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Updated 2025 Tax Year

James City County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$0.87 per $100 assessed value (base rate, varies by special districts)
1st Due
Jun 5
2nd Due
Dec 5
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

James City County's property tax system serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, law enforcement, fire and rescue operations, parks and recreation, and infrastructure maintenance. The county operates on a fiscal year basis and assesses property taxes on both real estate and personal property to generate revenue for these critical community services.

Property owners in James City County should note that actual tax rates may vary by location within the county due to special taxing districts and additional assessments. The county's assessment and collection process follows Virginia state guidelines, with properties assessed annually and taxes collected on a semi-annual schedule. Understanding your specific tax obligations, available credits, and payment options can help you effectively manage your property tax responsibilities while taking advantage of any applicable tax relief programs.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
Base Real Estate Tax$0.83General county operations and services
School BondsVariesAdditional assessment for school infrastructure (varies by district)
Special DistrictsVariesFire/rescue, water, sewer districts (location dependent)

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026. The real estate tax rate of $0.83 per $100 of assessed value was recommended to remain unchanged from the previous fiscal year. Property owners should verify their specific rate as it may include additional assessments based on their property's location within various special taxing districts throughout James City County.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in James City 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 tax bills in James City County are issued when changes occur to property ownership, value, or use between regular assessment periods. Common triggers include purchasing a vehicle mid-year, completing new home construction, adding home additions or improvements, or when property changes hands and requires reassessment.

These supplemental taxes are calculated based on the prorated portion of the tax year remaining after the triggering event occurs. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in September, you would receive a supplemental bill for the additional assessed value covering September through the end of the fiscal year. The supplemental amount would be calculated as: ($50,000 ÷ 100) × $0.83 × (remaining months ÷ 12 months) = prorated tax due immediately upon billing.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Base Tax Calculation: ($300,000 ÷ 100) × $0.83 = $2,490
  • Annual Tax: $2,490
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $207.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Base Tax Calculation: ($600,000 ÷ 100) × $0.83 = $4,980
  • Annual Tax: $4,980
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $415.00

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Base Tax Calculation: ($1,000,000 ÷ 100) × $0.83 = $8,300
  • Annual Tax: $8,300
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $691.67

Note: These calculations show base county taxes only. Additional special district assessments may apply based on property location. Tax credits for seniors, veterans, or disabled persons require separate application and can reduce these amounts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in James City County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12th of your annual property tax bill and holds these funds in a separate escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to James City County on the June 5th and December 5th due dates.

Lenders are required to conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly mortgage payment may be adjusted accordingly. Property owners should verify that their lender has received and properly processed tax bills, and can request escrow account statements to monitor the account balance and payment history.

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 James City County for FY 2025-2026? A: Real estate and personal property taxes are due on June 5th and December 5th each year. Even if these dates fall on weekends or holidays, payment is still due on the specified date to avoid penalties.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Tax credits available include senior citizen credits, veteran disability credits, and disabled person credits. All tax credits require formal application and are not automatically applied. Contact the county assessor's office for specific eligibility requirements and application forms.

Q: Is there a homestead credit that limits assessment increases? A: Virginia localities may offer assessment limitation programs for qualifying homeowners. These programs cap annual assessment increases (typically to a percentage like 5-10%) rather than reducing market value. Applications are required and must be filed by specified deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: James City County conducts annual assessments. Property owners receive assessment notices before the tax year begins and have appeal rights if they disagree with the assessed value.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the county treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options if you've missed a due date.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, James City County typically offers online payment options through their official website. Check the county's website or contact the treasurer's office for current online payment methods and any associated fees.

Q: Do active duty military personnel receive any exemptions? A: Active duty military personnel residing in James City County with a home of record other than Virginia may be eligible for personal property tax exemptions. This requires application and documentation of military status and home of record.

Q: What if my property was damaged and unusable? A: Property owners may be eligible for tax adjustments if their home or building was unusable for more than 30 days due to damage. This requires application and documentation of the circumstances preventing use of the property.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
FY2025 Proposed Budget Community Meetings April 3jamescitycountyva.gov
02
County
Personal Property Taxes | James City County, VAjamescitycountyva.gov
03
County
Real Estate Taxes | James City County, VAjamescitycountyva.gov
04
County
Treasurer | James City County, VAjamescitycountyva.gov
05
County
Calendar • James City County, VA • CivicEngagejamescitycountyva.gov
06
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQjamescitycountyva.gov
07
County
Military Exemptions | James City County, VAjamescitycountyva.gov
08
County
Tax Abatement | James City County, VAjamescitycountyva.gov
09
County
Tax Exemptions | James City County, VAjamescitycountyva.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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