How Property Tax Works
Manassas County, Virginia operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, law enforcement, fire and rescue services, parks and recreation, and infrastructure maintenance. The county assesses property taxes based on fair market value as determined by the county assessor, with reassessments conducted periodically to reflect current market conditions.
Property owners in Manassas County should be aware that actual tax rates can vary by location within the county due to special taxing districts, which may include additional assessments for specific services or improvements. The effective tax rate for most residential properties ranges from approximately 0.92% to over 1.0% depending on the specific location and applicable district assessments. Property taxes are calculated by multiplying the assessed value by the applicable tax rate, with various tax credits available to qualifying property owners who submit proper applications.
It's important to note that Manassas County follows Virginia state property tax guidelines, which means there is no assessment cap limiting annual increases in property values, making it crucial for property owners to understand available tax credits and exemptions that require active application to receive benefits.