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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Fairfax County
Property Tax Guide

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

7 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$1.125 per $100 of assessed value (base rate, plus special district taxes may apply)
1st Due
Jul 28
2nd Due
Dec 5
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Fairfax County operates on an annual property tax system where the Department of Tax Administration (DTA) Real Estate Division assesses all real property at estimated fair market value as of January 1 each year. Property taxes are the primary funding source for essential county services including schools, public safety, parks, libraries, and infrastructure maintenance. The Board of Supervisors sets the tax rate annually, which is then applied to assessed property values to determine tax obligations.

For 2025, Fairfax County's base real estate tax rate is $1.125 per $100 of assessed value, with additional special district taxes that may apply depending on property location. Property owners pay taxes annually in two installments due July 28 and December 5. The effective tax rate typically ranges from approximately 1.13% to 1.35% of assessed value, depending on applicable special district assessments and any qualifying exemptions.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100 assessed value)Description
Base Real Estate Tax$1.125General county operations, schools, public services
Leaf Collection$0.019County-wide leaf collection services
Commercial Transportation Tax District$0.125Commercial properties in designated transportation districts
Phase 1 Dulles Rail District$0.090Commercial/industrial properties in Phase 1 Dulles Rail area
Phase 2 Dulles Rail District$0.180Commercial/industrial properties in Phase 2 Dulles Rail area

Note: Most residential properties pay the base rate plus leaf collection ($1.144 total). Special district taxes apply only to properties within designated geographic areas and typically affect commercial properties.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Jul 28
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

A supplemental tax bill is generated when property value changes during the tax year by $50,000 or more after the January 1 assessment date. This typically occurs due to new construction, major renovations with building permits, or significant property improvements that increase assessed value. The supplemental tax is calculated on the difference between the original assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if a property originally assessed at $400,000 increases to $500,000 due to a home addition completed in June, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the $100,000 increase for the remaining 7 months of the tax year (June through December). At the base rate of $1.144 per $100, this would result in a supplemental tax of approximately $667 ($1,000 × 1.144% × 7/12 months).

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less Exemptions: $0 (assuming no qualifying exemptions)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: $1.144 per $100 (base + leaf collection)
  • Annual Tax: $3,432
  • Monthly Escrow: $286

$600,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less Exemptions: $0 (assuming no qualifying exemptions)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate: $1.144 per $100 (base + leaf collection)
  • Annual Tax: $6,864
  • Monthly Escrow: $572

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less Exemptions: $0 (assuming no qualifying exemptions)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: $1.144 per $100 (base + leaf collection)
  • Annual Tax: $11,440
  • Monthly Escrow: $953

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers, collecting monthly payments along with principal and interest to ensure timely tax payment. Lenders typically collect 1/12 of the annual tax amount monthly, plus a cushion of 2-3 months. Since Fairfax County taxes are due in two installments (July 28 and December 5), lenders pay these bills directly from your escrow account.

Property owners should verify their lender has current tax information, especially after assessments or rate changes. You can monitor your tax obligations and verify payments at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/pay-taxes. If your escrow account has insufficient funds, you'll receive a shortage notice requiring additional payments. Conversely, overpayments typically result in refunds or reduced future escrow payments during your annual escrow analysis.

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? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: July 28 and December 5 annually.

Q: What exemptions are available? A: Fairfax County offers tax relief for elderly and disabled residents meeting income and asset requirements. Contact the assessor's office for specific eligibility criteria and application procedures.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Properties are assessed annually as of January 1, with assessment notices typically mailed in early spring.

Q: How do I appeal my assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed by May 1. Contact the Board of Equalization through the Department of Tax Administration for appeal procedures and requirements.

Q: What happens if I pay late? A: Late payments incur a 10% penalty plus interest. Additional collection actions may follow for delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay taxes online? A: Yes, visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/pay-taxes for online payment options including bank transfers and credit cards.

Q: How do I look up my property information? A: Use the county's iCare system at https://icare.fairfaxcounty.gov/ffxcare/ to view assessments, tax history, and property details.

Q: What if I disagree with a supplemental assessment? A: Supplemental assessments can be appealed using the same process as annual assessments. Contact the Department of Tax Administration at 703-222-8234 for guidance.

For additional questions, visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/real-estate or call 703-222-8234.

Verified Sources

Backed by 7 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Fairfax County Assessorfairfaxcounty.gov
02
State
Real Estate Tax Ratesfairfaxcounty.gov
03
Board of Supervisors Approves FY 2025 Markup Packagefairfaxcounty.gov
04
Tax Doc
Tax Detailsicare.fairfaxcounty.gov
05
Tax Doc
Assessed Valuation, Tax Rates, Levies and Collectionsfairfaxcounty.gov
06
State
Definitions of Real Estate Assessment & Tax Termsfairfaxcounty.gov
07
County
County of Fairfax, Virginiafairfaxcounty.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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