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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Bedford County
Property Tax Guide

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

7 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$0.41 per $100 of assessed value (base rate), varies by district due to special assessments
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Bedford County, Virginia operates on a property tax system where real estate is assessed at fair market value and taxed to fund essential county services including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and local government operations. The county's base real estate tax rate for FY 2025 is $0.41 per $100 of assessed value, making it one of the more affordable jurisdictions in Virginia for property taxes.

Property owners should note that actual tax rates can vary by location within Bedford County due to special taxing districts, fire districts, or other local improvement assessments. The county reassesses properties periodically to maintain current market values, and property owners have appeal rights if they believe their assessment is incorrect. Understanding your specific tax bill requires knowing both the base county rate and any additional district-specific assessments that may apply to your property location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
Base Real Estate Tax$0.41County general fund operations, schools, public safety
Personal Property Tax$2.35Vehicles, boats, business equipment, other tangible property
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, service districts (varies by location)

Rates shown are for FY 2025. Personal property tax applies to vehicles, boats, and business equipment. Special district rates vary depending on your property's location within Bedford County and the specific services provided in that area. Contact the Bedford County Assessor's office to determine which special districts apply to your property.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

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 Bedford 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 issues a supplemental tax bill for the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the fiscal year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in January and the county's fiscal year runs through June, you would receive a supplemental bill calculated as: ($50,000 ÷ 100) × $0.41 × (6 months ÷ 12 months) = $102.50. This supplemental amount is due in addition to your regular annual tax bill and typically has its own due date specified on the supplemental notice.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied for): -$0 (limits future increases)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: ($300,000 ÷ 100) × $0.41 = $1,230
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$103

$600,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Senior/Disabled Credit (if qualified and applied): -$500 credit
  • Net Tax Calculation: ($600,000 ÷ 100) × $0.41 = $2,460
  • Less Applied Credits: $2,460 - $500 = $1,960
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$163

$1,000,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000 (most credits have income limits)
  • Annual Tax: ($1,000,000 ÷ 100) × $0.41 = $4,100
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$342

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and qualification verification. Credits are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for Bedford County properties. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12th of your annual property tax bill plus a small cushion as allowed by federal law. The lender pays your taxes directly to Bedford County when due on June 5th each year.

After taxes are paid, lenders must provide an annual escrow analysis showing collections, payments, and any surplus or shortage. If your taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You can verify your tax amount by checking your annual tax bill or contacting the Bedford County Treasurer's office at 122 East Main St., Bedford, VA 24523, to ensure your lender is paying the correct amount.

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 Bedford County property taxes due? A: Real estate taxes are due June 5th annually. Personal property taxes are due December 5th. No reminder notices are sent before due dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Bedford County offers various tax credits including senior/disabled person credits and veteran disability credits. All credits require separate applications with income and qualification verification. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue's office for applications and deadlines.

Q: What is the Homestead exemption and how does it work? A: Virginia's homestead exemption caps annual assessment increases on your primary residence, typically limiting growth to a percentage of the previous year's assessment. You must file an application with the Commissioner of Revenue to receive this protection on future assessments.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Bedford County conducts general reassessments periodically. Property owners receive reassessment notices and have appeal rights within 30 days if they disagree with the new assessed value.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties as specified in Virginia Code. Contact the Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options if you cannot pay by the due date.

Q: Can I pay my taxes online? A: Yes, Bedford County offers online payment options for both real estate and personal property taxes. You can also mail payments to Bedford County Treasurer's Office, 122 East Main St., Bedford, VA 24523.

Q: Do I owe additional taxes for special districts? A: Depending on your property location, you may owe additional taxes for fire districts or other special service areas. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: You have 30 days from the assessment notice date to file an appeal with the Bedford County Board of Equalization. Appeals must be filed in writing with supporting documentation of your property's value.

Verified Sources

Backed by 7 Official Government Sources

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

01
Town Council Meetingbedfordva.gov
02
County
Personal Property Tax | County of Bedford, Virginiabedfordcountyva.gov
03
County
Real Estate Tax | County of Bedford, Virginiabedfordcountyva.gov
04
Tax Doc
Taxes | Bedford, VAbedfordva.gov
05
County
Meetings and Important Dates | County of Bedford, Virginiabedfordcountyva.gov
06
Tax Doc
Supervisors Pass Personal Property Tax Relief Measuresbedfordcountyva.gov
07
Tax Doc
16-221 | Virginia Taxtax.virginia.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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