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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Frederick County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.0% to 1.2% effective rate (varies by special taxing districts including school, fire, and assessment areas)
1st Due
Jun 5
2nd Due
Dec 5
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Frederick County, Virginia operates on a calendar year tax cycle (January 1 through December 31) and collects property taxes to fund essential county services including schools, public safety, road maintenance, and local government operations. Property taxes in Frederick County are billed in two equal installments due on June 5th and December 5th each year. The county's effective tax rates typically range from approximately 1.0% to 1.2% of assessed value, though this varies significantly based on your property's location within the county.

It's important to note that actual tax rates vary by location within Frederick County due to special taxing districts, including school districts, fire districts, and other special assessment areas. Properties in Winchester city limits or other incorporated areas may have different rate structures. The county reassesses all real property annually to maintain current market values, and there is no assessment cap limiting year-over-year increases in assessed value in Virginia.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County General Fund$0.57Basic county services, administration
County School Operating$0.68Public school operations and maintenance
Fire/EMS Districts$0.05-$0.15Varies by fire district location
Solid Waste$0.03Waste management services
Total Base Rate~$1.33-$1.43Before special districts

Note: These rates apply to the current tax year and are subject to annual changes by the Board of Supervisors. Properties in special taxing districts including specific fire districts, library districts, or improvement districts may have additional assessments. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue at (540) 665-5660 for your exact rate based on your property's location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Frederick 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 taxes in Frederick County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements completed after the annual assessment date of January 1st. These taxes cover the period from when the change occurred through December 31st of that tax year. Common triggers include purchasing a newly constructed home, completing major renovations, or when the county discovers previously unreported improvements.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July and your tax rate is $1.40 per $100 of assessed value, you would owe a supplemental tax of approximately $350 ($50,000 ÷ 100 × $1.40 × 0.5 years remaining). Supplemental bills are typically issued within 60-90 days of the triggering event and become due 30 days from the issue date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit Applied: -$150 (requires application)
  • Net Annual Tax: $4,050
  • Monthly Escrow: $338

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Senior/Disabled Tax Credit Applied: -$300 (if qualified, requires application)
  • Net Annual Tax: $8,100
  • Monthly Escrow: $675

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • No Credits Applied: $0
  • Net Annual Tax: $14,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,167

Note: These calculations use an estimated rate of $1.35 per $100 assessed value. All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by special taxing district.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Frederick County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender will collect monthly deposits equal to 1/12th of your annual property tax bill plus a cushion (typically 2 months). The lender pays your property taxes directly to Frederick County on the June 5th and December 5th due dates.

Each year, your lender will conduct an escrow analysis comparing collected funds to actual tax payments. If your property taxes increase due to higher assessments or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You'll receive an annual escrow statement showing all deposits and payments. Property owners remain responsible for verifying that payments are made timely and for the correct amounts, as any errors or late payments can result in penalties being added to your mortgage 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 Frederick County? A: Real estate and personal property taxes are due twice yearly on June 5th and December 5th. For tax year 2024, the due dates are June 5, 2024 and December 5, 2024.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Available tax credits include homestead credits for primary residences, elderly/disabled tax relief, and 100% disabled veteran exemptions. All credits require separate applications filed with the Commissioner of Revenue office and are not automatically applied to your bill.

Q: How does the homestead tax credit work? A: The homestead tax credit provides a small reduction in your tax bill (typically $100-200 annually) for owner-occupied primary residences. This is a tax credit, not an assessment cap. You must apply with the Commissioner of Revenue and reapply if you move.

Q: When does the county reassess properties? A: Frederick County conducts annual reassessments with January 1st as the assessment date. Assessment notices are typically mailed in early spring, and you have 30 days from the notice date to appeal your assessment.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: A 10% penalty is added to unpaid taxes after the due date, plus interest at a rate set annually by the state (currently around 10% per year).

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Frederick County offers online payment options through their website. You can also pay by mail, in person, or through your mortgage company's escrow account.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary based on special taxing districts including fire districts, library districts, and other special assessments. Properties in different areas of the county may have different total rates.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed within 30 days of your assessment notice. Contact the Board of Equalization through the Commissioner of Revenue's office at (540) 665-5660 to begin the appeals process.

Verified Sources

Backed by 8 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Personal Property | Frederick Countyfcva.us
02
County
Important Dates | Frederick Countyfcva.us
03
Billing Informationfcva.us
04
Tax Doc
Tax Relief for Veterans Legislation Informationfcva.us
05
County
Personal Property Division | Frederick Countyfcva.us
06
HB490 - 2018 Regular Sessionlis.virginia.gov
07
FinCmteRpt20240417fclfweblinkpub.fcva.us
08
Browse Laws, Rules, and Decisionstax.virginia.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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