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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lancaster County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Lancaster 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
1.67% for real property (rate applied to 100% of assessed value)
1st Due
Dec 5
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lancaster County, Virginia operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, law enforcement, fire and rescue services, road maintenance, and county administration. Property owners in Lancaster County pay taxes based on the assessed value of their real estate and personal property, with the tax revenue directly supporting the county's operational budget and capital improvement projects.

The property tax system in Lancaster County follows Virginia state guidelines while maintaining local control over tax rates and assessment practices. For the 2025 tax year, the county has established a real property tax rate of approximately 1.67%, which is applied to the assessed value of all taxable real estate within the county boundaries. Property owners should note that actual tax liability may vary depending on location within the county due to special taxing districts, and individual circumstances may affect the final tax amount through available tax credits that require separate applications.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base Real Property Tax1.6663%General county operations, schools, and services (FY 2025)
Personal Property Tax$3.75 per $100Vehicles, boats, and other personal property (proposed rate)
Special District AssessmentsVariesAdditional charges for specific geographic areas with enhanced services
Fire/EMS DistrictsVaries by districtSupplemental funding for volunteer fire and rescue services

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year and may vary by specific location within Lancaster County due to special taxing districts. Property owners should verify their specific rate based on their property's location and any applicable district assessments.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Dec 5
Delinquent after Dec 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 property taxes in Lancaster County are triggered by changes in property ownership, completion of new construction, or substantial improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the county assessor calculates the difference between the previous assessment and the new assessed value, then applies the current tax rate to determine the supplemental tax amount.

For example, if a property owner completes a $50,000 addition to their home in September, and the county assessor determines this increases the property's assessed value by $45,000, the supplemental tax would be calculated by multiplying $45,000 by the current tax rate of 1.6663%, resulting in approximately $750 in additional taxes. This supplemental amount would be prorated from the completion date through the end of the current tax year, so the actual supplemental bill might be around $250 if assessed with four months remaining in the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Elderly/Disabled Tax Credit Applied: -$500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $299,500
  • Annual Tax (1.6663% rate): $4,991
  • Monthly Escrow Amount: $416

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Assessment increase limited to 10% annually (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax (1.6663% rate): $9,998
  • Monthly Escrow Amount: $833

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • No credits applied
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (1.6663% rate): $16,663
  • Monthly Escrow Amount: $1,389

Note: All tax credits require separate application and approval. Credits shown are examples and actual amounts may vary based on individual circumstances and current program parameters.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lancaster County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. The lender collects monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, then pays the annual property tax bill directly to Lancaster County on behalf of the property owner. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of the estimated annual property tax each month, plus an additional cushion to account for potential assessment increases.

Property owners with escrow accounts should receive an annual escrow analysis from their lender, typically in the fall, which details the previous year's tax payments and adjusts the monthly escrow amount for the coming year. Since Lancaster County property taxes are due by May 1st each year, lenders usually make payments in April or early May. Property owners should verify that their lender has made the payment and should contact both the lender and Lancaster County Treasurer if there are any discrepancies or late payment issues.

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

When are property taxes due in Lancaster County? Property taxes for the current fiscal year are due by May 1st. Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges that accrue monthly.

What tax credits are available and how do I apply? Lancaster County offers several tax credits including elderly/disabled credits, veteran credits, and homestead assessment limitation credits. All credits require separate application through the Lancaster County Assessor's office and must be renewed periodically. Contact the assessor's office for specific eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

How does the homestead credit work? The homestead credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing the property's market value. Qualified homeowners may see their assessed value increase capped at a certain percentage annually (typically 10%), but this requires filing an application and meeting income or age requirements.

How often are properties reassessed in Lancaster County? Lancaster County conducts general reassessments on a regular cycle as determined by the county assessor. Property owners receive notice of assessment changes and have the right to appeal within specified timeframes.

What happens if I pay my property taxes late? Late payments incur penalties and interest charges that compound monthly. Continued non-payment can result in tax liens against the property and eventual foreclosure proceedings.

Can I pay my property taxes online? Contact the Lancaster County Treasurer's office at the county courthouse for information about available payment methods, including online payment options and acceptable forms of payment.

Do special districts affect my tax rate? Yes, properties located within special taxing districts may be subject to additional assessments for enhanced services such as fire protection, water/sewer services, or special improvement districts. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill.

How do I appeal my property assessment? Property owners who disagree with their assessment can file an appeal with the Lancaster County Board of Equalization within the specified appeal period, typically 30 days after receiving notice of assessment. The appeal must include supporting documentation such as recent comparable sales or professional appraisals.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Property Tax Information - CTOapp.lincoln.ne.gov
02
County
Tax Rates for County, City, Town, and Districts. TY 2024tax.virginia.gov
03
County
Tax Rates for County, City, Town, and Districts. TY 2023tax.virginia.gov
04
Tax Doc
Where to File | Virginia Taxtax.virginia.gov
05
Tax Doc
NONRESIDENT - Virginia Taxtax.virginia.gov
06
Tax Doc
Personal Property Tax Relief Payment Schedulefinance.virginia.gov
07
9916120.txtva.gov
08
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQlancaster.ne.gov
09
County
lancaster county board of assessment appealslancastercountypa.gov
10
County
Board of Supervisors - Middlesex County, VAco.middlesex.va.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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