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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Culpeper County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Culpeper 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
$0.43 per $100 assessed value (varies by fire/rescue district)
1st Due
Jun 5
2nd Due
Dec 5
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Culpeper County's property tax system is the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, public safety, road maintenance, and county administration. Property taxes in Culpeper County are assessed annually based on the fair market value of real estate as of January 1st each year. The county conducts general reassessments periodically to ensure assessed values reflect current market conditions.

The effective tax rate for FY 2025 is $0.43 per $100 of assessed value, though your actual rate may vary depending on your location within the county due to special taxing districts such as fire and rescue service areas. Property owners in different areas of Culpeper County may be subject to additional levies beyond the base real estate tax rate. The county offers several tax credit programs for qualifying property owners, though these require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Real Estate$0.35Base county real estate tax (FY 2025)
Fire & Rescue$0.08Fire and rescue services district tax
Total Rate$0.43Combined rate for most properties

Rates shown are for FY 2025 (tax year 2024). Some properties may be subject to additional special district assessments. The Town of Culpeper has separate municipal tax rates that apply in addition to county rates for properties within town limits. Contact the Culpeper County Assessor's Office to confirm the exact rate applicable to your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Culpeper 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 Culpeper County are additional tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction that wasn't included in the original annual assessment. Common triggers include new construction completion, significant renovations that increase property value, subdivision of land, or corrections to the original assessment.

When a supplemental assessment is issued, it covers the period from the effective date of the change through the end of the current tax year. For example, if you complete a home addition worth $50,000 in assessed value on July 1st, you would receive a supplemental bill for half the year's taxes on that additional $50,000 ($50,000 ÷ 100 × $0.43 × 0.5 = $107.50). Supplemental bills have specific due dates printed on each bill and may differ from the regular December 5th due date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): $0 (limits future increases only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 ÷ 100 × $0.43 = $1,290
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,290 ÷ 12 = $107.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Senior/Disabled Credit

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Senior/Disabled Tax Credit (if qualified and applied): varies by income
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000 (assuming no qualifying credits)
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 ÷ 100 × $0.43 = $2,580
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $2,580 ÷ 12 = $215.00

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Available Tax Credits (if applied): varies by qualification
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 ÷ 100 × $0.43 = $4,300
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $4,300 ÷ 12 = $358.33

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and income/eligibility verification. Credits shown are estimates only.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Culpeper County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly tax payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds in an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Culpeper County by the December 5th due date.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected. Since Culpeper County taxes are due once per year in December, your lender may adjust your monthly escrow payment if tax assessments or rates change significantly. Property owners are responsible for notifying their lender of any tax credits they receive, as this may affect the required escrow amount. If you pay your own taxes without escrow, you can make payments online through the Culpeper County Treasurer's website or in person at the county offices.

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 Culpeper County property taxes due for FY 2025? A: Property taxes are due December 5, 2024. Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Culpeper County offers several tax credits including homestead exemption for primary residences, elderly/disabled tax relief based on income, and 100% disabled veteran exemptions. All credits require separate applications filed with the Commissioner of Revenue. Applications are typically due by April 1st for the following tax year.

Q: How does the Homestead Exemption work? A: The Homestead Exemption limits annual assessment increases on your primary residence, but requires an application. It does not reduce your current assessed value, but caps future year-to-year increases. You must apply with the Commissioner of Revenue to receive this benefit.

Q: How often does Culpeper County reassess properties? A: Culpeper County conducts periodic general reassessments. Between reassessments, properties may be individually reviewed if permits are pulled or market conditions warrant adjustment. Property owners can appeal assessments through the Board of Equalization.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalty and interest charges. Contact the Culpeper County Treasurer's Office at the time of payment for current penalty calculations.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Culpeper County offers online property tax payment through their official website. You can also pay by mail or in person at the Treasurer's Office.

Q: I live in the Town of Culpeper. Do I pay additional taxes? A: Yes, properties within the Town of Culpeper are subject to both county and municipal property taxes. Contact both the county and town offices for your total tax liability.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment to the Culpeper County Board of Equalization. Appeals must be filed within specific timeframes after assessment notices are mailed. Contact the Assessor's Office for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Real Estate Tax | Culpeper County VAweb.culpepercounty.gov
02
Town of Culpeper, VAculpeperva.gov
03
County
Newcomer's Guide to Culpeper County Taxesweb.culpepercounty.gov
04
County
Late Payment Information | Culpeper County VAweb.culpepercounty.gov
05
County
Personal Property Collection Methods | Culpeper County VAweb.culpepercounty.gov
06
County
Filing Deadlines | Culpeper County VAweb.culpepercounty.gov
07
Chapter 2. Homestead Exemption of Householderlaw.lis.virginia.gov
08
Tax Doc
Disabled Veteran Personal Property Tax Exemptionweb.culpepercounty.gov
09
County
Tax Relief for Elderly and Disabled | Culpeper County VAweb.culpepercounty.gov
10
County
Pay Taxes | Culpeper County VAweb.culpepercounty.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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