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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Madison County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Madison 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
$0.52 per $100 assessed value (base rate, varies by fire district with additional $0.05-$0.15)
1st Due
Dec 5
2nd Due
Jun 5
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Madison County, Virginia operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential county services including public schools, law enforcement, fire and rescue services, road maintenance, and general government operations. Property taxes in Madison County are levied annually based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property, with the tax year running from January 1 through December 31.

The county's property tax structure includes both real estate and personal property components, with rates that can vary depending on your specific location within Madison County due to special taxing districts and fire districts that may impose additional assessments. The Board of Supervisors sets tax rates annually, with the 2025 proposed real estate rate at $0.74 per $100 of assessed value, though final rates have not yet been established. Property owners should be aware that actual tax liability can vary significantly based on available tax credits and the specific taxing districts that apply to their property location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Tax Component2025 Rate Per $100Description
Real Estate$0.74 (proposed)Primary tax on land and buildings (final rate TBD by Board of Supervisors)
Personal Use Vehicles/Trailers$3.40Motor vehicles for personal use and trailers
Motor Coaches (30+ seats)$1.77Commercial passenger vehicles
All Other Tangible Personal Property$3.10Business equipment, machinery, and other tangible assets

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 tax year (January 1 - December 31, 2025). Final real estate rates are subject to approval by the Board of Supervisors. Additional assessments may apply based on your property's location within special fire districts or other special taxing districts within Madison County. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue at 540-948-7500 for district-specific rate information.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Dec 5
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Jun 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 Madison County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements made to existing properties during the tax year. These supplemental assessments ensure that new property owners or those who have enhanced their properties pay their proportionate share of taxes for the current tax year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated based on the difference between the new assessed value and any previous assessment, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurs. For example, if you purchase a home in July that was previously exempt or under-assessed, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering July through December. The calculation uses the current year's tax rate applied to the newly assessed value, minus any applicable tax credits you qualify for and have applied for.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Standard Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies by qualification
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 ÷ 100 × $0.74 = $2,220
  • Monthly Escrow: $185

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Senior Citizen Credit (if qualified and applied): Up to assessment cap
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 ÷ 100 × $0.74 = $4,440
  • Monthly Escrow: $370

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Disabled Veterans Credit (if qualified and applied): Varies by disability rating
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 ÷ 100 × $0.74 = $7,400
  • Monthly Escrow: $617

Note: All tax credits require separate application and qualification. Credits are not automatically applied and must be renewed as required.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Madison County require borrowers to establish an escrow account to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill along with your mortgage payment. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Madison County when they become due.

Property tax payments in Madison County follow a semi-annual schedule, with the first half of real estate taxes due June 5th and the second half due December 5th, along with personal property taxes. Your lender will typically pay both installments from your escrow account. It's important to verify that your lender has the correct tax amount, as they base escrow calculations on previous year's bills, and you're responsible for any shortfalls if taxes increase or if you qualify for tax credits that weren't factored into the escrow calculation.

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 Madison County for the current fiscal year? A: Real estate taxes are due in two installments - first half due June 5th and second half due December 5th. Personal property taxes are due December 5th. The tax year runs January 1 through December 31, 2025.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they apply automatically? A: Madison County offers several tax credits including Senior Citizens, Disabled Persons ($2,000), Veterans with Disabilities, and Senior Freeze credits. None of these are automatic - all require separate application and annual renewal. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue at 540-948-7500 for applications.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: Homestead credits in Madison County limit the annual increase in your property's assessed value for tax purposes, not reduce the market value. This requires application and provides protection against large assessment increases. You must apply and meet residency requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Madison County? A: Contact the County Assessment Office at 540-948-7500 for the current reassessment schedule. Property owners have appeal rights if they disagree with their assessment.

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

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check with Madison County's official website or call 540-948-7500 to confirm current online payment options and accepted methods.

Q: Do I owe additional taxes if I live in a fire district? A: Some areas of Madison County have additional fire district assessments. Your tax bill will show all applicable district taxes based on your property's location.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: You have the right to appeal your assessment. Contact the County Assessment Office at 540-948-7500 for appeal procedures and deadlines, which are typically limited time periods after assessment notices are mailed.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
2025 Tax Rates | Madison County, VAmadisonco.virginia.gov
02
County
Local Historical Tax Rates | Madison County, VAmadisonco.virginia.gov
03
County
THIS IS NOT A TAX BILL - Madison County - Virginia.govmadisonco.virginia.gov
04
County
Personal Property | Madison County, VAmadisonco.virginia.gov
05
County
Important Annual Dates | Madison County, VAmadisonco.virginia.gov
06
County
Your Guide to Madison County, Va Taxes - Virginia.govmadisonco.virginia.gov
07
County
Madison County Tax Exemptions Availablemadisoncountyil.gov
08
County
Tax Relief | Madison County, VAmadisonco.virginia.gov
09
100% Service-Connected, Permanent & Totally Disabled ...madisonco.virginia.gov
10
County
Madison County: Property Tax Calculationtreasurer.madisoncounty48.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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