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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Caroline County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Caroline 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
$0.78 per $100 of assessed value (proposed FY 2025), varies by special taxing districts
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Caroline County, Virginia operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, law enforcement, fire and rescue services, road maintenance, and county administration. The county's property tax rate for FY 2025 is proposed at $0.78 per $100 of assessed value, subject to final approval by the Board of Supervisors. This rate applies to the assessed value of real estate and personal property within the county.

It's important to note that actual tax rates may vary by location within Caroline County due to special taxing districts and service areas that may impose additional assessments. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate based on their property's location and any applicable district assessments. The county reassesses properties periodically to ensure fair market value assessment, and property owners have the right to appeal assessments they believe are inaccurate.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Base County Rate$0.78Proposed rate for FY 2025, subject to Board approval
School DistrictIncluded in baseFunding for Caroline County Public Schools
Fire/EMS ServicesIncluded in baseEmergency services and fire protection
Special DistrictsVariesAdditional assessments may apply based on location

Note: The $0.78 rate is proposed for FY 2025 and requires final approval by the Caroline County Board of Supervisors. Actual rates may vary within the county based on special taxing districts or service areas. Property owners should verify their specific rate with the Commissioner of Revenue based on their property's exact location and applicable district assessments.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Caroline 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 tax bills in Caroline County are issued as corrections to existing tax bills or for new items brought into the county during the tax year. The Caroline County Treasurer is authorized under the Virginia Appropriations Act to issue these supplemental bills when necessary. Common triggers include ownership changes discovered through deed recordings, new construction or improvements added mid-year, personal property brought into the county after the original assessment date, or corrections to previously issued bills due to assessment errors.

Supplemental taxes are calculated based on the current tax rate applied to the newly assessed value or corrected assessment. For example, if a property improvement worth $50,000 is completed mid-year and discovered after the original assessment, the supplemental tax would be calculated as $50,000 ÷ 100 × $0.78 = $390, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. Property owners typically receive supplemental bills within 30-60 days of the county becoming aware of the change or correction needed.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Tax Relief Credit (if qualified): $0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 ÷ 100 × $0.78 = $2,340
  • Monthly Payment: $195

$600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Tax Relief Credit (if qualified): $0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 ÷ 100 × $0.78 = $4,680
  • Monthly Payment: $390

$1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Tax Relief Credit (if qualified): $0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 ÷ 100 × $0.78 = $7,800
  • Monthly Payment: $650

Note: Tax relief credits of up to 95% are available for qualified homeowners but require annual application by March 1st. These examples assume no credits applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Caroline County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds in escrow until tax payments are due. Caroline County property taxes are due twice yearly on June 5th and December 5th, and your lender will make these payments directly to the county on your behalf.

It's essential to verify that your lender has the correct tax amount in escrow, especially after reassessments or rate changes. Property owners should review their annual escrow analysis statement and contact their lender if the escrowed amount appears insufficient to cover the full year's taxes. If you pay taxes directly rather than through escrow, you're responsible for making timely payments to avoid penalties and interest charges.

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 Caroline County for FY 2025? A: Property taxes are due twice yearly on June 5th and December 5th.

Q: What tax relief credits are available and how do I apply? A: Caroline County offers real estate tax relief of up to 95% for qualified homeowners. Applications must be filed annually before March 1st with the Commissioner of Revenue. Assistance is available in February to help complete applications.

Q: Is there a homestead tax credit that caps assessment increases? A: While Virginia allows localities to offer homestead credits that limit assessment increases, specific details for Caroline County should be confirmed with the Commissioner of Revenue office, as this varies by locality.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Caroline County? A: Contact the Commissioner of Revenue office for the current reassessment schedule, as this varies and affects when property values are updated for tax purposes.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Contact the County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and interest charges that apply to delinquent property tax payments.

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

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Contact the Commissioner of Revenue office for the assessment appeal process, deadlines, and required documentation.

Q: Do special taxing districts affect my property tax rate? A: Yes, additional assessments may apply based on your property's location within special service or taxing districts. Verify your specific rate with the Commissioner of Revenue.

Q: What income limits apply for tax relief programs? A: Tax relief eligibility considers combined financial worth and income limits. The first $6,500 of income from others in the dwelling is exempted from calculations. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue for complete eligibility requirements.

Q: Are prepayment plans available for property taxes? A: Yes, Caroline County offers prepayment plans for the June 5th and December 5th due dates. Contact the Treasurer's office for enrollment details.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
CAROLINE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS SPECIAL ...co.caroline.va.us
02
County
Caroline County Board of Supervisors Agenda Executive ...co.caroline.va.us
03
County
Caroline County Board of Supervisors Agenda Executive ...co.caroline.va.us
04
County
Dates to Remember | Caroline County VAco.caroline.va.us
05
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQco.caroline.va.us
06
Weekly Newsflashloudoun.gov
07
County
Caroline Countyco.caroline.va.us
08
County
Real Estate Tax Exemption | Caroline County VAco.caroline.va.us
09
County
Real Estate | Caroline County VAco.caroline.va.us
10
correction of personal property disabled veterans codeco.caroline.va.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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