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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Franklin County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Franklin 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 of assessed value (base rate, varies by special districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Franklin County, Virginia operates on a property tax system that serves as a primary funding source for essential county services including schools, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and local government operations. The county assesses real estate annually based on fair market value, with property owners receiving tax bills that reflect both county-wide levies and any applicable special district assessments.

For the FY 2025-2026 tax year, Franklin County significantly reduced its base real estate tax rate from $0.61 to $0.43 per $100 of assessed value, representing a substantial tax relief for property owners. However, actual tax rates may vary depending on your property's location within special taxing districts or service areas that impose additional assessments for services like fire protection, water, or sewer services.

The county operates on a semi-annual payment schedule with tax bills due on June 5 and December 5 each year. Property owners should note that various tax relief programs are available for qualifying residents, including elderly and disabled homeowner programs and veterans' exemptions, though these typically require annual application and income verification.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)DescriptionLevy Year
Base Real Estate Tax$0.43County-wide general fund levyFY 2025-2026
Personal Property TaxVariesMotor vehicles, boats, business equipmentFY 2025-2026
Special District AssessmentsVaries by locationFire districts, water/sewer authoritiesFY 2025-2026

Note: The base rate of $0.43 per $100 of assessed value applies county-wide, but properties located within special taxing districts may be subject to additional assessments that increase the effective tax rate. Contact the Franklin County Commissioner of Revenue at (540) 483-3098 to determine if your property is subject to any special district taxes. The county mails separate tax bills for any special assessments, and these may have different due dates than the standard June 5 and December 5 schedule.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

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 are issued when there are mid-year changes to a property that affect its assessed value, such as new construction, major improvements, or changes in ownership that reveal previously unreported modifications. These taxes cover the period from when the change occurred until the end of the current tax year, calculated on a prorated basis.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in September and the county assesses it in November, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the increased assessment from September through December 5. The calculation would be: ($50,000 ÷ 100) × $0.43 × (3.5 months ÷ 12 months) = $62.71. Supplemental tax bills are typically due within 30 days of the issue date and are separate from your regular June and December tax payments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Elderly/Disabled Tax Relief Applied: -$0 (if no application filed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: ($300,000 ÷ 100) × $0.43 = $1,290
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,290 ÷ 12 = $107.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Senior Tax Relief

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Senior Tax Credit Applied: Variable based on income (application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000 (assuming no qualifying credits)
  • Annual Tax: ($600,000 ÷ 100) × $0.43 = $2,580
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,580 ÷ 12 = $215.00

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (most credits are income-limited)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: ($1,000,000 ÷ 100) × $0.43 = $4,300
  • Monthly Escrow: $4,300 ÷ 12 = $358.33

Note: All tax relief programs require annual application and income verification. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue to determine eligibility.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for Franklin County properties, collecting monthly payments along with your mortgage payment to ensure taxes are paid on time. Your lender typically collects 1/12 of your annual tax bill each month, plus a cushion of 1-2 months to account for potential assessment increases.

Since Franklin County operates on a semi-annual payment schedule with bills due June 5 and December 5, your lender will receive tax bills approximately 14 days before each due date and make payments directly to the county. You should receive copies of these tax bills for your records, and it's important to verify that your lender is paying the correct amounts. If you notice discrepancies between your escrow payments and actual tax bills, contact your lender immediately to request an escrow analysis and adjustment. Property owners without escrow accounts are responsible for making payments directly to the Franklin County Treasurer's Office by the due dates to avoid penalties and interest charges.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Real estate taxes are due semi-annually on June 5, 2025, and December 5, 2025. Personal property taxes are due December 5, 2025. Bills are mailed at least 14 days prior to each due date.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Franklin County offers tax relief programs for elderly and disabled homeowners based on income and net worth - these require annual application. Veterans with 100% disability rating may qualify for complete tax exemption, but must apply. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue at (540) 483-3098 for applications and eligibility requirements.

Q: Can I pay my full annual tax bill in June instead of making two payments? A: Yes, you may pay the full year's tax with your June payment. However, if you wait until December to pay the full amount, you will be charged late payment penalties and interest on the June portion.

Q: How does the homestead tax credit work? A: Franklin County's elderly and disabled tax relief program provides credits that reduce your tax bill based on income eligibility. This is not an automatic homestead exemption - you must apply annually and meet income/net worth requirements.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Contact the Commissioner of Revenue's Office at (540) 483-3098 for the current reassessment schedule and appeal procedures if you disagree with your assessment.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. The exact penalty structure can be obtained from the Franklin County Treasurer's Office.

Q: Can I pay my taxes online? A: Contact the Franklin County Treasurer's Office at (540) 483-3000 for available payment methods and online payment options.

Q: What if I receive a supplemental tax bill? A: Supplemental bills are issued for mid-year changes like new construction or improvements. These are typically due within 30 days of issue and are separate from your regular tax bills.

Q: How do I know if my property is in a special taxing district? A: Special district taxes vary by location within Franklin County. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue at (540) 483-3098 to determine if your property is subject to additional district assessments.

Q: Are there tax exemptions for veterans? A: Veterans with 100% service-connected disability may qualify for complete real estate and personal property tax exemption under Virginia law, but must apply with required documentation through the Commissioner of Revenue's Office.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
FY 24-25 Last Year Budget Reviewfranklincountyva.gov
02
Fy 2025-2026 Budget Work SeSSion ...franklincountyva.gov
03
Board of Supervisors Adopts Fiscal Year 2025 Budgetloudoun.gov
04
County
Tax Rates and Due Dates | Franklin County, VAfranklincountyva.gov
05
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQfranklincountyva.gov
06
County
Revalidation | Franklin County, VAfranklincountyva.gov
07
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQfranklincountyva.gov
08
Tax Doc
Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemptionfranklincountyva.gov
09
Tax Doc
Tax Relieffranklincountyva.gov
10
County
What is the interim or supplemental bill? - Franklin Countyfranklincountypa.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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