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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Chesapeake County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Chesapeake 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
$1.17 per $100 assessed value (base rate varies by special districts)
1st Due
Jun 5
2nd Due
Dec 5
Exemptions
3+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Chesapeake County, Virginia operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential county services including public education, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community services. Property taxes in Chesapeane County are assessed annually based on the fair market value of real estate and personal property, with tax bills typically issued in two installments throughout the fiscal year.

The effective tax rate in Chesapeake County varies by location within the county due to special taxing districts and additional assessments for services like schools, fire districts, and infrastructure improvements. Property owners should expect their actual tax rate to differ from the base county rate depending on their specific location and applicable district services. Virginia's property tax system allows counties significant flexibility in setting rates and offering various tax relief programs, making it essential for property owners to understand both county-wide and location-specific tax obligations.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Rate~1.00%General county operations and services
School DistrictVaries by districtAdditional assessment for local school funding
Special Service DistrictsVaries by locationFire, water, sewer, or other municipal services
Total Effective RateVaries by locationCombined rate depending on property location

Note: 2025 tax rates have not yet been set by Chesapeake County. Rates shown are estimates based on 2024 levels. Final FY 2025-2026 rates will be announced closer to the fiscal year beginning. Actual rates vary significantly within the county based on special taxing districts and municipal service areas. Contact the Chesapeake County Assessor's Office for location-specific rate information.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Jun 5
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Dec 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 Chesapeake County are additional property tax assessments issued when there are corrections to original assessments or changes in property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. These supplemental bills are triggered by events such as new construction completion, property ownership transfers, assessment corrections, or the removal/addition of exemptions or credits.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previously assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a property's assessed value increases from $400,000 to $500,000 due to completed renovations in January, and the tax rate is 1.2%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $1,200 (($100,000 × 1.2%) × remaining months/12). These bills are issued at various times throughout the year as changes occur and are due within the standard payment timeframe from the issue date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Senior Citizens Tax Credit Applied: -$2,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $298,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.2% (estimated)
  • Annual Tax: $3,576
  • Monthly Escrow: $298

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Disabled Veterans Tax Credit Applied: -$5,000 (requires application and qualification)
  • Net Taxable Value: $595,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.2% (estimated)
  • Annual Tax: $7,140
  • Monthly Escrow: $595

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • No Credits Applied: $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.2% (estimated)
  • Annual Tax: $12,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,000

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and eligibility verification. Credits shown are estimates and actual amounts may vary. Homestead exemptions limit assessment increases rather than reducing total assessed value.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Chesapeake County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. The lender collects monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment, typically calculated by dividing your annual property tax bill by 12 months, plus a buffer amount to ensure adequate funds are available when taxes are due.

Property tax payments from escrow accounts are typically made directly by your lender to Chesapeake County around the due dates of June 21st for the first installment and December for the second installment. Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing deposits, payments, and account balances. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender may adjust your monthly escrow payment and may require you to make up any shortage over 12 months. Property owners should verify that their lender has made timely tax payments and contact the County Treasurer's Office if there are any discrepancies.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Chesapeake County for FY 2025-2026? A: Real estate taxes are typically due June 21st for the first half installment. Personal property tax bills are usually mailed September 1st. Contact the Treasurer's Office for exact dates as they may vary slightly each year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: Chesapeake County offers various tax credits including Senior Citizens Tax Credit, Disabled Veterans Tax Credit, and others. All credits require separate applications and are NOT automatic. Contact the County Assessor's Office for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Tax Credit work? A: The Homestead Tax Credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing your property's assessed value. This credit requires filing an application and typically caps assessment growth to protect long-term residents from rapid value increases.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Chesapeake County? A: Properties are generally reassessed annually, though Virginia law allows for various assessment cycles. Assessment notices are typically mailed in spring, and property owners have the right to appeal assessments through a formal process.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments typically incur interest charges and penalties as specified in Virginia Code. Contact the Treasurer's Office for specific penalty rates and payment options to avoid additional charges.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Chesapeake County typically offers online payment options through their official website. Payment methods usually include electronic check and credit card options, though credit card payments may include processing fees.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special district taxes vary by location within Chesapeake County and fund services like fire protection, schools, or infrastructure. Your total tax rate includes both county-wide and location-specific district assessments.

Q: What should I do if I disagree with my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal assessments through the County's formal appeal process, typically within 30 days of receiving the assessment notice. Contact the Assessor's Office for appeal forms and procedures, and consider gathering comparable property data to support your case.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Personal Property Tax Update City of Portsmouth, Virginiaportsmouthva.gov
02
County
Table 1 Rates of County Levies for County Purposes for TY ...tax.virginia.gov
03
Fiscal Year 2025 Local Estimatestax.virginia.gov
04
Tax Doc
Tax Calendar City of Fairfax, VAfairfaxva.gov
05
Tax Doc
Personal Property Tax City of Fairfax, VAfairfaxva.gov
06
Tax Doc
Where to File | Virginia Taxtax.virginia.gov
07
Chapter 2. Homestead Exemption of Householderlaw.lis.virginia.gov
08
Tax Doc
Code of Virginia Code - Chapter 32. Real Property Taxlaw.lis.virginia.gov
09
Tax Doc
Code of Virginia Code - Chapter 36. Tax Exempt Propertylaw.lis.virginia.gov
10
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQco.caroline.va.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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