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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Clarke County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Clarke 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
$0.57 per $100 assessed value (base rate, varies by special taxing districts)
1st Due
Jun 5
2nd Due
Dec 5
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Clarke County, Virginia operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and county operations. The county assesses property taxes on real estate, personal property (primarily vehicles), and machinery and tools, with different tax rates applied to each category. Property owners can expect an effective tax rate that varies based on their location within the county, as some areas fall within special taxing districts that may impose additional assessments.

The county follows Virginia state law for property tax administration, with assessments conducted regularly to maintain current market values. Property tax bills are issued twice yearly, and while the base real estate tax rate for FY 2025 is $0.610 per $100 of assessed value according to some sources (though other data shows $0.451 per $100), actual tax liability can vary significantly based on location-specific special district assessments and available tax credits that require separate applications.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
Real Estate Base Rate$0.610*Base county tax on real property (FY 2025)
Personal Property$4.496Tax on vehicles, boats, trailers, motorcycles
Machinery and Tools$1.250Tax on business equipment and machinery
Fire & Rescue Vehicles (Qualified)$2.248Reduced rate for qualifying emergency vehicles

*Note: Research data shows conflicting rates of $0.610 and $0.451 per $100 for real estate. Property owners should verify current rates with Clarke County Tax Administration. Actual tax rates may vary by location within the county due to special taxing districts for services such as fire protection, refuse collection, or other municipal services. Contact the county assessor for location-specific rate information.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Clarke 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 Clarke County are additional property tax assessments that occur when property changes ownership, undergoes new construction, or experiences significant improvements during the tax year. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the triggering event occurs.

For example, if a property is sold in August and the new assessment increases the value from $400,000 to $500,000, the new owner would receive a supplemental tax bill for the additional tax on the $100,000 increase, calculated from the sale date through the end of the current tax year (December 31st). The supplemental tax would be approximately $610 (using the $0.610 rate) for the $100,000 increase, prorated for roughly 4 months, resulting in about $203 in additional taxes due.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (requires separate application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 × ($0.610 ÷ $100) = $1,830
  • Monthly Escrow: $152.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (requires separate application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 × ($0.610 ÷ $100) = $3,660
  • Monthly Escrow: $305.00

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (requires separate application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 × ($0.610 ÷ $100) = $6,100
  • Monthly Escrow: $508.33

Note: All examples assume no special district taxes. Tax credits for elderly/disabled residents and other qualifying situations are available but require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Clarke County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. The lender collects approximately 1/12th of the annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, then pays the county directly when taxes are due on June 5th and December 5th each year.

Property owners should verify that their mortgage company has the correct tax amount, as supplemental taxes or special district assessments may not be included in the initial escrow calculation. Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses and may adjust monthly payments if property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes. Property owners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid on time, even when using escrow services, and should monitor their annual tax statements for accuracy.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Clarke County? A: Property taxes are due semi-annually on June 5th and December 5th for the current fiscal year. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Clarke County offers tax relief for elderly and disabled property owners when one owner reaches age 65 in the year prior to seeking the exemption. This requires a separate application and is not automatically granted. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: Virginia localities may offer homestead exemptions that limit annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Applications are required and must be filed with the Commissioner of Revenue. Contact Clarke County for specific program availability and application requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Virginia law requires localities to maintain assessments at current market value. Clarke County conducts regular reassessments, with property owners receiving notice of any assessment changes with appeal rights and deadlines.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest. The county may also initiate collection procedures including liens against the property. Contact the Director of Finance immediately if you cannot meet the payment deadline.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact Clarke County's Director of Finance or Tax Administration office to inquire about available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Do special district taxes apply to my property? A: Some properties in Clarke County may be subject to additional special district taxes for services like fire protection or refuse collection. Check with the Tax Administration office to determine if your property location includes any special assessments.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who disagree with their assessment can appeal to the local Board of Equalization. Appeal procedures, deadlines, and required documentation are available from the Commissioner of Revenue's office.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Commissioner of the Revenue | Clarke County, VAclarkecounty.gov
02
County
Budget | Clarke County, VAclarkecounty.gov
03
County
Tax Rates for County, City, Town, and Districts. TY 2024tax.virginia.gov
04
County
Delinquent Taxes | Clarke County, VAclarkecounty.gov
05
County
Clarke County Extends Property and Real Estate Tax Due ...clarkecounty.gov
06
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQberryvilleva.gov
07
County
Personal Property | Clarke County, VAclarkecounty.gov
08
County
Real Estate | Clarke County, VAclarkecounty.gov
09
Chapter 2. Homestead Exemption of Householderlaw.lis.virginia.gov
10
Tax Doc
FORM 770 - Virginia Taxtax.virginia.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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