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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Halifax County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$0.57 per $100 assessed value (base county rate, varies by district with additional assessments)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Halifax County, Virginia operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for essential county services including schools, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and local government operations. Property taxes are assessed annually based on fair market value as determined by the County Assessor's office, with tax bills issued twice yearly in June and December.

The county's property tax structure includes a base county rate plus additional assessments that may vary by location within Halifax County due to special taxing districts. Property owners should be aware that their specific tax rate may differ from the base county rate depending on their property's location within various service districts or special assessment areas. The county operates on a fiscal year basis, and property owners can expect their annual tax liability to be divided into two equal installments for payment convenience.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Base County Rate$0.610General county operations and services (FY 2024)
School DistrictIncluded in basePublic education funding
Special DistrictsVaries by locationAdditional services (fire, rescue, etc.)

Note: The FY 2025 tax rate has not yet been published. Rates shown are from the most recent available data (FY 2024). Special taxing districts within Halifax County may result in higher total rates for properties in certain areas. Contact the Halifax County Assessor's office for current rates and specific district information applicable to your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Halifax 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 taxes in Halifax County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental bills are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the fiscal year.

For example, if you purchase a home in September that was previously assessed at $200,000 but sells for $350,000, the assessor may issue a supplemental assessment reflecting the increased value. The supplemental tax would be calculated on the $150,000 difference, prorated from September through the end of the fiscal year (approximately 9 months), resulting in a mid-year tax bill separate from the regular June and December installments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Available Tax Credit: $500 (County relief program, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $299,500
  • Annual Tax ($299,500 × $0.610/$100): $1,827
  • Monthly Escrow: $152

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Available Tax Credit: $500 (County relief program, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $599,500
  • Annual Tax ($599,500 × $0.610/$100): $3,657
  • Monthly Escrow: $305

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Available Tax Credit: $500 (County relief program, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $999,500
  • Annual Tax ($999,500 × $0.610/$100): $6,097
  • Monthly Escrow: $508

Note: Tax credits require annual application and have specific eligibility requirements. Examples use FY 2024 rates.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Halifax County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender will estimate your annual property tax liability and collect 1/12th of that amount with each monthly mortgage payment. The collected funds are held in escrow until tax bills are due on June 5 and December 5.

Lenders typically pay property taxes directly to Halifax County on behalf of homeowners. You should receive copies of tax bills and payment confirmations from your lender. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly, usually with 60 days notice. Property owners are ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid on time, 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 Halifax County property taxes due? A: Real estate taxes are due June 5 and December 5 each year. Personal property and machinery/tools taxes are due December 5.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Halifax County offers tax relief up to $500 for qualifying property owners. Applications must be submitted by February 28, 2025. Contact the County Assessor's office for eligibility requirements and application forms.

Q: Is there a homestead credit that limits assessment increases? A: Virginia does not have a statewide homestead credit that caps assessment growth. Check with Halifax County for any local programs that may limit assessment increases for qualifying homeowners.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Virginia law requires reassessment at least every six years, but Halifax County may conduct more frequent revaluations. Contact the Assessor's office for the current reassessment schedule.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Halifax County Board of Equalization within the specified appeal period following reassessment notices. Contact the Assessor's office for appeal forms and deadlines.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties. Contact the Halifax County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Halifax County Treasurer's office directly for available payment methods and online payment options.

Q: How do special taxing districts affect my tax bill? A: Properties located within special service districts (fire, rescue, etc.) may have additional tax assessments beyond the base county rate. Your location determines which districts apply to your property.

Q: Do tax credits apply automatically to my bill? A: No, most tax credits require annual application and approval. The application deadline for Halifax County tax relief is February 28, 2025, and the maximum relief is currently $500.

Q: What property qualifies for tax relief? A: Tax relief generally applies to your primary residence on up to one acre of land. Properties exceeding one acre or secondary homes may not qualify for the full relief amount.

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