HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Buena Vista County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$1.27 per $100 of assessed value (2024 rate), varies by special taxing districts
1st Due
Dec 5
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Buena Vista County, Virginia operates as an independent city with its own property tax system that funds essential municipal services including public safety, education, infrastructure maintenance, and community programs. The property tax system is based on assessed property values, with taxes calculated as a percentage of the assessed value. For 2024, the base property tax rate was $1.270 per $100 of assessed value, though the 2025 rate has not yet been determined by the city council.

Property owners should note that effective tax rates can vary depending on location within Buena Vista due to special taxing districts and additional assessments for specific services or bonds. The Virginia Department of Taxation requires annual assessments, and property values are reassessed regularly to reflect current market conditions. Unlike some Virginia localities, Buena Vista does not have a general assessment cap, meaning property values can increase to full market value during reassessments.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
General Fund$1.270Base municipal services (2024 rate)
Personal Property$5.850Vehicles, boats, other personal property
Machinery & Tools$4.250Business equipment and machinery
Public Service Corp$0.000Utilities and public service companies

Note: These rates are for the 2024 tax year. The 2025 tax rates will be determined by the Buena Vista City Council during the annual budget process. Special district assessments may apply to certain properties for services such as water/sewer improvements or special lighting districts, which would be added to the base rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Buena Vista 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 taxes in Buena Vista County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or substantial improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the Commissioner of Revenue calculates additional tax based on the increased assessed value prorated for the remaining months in the fiscal year.

For example, if a property owner completes a $50,000 addition in January and the assessed value increases accordingly, a supplemental tax bill would be issued for the increased value from January through the end of the fiscal year (June 30). The calculation would be: ($50,000 ÷ 100) × $1.270 × (6 months ÷ 12 months) = $317.50 in supplemental taxes due.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Veteran's Tax Credit Applied: $0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: ($300,000 ÷ 100) × $1.270 = $3,810
  • Monthly Escrow: $317.50

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Senior Citizen Credit Applied: $0 (requires application and income qualification)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: ($600,000 ÷ 100) × $1.270 = $7,620
  • Monthly Escrow: $635

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • No Credits Applied: $1,000,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: ($1,000,000 ÷ 100) × $1.270 = $12,700
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,058.33

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and qualification verification. Credits shown as $0 in examples above would reduce the actual tax bill if properly applied for and approved.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Buena Vista County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Lenders collect monthly payments equal to 1/12th of the annual property tax bill along with principal, interest, and insurance payments. The escrow account ensures taxes are paid on time when due.

Property tax payments in Buena Vista are typically due by March 31st for the current tax year, though payment schedules may vary. Lenders usually pay taxes from escrow accounts before the due date to avoid penalties. Property owners should verify their escrow payments are current and sufficient to cover tax increases. Annual escrow analyses adjust monthly payments based on actual tax bills and account balances.

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 Buena Vista County? A: For the current fiscal year, property taxes are due by March 31, 2026. The payment schedule can vary, so check with the Commissioner of Revenue for specific due dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Virginia offers several tax credits including veterans' credits for 100% disabled veterans, senior citizen credits for qualifying elderly residents, and disability credits. All credits require separate applications filed with the Commissioner of Revenue and are not automatic.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: Virginia's homestead exemption protects a portion of your home's value from creditors but does not reduce property taxes. Some localities offer homestead tax credits that limit assessment increases, but these require application and vary by jurisdiction.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Buena Vista conducts property reassessments on a regular cycle as required by state law. Property owners receive assessment notices and have the right to appeal during specified appeal periods.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties as specified by Virginia state law. Contact the Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check the official Buena Vista website or contact the Treasurer's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: What if my property is in a special taxing district? A: Properties in special districts may have additional assessments for services like enhanced lighting, water/sewer improvements, or other district-specific services. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal assessments during the specified appeal period by contacting the Board of Equalization. Appeals must be filed within the deadlines published in assessment notices.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Table 1 Rates of County Levies for County Purposes for TY ...tax.virginia.gov
02
County
Tax Rates for County, City, Town, and Districts. TY 2024tax.virginia.gov
03
County
Tax Rates for County, City, Town, and Districts. TY 2023tax.virginia.gov
04
at a regular meeting of the board of supervisors of rockbridgeco.rockbridge.va.us
05
Tax Doc
Taxesbuenavistacounty.iowa.gov
06
Assessorbuenavistacounty.iowa.gov
07
Tax Doc
Excel - Virginia Taxtax.virginia.gov
08
Conner 6.29.09.pdfvawb.uscourts.gov
09
Code of Virginialaw.lis.virginia.gov
10
city of buena vista, virginia comprehensive annual financial ...apa.state.va.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate