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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Essex County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Essex 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
$0.55 per $100 of assessed valuation (0.55% effective rate) for real estate
1st Due
Dec 5
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Essex County, Virginia operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and county administration. Property taxes in Essex County are assessed on both real estate and personal property, with the county handling its own billing and collection processes rather than contracting with the state.

The property tax system in Essex County is straightforward compared to many Virginia localities, with a real estate tax rate of $0.55 per $100 of assessed valuation for the 2025 tax year. This translates to an effective rate of 0.55%, making Essex County one of the lower-taxed jurisdictions in Virginia. However, actual tax burdens can vary within the county due to special taxing districts and the availability of various tax credits that require separate applications. Property owners should note that Essex County conducts its own assessments and maintains separate tax rolls for real estate, personal property, and land use classifications.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100DescriptionLevy Year
Real Estate Tax$0.55Base rate for residential and commercial real property2025
Mobile Homes$0.55Same rate as real estate for mobile home assessments2025
Tangible Personal Property$3.50Vehicles, boats, business equipment (NADA clean value)2025

Note: These are proposed rates for Calendar Year 2025. Rates may vary in specific areas of the county if special taxing districts apply. Personal property assessments are based on 100% of NADA clean retail value for vehicles. The county does not impose additional special assessments or bond levies beyond the base rates listed above.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Dec 5
Delinquent after Dec 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 tax bills in Essex County are triggered when property ownership changes or when new construction is completed and occupied. When a property sale occurs, the new owner receives a supplemental bill that accounts for the difference between any reduced assessment classifications (such as land use taxation) and the full fair-market value assessment. This ensures that property taxes reflect current market values immediately upon transfer rather than waiting for the next regular assessment cycle.

For example, if agricultural land was previously assessed at $5,000 per acre under land use taxation but has a fair market value of $15,000 per acre, a new owner who doesn't qualify for agricultural use would receive a supplemental bill for the additional $10,000 per acre assessment at the current tax rate of $0.55 per $100. The supplemental amount would be $55 per acre annually, prorated from the date of transfer.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied for and approved): -$0 (varies by eligibility)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 ÷ 100 × $0.55 = $1,650
  • Monthly Escrow: $137.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Available Tax Credits (application required): -$0 (varies by eligibility)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 ÷ 100 × $0.55 = $3,300
  • Monthly Escrow: $275.00

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Applicable Tax Credits (if qualified and applied): -$0 (varies by eligibility)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 ÷ 100 × $0.55 = $5,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $458.33

Note: Tax credits such as elderly/disabled, veteran, or other qualifying credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Contact the Essex County Commissioner of Revenue for available programs.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Essex County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of the estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, then remit payment directly to Essex County when taxes become due. The escrow account is analyzed annually, and adjustments may be made to monthly collections based on changes in assessed values or tax rates.

Property taxes in Essex County are billed twice annually, with the second half payment due by December 5th (based on 2025 schedule). Lenders generally make payments before the due date to avoid penalties. Property owners should verify that their lender has made timely payments and should review their annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are being collected. If you pay taxes directly rather than through escrow, you're responsible for meeting all deadlines and can face penalties and interest on late 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 Essex County property taxes due for 2025? A: The second half of 2025 property taxes are due on or before December 5, 2025. First half due dates vary, so check with the county for the complete payment schedule.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Essex County offers various tax credits including elderly/disabled relief, veteran exemptions, and other qualifying programs. All credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue for application forms and deadlines.

Q: Does Essex County offer a Homestead tax credit? A: Virginia localities may offer homestead exemptions that limit annual assessment increases. You must apply separately for this benefit - it is not automatic. Check with the Essex County Commissioner of Revenue for availability and application requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Essex County? A: Assessment schedules vary by locality in Virginia. Contact the Essex County Commissioner of Revenue for the current reassessment cycle and appeal procedures if you disagree with your assessment.

Q: What penalties apply for late tax payments? A: Late payments typically incur interest and penalties. Contact the Essex County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check the Essex County website or contact the Treasurer's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special taxing districts affect my bill? A: Some areas within Essex County may have additional special district taxes. Your tax bill will specify any additional assessments beyond the base county rate.

Q: What's the difference between the Commissioner of Revenue and Treasurer? A: The Commissioner of Revenue handles assessments, exemptions, and tax credits, while the Treasurer handles billing, collection, and payments. Contact the appropriate office based on your specific need.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
proposed budget for fiscal yearessexva.gov
02
Minutesessexva.gov
03
Resolution #24-004essexva.gov
04
County
Essex County | Tappahannock VAessexva.gov
05
County
VA - Essex County - Vision Government Solutionsessexva.gov
06
State
Real Estate Tax Relief Application for Seniorsessexva.gov
07
Tax Doc
07211966 | Virginia Taxtax.virginia.gov
08
State
Real Estate Property Booksessexva.gov
09
Tax Doc
virginia tax annual report fiscal year 2023tax.virginia.gov
10
County
Rollback Taxes | Essex County, VAessexva.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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