HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Fauquier County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$0.055 per $100 assessed value base rate, varies by special taxing district
1st Due
Jun 5
2nd Due
Dec 5
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Fauquier County, Virginia operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for essential county services including public schools, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and local government operations. Property owners pay taxes based on the assessed value of their real estate and personal property, with assessments conducted annually to reflect current market conditions.

The effective property tax rate varies throughout Fauquier County due to special taxing districts that may impose additional levies for specific services or improvements. Real estate owners can expect to pay approximately $0.055 per $100 of assessed value for the base county rate, though total rates may be higher in areas served by special districts. Personal property including vehicles, boats, and business equipment is taxed at higher rates ranging from $3.45 to $4.15 per $100 of assessed value depending on the property type.

Property taxes in Fauquier County are administered by the Commissioner of Revenue for assessment purposes and collected by the County Treasurer. The county follows Virginia state law regarding property tax administration while maintaining local discretion over tax rates and certain exemption programs.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Real Estate (Base)$0.055 per $100Standard rate for residential and commercial real estate
Tangible Personal Property$3.45 per $100Motor vehicles, boats, trailers, mobile homes
Business Furniture & Equipment$3.45 per $100Commercial furniture, fixtures, and equipment
Data Center Equipment$4.15 per $100Specialized rate for data center infrastructure
Machinery and Tools$3.45 per $100Industrial and commercial machinery

Rates shown are for FY 2025. Actual tax bills may include additional charges from special taxing districts, which vary by location within Fauquier County. Special districts may add assessments for fire protection, sanitation, or other localized services. Property owners should verify their specific tax district when calculating total property tax liability.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Fauquier 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 property taxes in Fauquier County are assessments that occur outside the regular annual billing cycle when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. The most common triggers include the sale of property to new owners, completion of new construction or major improvements, changes in property use classification, or corrections to assessment errors.

When a supplemental assessment is issued, it covers the period from the date of the triggering event through the end of the current fiscal year (June 30). The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, then applying the appropriate tax rate to that difference on a prorated basis.

For example, if a homeowner completes a $100,000 addition on January 1st, and the county's real estate tax rate is $0.055 per $100, the supplemental tax would be calculated as follows: $100,000 × 0.00055 = $550 annual tax, prorated for 6 months (January through June) = $275 supplemental tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Elderly/Disabled Tax Relief (if qualified): -$5,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $295,000
  • Annual Tax: $295,000 × 0.00055 = $1,622.50
  • Monthly Escrow: $135.21

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Standard Homestead Credit (if applied): -$0 (assessment increase cap only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 × 0.00055 = $3,300
  • Monthly Escrow: $275

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Veteran Disability Credit (if qualified): -$10,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $990,000
  • Annual Tax: $990,000 × 0.00055 = $5,445
  • Monthly Escrow: $453.75

Note: Tax credits shown require separate applications and income/eligibility verification. Credits are not automatically applied and must be renewed annually or as required by county policy.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Fauquier County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments as part of the mortgage payment and are responsible for making timely tax payments to the county on behalf of the property owner.

Real estate taxes in Fauquier County are billed semi-annually with due dates of June 5th and December 5th each year. Lenders typically receive tax bills directly from the County Treasurer's office and make payments before the due dates to avoid late penalties. Property owners should verify that their lender has current mailing addresses and contact information with the county to ensure bills are received promptly.

Property owners with escrow accounts should review their annual escrow analysis statement to ensure adequate funds are being collected. If property values increase significantly or tax rates change, escrow shortfalls may occur, requiring increased monthly payments or lump-sum payments to cover deficits. Conversely, escrow surpluses may result in refunds or reduced monthly payments. Property owners can contact the County Treasurer at (540) 422-8110 to verify that tax payments have been received and properly credited to their account.

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 Fauquier County for FY 2025? A: Real estate taxes are due semi-annually on June 5th and December 5th. Personal property taxes are due annually on October 25th. A 2% late payment penalty is added to unpaid balances after the due date.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Fauquier County offers several tax credits including elderly/disabled tax relief, veteran disability credits, and land use taxation for agricultural/forestry properties. All credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue at (540) 422-8105 for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work in Fauquier County? A: Virginia's homestead exemption caps assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Qualifying homeowners may limit annual assessment increases, but must file an application with income documentation. The exemption applies to the dwelling and up to five acres and requires annual renewal.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Fauquier County? A: Fauquier County conducts annual assessments with values effective each January 1st for the following fiscal year. Property owners receive assessment notices in early spring and have appeal rights if they believe the assessed value is incorrect.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: A 2% penalty is added to all unpaid balances after the due date. Additional interest may accrue on delinquent accounts, and the county may pursue collection actions including liens and potential sale of property for unpaid taxes.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Fauquier County offers online payment options through the County Treasurer's website. Payments can be made by electronic check or credit card, though convenience fees may apply for credit card transactions.

Q: Do special taxing districts affect my property tax bill? A: Yes, properties located within special taxing districts may have additional assessments for services such as fire protection, sanitation, or other localized services. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and vary by location within the county.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax assessment? A: Supplemental assessments occur when property changes ownership, new construction is completed, major improvements are made, or assessment corrections are necessary during the tax year. The supplemental tax covers the period from the change date through June 30th on a prorated basis.

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate