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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Colonial Heights County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.90% base rate ($9.00 per $1,000 assessed value), varies by special taxing districts
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Colonial Heights County, Virginia operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and county operations. Property taxes are assessed based on fair market value as determined by the county assessor, with tax bills calculated by applying the applicable tax rate to the assessed value minus any approved credits or exemptions.

The effective tax rate in Colonial Heights County varies by location within the county due to special taxing districts and additional assessments. The base real estate tax rate for 2024 is 0.90% ($9.00 per $1,000 of assessed value), though property owners may be subject to additional levies depending on their specific location and the services provided in their area. It's important to note that actual tax rates can differ significantly across neighborhoods due to these special district assessments, making it essential for property owners to understand their specific tax obligations based on their property's location within the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base Real Estate Levy$9.00 per $1,000FY 2024 base rate for all real property in Colonial Heights County
School District AssessmentVaries by districtAdditional levy to fund local school operations and bonds
Fire District AssessmentVaries by districtSpecial assessment for fire protection services in unincorporated areas
Water/Sewer DistrictVaries by districtInfrastructure maintenance and improvements for served areas
Street Lighting DistrictVaries by districtMaintenance and operation of street lighting in designated areas

Note: These rates apply to the current fiscal year and are subject to annual review. Property owners should verify their specific rate with the Commissioner of Revenue as rates vary significantly by special taxing districts within Colonial Heights County. The total effective rate typically ranges from 0.90% to 1.20% depending on location and applicable district assessments.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Colonial Heights 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 taxes in Colonial Heights County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. The most common triggers include the sale or transfer of property to a new owner, completion of new construction or major improvements, and changes in property classification (such as converting agricultural land to residential use).

When a supplemental tax is assessed, it is calculated based on the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the fiscal year. For example, if a property sells in August and the new assessment increases the value from $400,000 to $500,000, the new owner would be responsible for supplemental taxes on the additional $100,000 in assessed value for the remaining months of the fiscal year. The calculation would be: ($100,000 ÷ $1,000) × $9.00 × (remaining months ÷ 12) = supplemental tax due.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$50,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,000
  • Tax Rate: $9.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $2,250
  • Monthly Escrow: $187.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$50,000 (requires application)
  • Disabled Veteran Credit: -$25,000 (requires application and qualification)
  • Net Taxable Value: $525,000
  • Tax Rate: $9.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $4,725
  • Monthly Escrow: $393.75

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$50,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $950,000
  • Tax Rate: $9.00 per $1,000
  • Annual Tax: $8,550
  • Monthly Escrow: $712.50

Note: All credits shown require formal application and approval. Credits are not automatically applied and must be renewed as required by county regulations.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most Colonial Heights County property owners with mortgages have their property taxes collected through an escrow account managed by their mortgage lender. Under this system, property owners pay approximately 1/12th of their estimated annual property tax bill each month as part of their mortgage payment. The lender holds these funds in escrow and remits payment directly to Colonial Heights County on the due dates of May 15 and November 15.

Property owners with escrow accounts typically do not receive tax bills directly, as the mortgage company handles all payment responsibilities. However, it's important to verify that your lender is making timely payments and to review your annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are being collected. If you maintain an escrow account, your mortgage company should receive tax bills and remit payment automatically. You can verify payments have been made by contacting the Commissioner of Revenue's Office at (804) 520-9280 or checking the county's online payment portal.

Lenders are required to conduct annual escrow analyses and may adjust monthly payments if property taxes increase or if the escrow account becomes short of funds. Property owners should review these analyses carefully and contact their lender immediately if there are any discrepancies or concerns about tax payments.

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 Colonial Heights County? A: Real estate taxes are due semi-annually on May 15 and November 15 for the current fiscal year. Personal property taxes are due on January 31, June 5, and December 5. Tax bills are mailed at least 15 days prior to each due date.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Colonial Heights County offers several tax credits that require formal application, including homestead credits for primary residences, elderly/disabled credits, and veteran disability credits. Applications must be filed with the Commissioner of Revenue's Office between January 1 and March 31. Contact (804) 520-9280 for specific eligibility requirements.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit in Colonial Heights County helps limit assessment increases on primary residences. This credit caps the annual increase in assessed value, not the market value itself. Property owners must apply for this credit - it is not automatic - and must reapply when required by county regulations.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Colonial Heights County conducts property assessments according to Virginia state requirements. Property owners receive assessment notices before the tax year begins and have the right to appeal assessments through the Board of Equalization during designated appeal periods.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges as prescribed by Virginia law. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue's Office at (804) 520-9280 for current penalty rates and to discuss payment arrangements if needed.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Colonial Heights County offers online payment options through the county website. Property owners can pay by electronic check or credit card, though convenience fees may apply for credit card transactions.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary within Colonial Heights County due to special taxing districts for services like fire protection, street lighting, water/sewer, and school districts. Your total effective rate depends on which districts serve your property location.

Q: What should I do if I don't receive a tax bill? A: Property owners are responsible for paying taxes even if they don't receive a bill. If you haven't received your tax bill within two weeks of the due date, contact the Commissioner of Revenue's Office immediately at (804) 520-9280 to obtain your bill and avoid late penalties.

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