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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Harrisonburg County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Harrisonburg 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
$1.01 per $100 assessed value (City of Harrisonburg), varies by taxing district within county
1st Due
Jul 1
2nd Due
Jun 30
Exemptions
3+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Harrisonburg County, Virginia operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and county administration. Property taxes in Harrisonburg County are assessed annually based on the fair market value of real estate as of January 1st each year, with the tax year running from July 1st to June 30th of the following year.

The effective property tax rate in Harrisonburg County varies by location due to different taxing jurisdictions within the county boundaries. The City of Harrisonburg maintains its own tax rate of $1.01 per $100 of assessed value for FY 2024-2025, while other areas of the county may have different rates depending on special taxing districts and municipal boundaries. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate based on their exact location, as rates can differ between incorporated and unincorporated areas within the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)DescriptionLevy Year
City of Harrisonburg Base Rate$1.01General municipal services, schools, infrastructureFY 2024-2025
County Base RateVariesCounty services for unincorporated areasFY 2024-2025
School District AssessmentIncludedEmbedded in base rates for education fundingFY 2024-2025
Special DistrictsVariesAdditional assessments for specific service areasFY 2024-2025

Note: Tax rates are set annually by the respective governing bodies (City Council for Harrisonburg City, Board of Supervisors for county areas) and are typically finalized in April for the upcoming fiscal year. Property owners in different parts of the county may pay different effective rates depending on their location within special taxing districts or municipal boundaries.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Harrisonburg 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 taxes in Harrisonburg County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the current tax year. When these events occur, the county assessor calculates the difference between the old and new assessed values and applies the current tax rate to determine the additional tax owed for the remaining months of the fiscal year.

For example, if a homeowner completes a $50,000 addition in October and the property is located in the City of Harrisonburg (tax rate $1.01 per $100), the supplemental tax would be calculated as: $50,000 ÷ 100 × $1.01 × 9/12 months remaining = $378.75. This supplemental tax is typically billed separately from the regular annual tax bill and becomes due upon receipt of the supplemental tax notice.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property (City of Harrisonburg)

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 ÷ 100 × $1.01 = $3,030
  • Monthly Escrow: $252.50

Example 2: $600,000 Property (City of Harrisonburg with Elderly/Disabled Credit)

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Tax Relief for Elderly/Disabled (if qualified): Varies by income
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 ÷ 100 × $1.01 = $6,060
  • Monthly Escrow: $505.00

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property (City of Harrisonburg)

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Available Credits (require application): $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 ÷ 100 × $1.01 = $10,100
  • Monthly Escrow: $841.67

All credits require separate application and qualification verification. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue for current credit availability and requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Harrisonburg County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or upon borrower request. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12th of the annual property tax bill plus any applicable insurance premiums. The escrow account allows lenders to pay property taxes directly to the county on behalf of the homeowner, ensuring taxes remain current and protecting the lender's mortgage interest.

Property tax payments from escrow accounts are typically made twice annually: the first half due December 5th and the second half due June 5th. Lenders conduct annual escrow analyses to adjust monthly payments based on actual tax bills and account balances. Property owners with escrow accounts should review their annual escrow statements and can request account information from their loan servicer at any time. Those paying taxes directly without escrow must ensure timely payment to avoid penalties and potential tax lien placement.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due for FY 2024-2025? A: Real estate taxes are due in two installments: first half due December 5th and second half due June 5th. Personal property taxes are due December 5th.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Available credits include Tax Relief for the Elderly and Disabled (application due May 1st) and various homestead-type credits. All credits require separate application through the Commissioner of Revenue office and are not automatically applied.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: Homestead credits typically cap annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. These credits require annual or periodic application filing and are not automatic. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue for specific program details and application requirements.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Properties are assessed annually as of January 1st. Assessment appeals for 2025 must be filed between December 17-19, 2024. Contact the county assessor's office for specific appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options to avoid additional fees.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, online payment options are available. You can also pay in person using the City Hall Drop Box with cash, check, or money order. Visit the county website for current online payment portals and accepted methods.

Q: Do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, properties in special taxing districts may have additional assessments beyond the base county or city rate. Your tax bill will itemize all applicable rates based on your property's specific location.

Q: How do I verify my property's assessed value? A: Contact the Commissioner of Revenue office to review your property assessment. Assessment records are public information and can typically be accessed online or in person during business hours.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
State
Real Estate Tax | City of Harrisonburg, VAharrisonburgva.gov
02
Commissioner of the Revenue | City of Harrisonburg, VAharrisonburgva.gov
03
Tax Doc
Personal Property Tax | City of Harrisonburg, VAharrisonburgva.gov
04
Tax Doc
Tax Calendar | City of Harrisonburg, VAharrisonburgva.gov
05
Tax Doc
Taxes | City of Harrisonburg, VAharrisonburgva.gov
06
Tax Doc
Disabled Tax Reliefrockinghamcountyva.gov
07
Chapter 2. Homestead Exemption of Householderlaw.lis.virginia.gov
08
Tax Doc
Personal Property Tax Exemption: Disabled Veteransharrisonburgva.gov
09
appropriation ordinanceharrisonburgva.gov
10
City of Harrisonburg, Virginia Comprehensive Annual Financial ...harrisonburgva.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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