should review their escrow statements carefully and understand that tax rate changes or assessment increases will likely result in higher monthly mortgage payments. When Bath County sends tax bills, they are typically mailed to the property address, but lenders usually receive duplicate copies or access tax information directly through the county's system.

Property owners can verify that their lender has made timely tax payments by checking with the Bath County Treasurer's office or accessing online payment records if available. If a lender fails to make timely payments, the property owner remains ultimately responsible for the tax obligation and any resulting penalties, making it important to monitor escrow account management actively.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Bath County property taxes due for FY 2025? A: Real estate taxes are due twice yearly on June 5th and December 5th. Personal property taxes are due once annually on December 5th. Payments are considered late if received after these dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: Bath County offers various tax credits including senior/disabled persons credits, veterans disability credits, and others. All tax credits require separate applications and are NOT automatically applied. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue's office for specific credit applications and eligibility requirements.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work in Bath County? A: Virginia's homestead exemption, where available, typically caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. This credit requires filing an application by the deadline (Tax Relief Application due date is May 1st) and must be renewed as required by county policy.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Bath County? A: Bath County conducts regular property assessments to maintain fair market values. Property owners receive assessment notices and have the right to appeal assessments they believe are incorrect through the county's appeal process.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Bath County imposes penalties on late property tax payments. Contact the Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and collection procedures, as penalties accrue from the due date until payment is received.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Bath County Treasurer's office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods. Some payments may need to be mailed to P.O. Box 760, Richmond, VA 23218-0760.

Q: Do different areas of Bath County have different tax rates? A: No, all five districts (Cedar Creek, Millboro, Valley Springs, Warm Springs, and Williamsville) currently have the same tax rates: $0.60 per $100 for real estate and $0.55 per $100 for personal property.

Q: How do I apply for property tax relief programs? A: Tax relief applications are due by May 1st annually. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue's office for applications and eligibility requirements for various relief programs including senior, disabled, and veteran credits.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax bill? A: Supplemental taxes are issued for property ownership changes, new construction, or improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. These are additional bills beyond regular property taxes.

Q: Who do I contact for property tax questions? A: Contact the Commissioner of Revenue's office for assessment and exemption questions, or the Treasurer's office for payment and collection matters. Both offices can provide specific guidance on Bath County's property tax procedures.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
DRAFT_______________COUN...bathcountyva.gov
02
County
Treasurer - Bath County, VAbathcountyva.gov
03
County
Tax Rates for County, City, Town, and Districts. TY 2024tax.virginia.gov
04
County
Commissioner of Revenue - Bath County, VAbathcountyva.gov
05
Tax Doc
2008 LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY - Virginia Taxtax.virginia.gov
06
Tax Doc
Where to File | Virginia Taxtax.virginia.gov
07
County
county of bath, virginiabathcountyva.gov
08
County
county of bath, virginiabathcountyva.gov
09
Tax Doc
Tax Exemptions | Virginia Department of Veterans Servicesdvs.virginia.gov
10
County
county of bath, virginiabathcountyva.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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