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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Charlottesville County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Charlottesville 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
Varies by district - base rate plus special assessments for fire protection and other services
1st Due
Dec 5
2nd Due
Jun 5
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Charlottesville County, Virginia operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and general government operations. The county's FY 2026 budget totals $265.2 million, with $79 million allocated specifically for local school contributions and $36 million for capital improvement projects. Property taxes fund critical priorities identified by the City Council including housing initiatives, public safety, transportation improvements, and climate action programs.

The effective property tax rate varies by location within Charlottesville County due to special taxing districts that may impose additional assessments for services like fire protection, lighting districts, or other municipal services. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate based on their property's location and any applicable special district assessments. The county assesses both real estate and personal property, with different due dates and payment schedules for each category.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base Real Estate Tax$0.98 per $100 assessed valuePrimary tax rate for FY 2025-2026, unchanged from previous year
Personal Property TaxVaries by categoryAssessed annually on vehicles and other tangible personal property
Special District AssessmentsVaries by locationAdditional rates may apply based on property location within specific service districts

Note: The real estate tax rate of $0.98 per $100 of assessed value applies to the FY 2025-2026 levy year. Special taxing districts within Charlottesville County may impose additional assessments that vary by geographic location and services provided. Property owners should contact the Commissioner of Revenue's Office to determine their total applicable tax rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Dec 5
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Jun 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 Charlottesville County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that occur after the annual assessment date. When property changes hands or new construction is completed mid-year, the county issues a supplemental assessment to account for the difference between the previous assessment and the current assessed value, prorated for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if a newly constructed addition valued at $50,000 is completed in January (halfway through the tax year), the supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($50,000 ÷ 100) × $0.98 × 0.5 = $245. This supplemental amount would be added to the regular tax bill, and late payment penalties of 10% of the balance due apply if not paid by the specified deadline.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (assuming no applications filed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: ($300,000 ÷ 100) × $0.98 = $2,940
  • Monthly Escrow: $245

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (assuming no applications filed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: ($600,000 ÷ 100) × $0.98 = $5,880
  • Monthly Escrow: $490

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (assuming no applications filed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: ($1,000,000 ÷ 100) × $0.98 = $9,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $817

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Qualifying homeowners should contact the county assessor's office to determine available credits and application procedures.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Charlottesville County collect property taxes through monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment. The lender estimates your annual tax obligation and divides it by 12 months, often adding a cushion to ensure adequate funds are available when taxes become due on December 5th. Lenders typically pay your real estate taxes directly to the county before the due date to avoid penalties.

Property owners should verify that their lender has current assessment information and is collecting adequate escrow funds, especially after reassessments or home improvements. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or loss of tax credits, you may need to increase your monthly escrow payment to avoid a shortage. The lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing the account balance, payments made, and any adjustments needed for the coming year.

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 Charlottesville County for FY 2025-2026? A: Real estate and personal property taxes are due December 5th. Business personal property taxes are due March 15th, with installment options available on June 5th and December 5th.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: Various tax credits are available including programs for qualifying homeowners, disabled veterans, and surviving spouses. All credits require separate applications and are not automatic. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue's Office for specific eligibility requirements and application procedures.

Q: How does the homestead tax credit work? A: Homestead-type credits typically limit annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. These credits require filing an application and may have income or other eligibility restrictions. They are not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Q: What is the penalty for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur a penalty of 10% of the balance due after any personal property tax relief is applied. This penalty applies to the outstanding balance, not the total assessed tax.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, property taxes can be paid online, though a third-party convenience fee is added to credit card transactions. Payments can also be made in-person, by mail, or by phone.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Charlottesville County? A: Assessment schedules vary. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue's Office for specific information about reassessment cycles and procedures for appealing assessments.

Q: Who should I contact about special district taxes on my property? A: Contact the Commissioner of Revenue's Office to determine if your property is located within any special taxing districts that impose additional assessments beyond the base county rate.

Q: Are there exemptions for disabled veterans? A: Disabled veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for exemptions from real estate tax and personal property tax if they reside in Charlottesville County and meet specific criteria. Applications are required and must demonstrate qualifying disability status and residency requirements.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
adopted fiscal year 2025/2026charlottesville.gov
02
City of Charlottesville 2025 Reassessment Now Availablecharlottesville.gov
03
Tax Doc
Commissioner of Revenue - Personal Property Taxcharlottesville.gov
04
Tax Doc
News Flash • City Tax Deadlinecharlottesville.gov
05
Tax Doc
Business Personal Property Tax | Charlottesville, VAcharlottesville.gov
06
Tax Doc
Personal Property Taxes | Charlottesville, VAcharlottesville.gov
07
State
Real Estate Tax Reliefcharlottesville.gov
08
Tax Doc
Personal Property Tax | Charlottesville, VAcharlottesville.gov
09
State
Real Estate Taxescharlottesville.gov
10
COVID-19 Updates & Important Information Virginia ...loudoun.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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