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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Falls Church County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by location within county due to special taxing districts and additional assessments
1st Due
Jul 1
2nd Due
Jun 30
Exemptions
3+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Falls Church County, Virginia are administered by the local tax assessor's office and serve as the primary funding source for essential county services including public schools, public safety, transportation infrastructure, and community services. The county operates on a fiscal year basis (July 1 - June 30) and conducts annual property assessments to determine taxable values.

The effective property tax rate in Falls Church County varies by location within the county due to special taxing districts and additional assessments. Property owners should expect their actual tax rate to differ based on their specific location and any applicable special district levies. The county's tax system includes both credits (which reduce your tax bill) and exemptions (which reduce assessed value), though most require formal application and are not automatically applied.

Tax rates and assessment values can fluctuate annually, making it important for property owners to stay informed about changes that may affect their tax liability. The county provides various relief programs for qualifying residents, including seniors and disabled veterans, though these programs require timely application to receive benefits.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
Base Real Estate Tax$1.210Primary county tax rate (FY 2025-2026)
School District LevyIncludedIncorporated in base rate
Special DistrictsVariesAdditional assessments based on location

Historical Tax Rates:

  • FY 2025-2026: $1.210 per $100
  • FY 2024-2025: $1.185 per $100
  • FY 2019-2020: $1.355 per $100
  • FY 2018-2019: $1.330 per $100

Note: Actual tax rates may vary within Falls Church County depending on special taxing districts in your area. Property owners should verify their specific rate with the county tax assessor's office, as additional levies for infrastructure improvements, school bonds, or other special assessments may apply to certain geographic areas.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Jul 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Jun 30
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 property taxes are additional tax bills issued when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. These taxes cover the difference between the previous assessment and the new higher assessment for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: change of ownership (sale/transfer), completion of new construction, major renovations or additions, and removal of exemptions or credits. The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplying by the current tax rate, and prorating for the remaining months in the fiscal year.

Example: If a property's assessed value increases from $400,000 to $500,000 due to renovations completed in January, and the tax rate is $1.210 per $100, the supplemental tax would be: ($500,000 - $400,000) × ($1.210/$100) × (6 months remaining/12 months) = $606. This supplemental bill would be issued in addition to the regular annual tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Senior Credit (if applicable): -$0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 × ($1.210/$100) = $3,630
  • Monthly Escrow: $302.50

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): varies (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 × ($1.210/$100) = $7,260
  • Monthly Escrow: $605.00

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Available Credits: varies (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 × ($1.210/$100) = $12,100
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,008.33

Note: All tax credits require formal application and approval. Credits shown are examples only and actual eligibility varies by individual circumstances. Property owners must apply for credits annually or as specified by county requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders may require escrow regardless of down payment amount. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, holding these funds in an escrow account to pay your tax bills when due.

Property tax bills in Falls Church County are typically due twice yearly, and your lender will pay these directly to the county from your escrow account. Lenders are required to provide annual escrow analysis statements showing account activity, and may adjust your monthly payment if there's a shortage or surplus. If your taxes increase due to assessment changes or rate increases, your monthly escrow payment will likely increase as well.

Property owners who pay taxes directly (without escrow) should budget accordingly and ensure timely payment to avoid penalties and interest. The county provides online payment options and may offer payment plans for qualifying taxpayers. Always verify that your lender has paid your taxes on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring payment even when using escrow services.

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 for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are typically due in two installments. Check with Falls Church County for specific due dates, as they may vary. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Available credits include senior citizen relief (65+ or disabled), disabled veteran exemptions, and homestead credits. All credits require formal application through the county assessor's office and are not automatically applied.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit typically caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. This credit requires initial application and may need periodic renewal. Contact the assessor's office for current application requirements and deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Falls Church County conducts annual assessments. Property values are reviewed yearly, with notices typically mailed in early spring for the upcoming fiscal year.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, property owners can appeal assessments they believe are incorrect. Appeals must be filed within specified timeframes after receiving assessment notices. The county provides formal appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest and penalty charges that accrue monthly. Contact the county treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Most Virginia counties offer online payment options. Check the Falls Church County website for available payment methods, including credit card, electronic check, and automatic payment options.

Q: Do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, your location within Falls Church County may subject you to additional special district taxes for services like enhanced lighting, landscaping, or infrastructure improvements. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill.

Q: What if I'm military personnel stationed elsewhere? A: Military personnel may qualify for certain exemptions or deferrals. Contact the assessor's office for military-specific tax relief programs and application procedures.

Q: How do I verify my lender paid my taxes? A: Check with your lender for payment confirmation, or contact the county directly to verify payment status. You can also check online through the county's tax portal if available.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
State
Current Real Estate Tax Rate & History | Falls Church, VAfallschurchva.gov
02
County
Tax Rates for County, City, Town, and Districts. TY 2023tax.virginia.gov
03
State
Real Estate Tax Ratesfairfaxcounty.gov
04
State
Real Estate Tax Relief and Exemptions | Tax Administrationfairfaxcounty.gov
05
Tax Doc
Tax Forms | Tax Administrationfairfaxcounty.gov
06
Congressional Recordcongress.gov
07
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQfallschurchva.gov
08
County
FAIRFAX COUNTY BOARD OF EQUALIZATION (BOE)fallschurchva.gov
09
State
Real Estate Tax City of Fairfax, VAfairfaxva.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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