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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Mathews County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Mathews 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
0.615% ($6.15 per $1,000 of assessed value) for 2025 tax year
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Mathews County, Virginia operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for essential county services including schools, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and local government operations. The county assesses real estate at 100% of fair market value as required by the Virginia State Constitution, with a current tax rate of 0.615% (or $6.15 per $1,000 of assessed value) for the 2025 tax year.

Property owners in Mathews County can expect effective tax rates that may vary slightly depending on their specific location within the county due to potential special taxing districts or additional assessments. The county follows a bi-annual billing system, making it easier for property owners to manage their tax obligations throughout the year. Understanding the local property tax system is crucial for both current residents and prospective property buyers, as these taxes directly impact the overall cost of homeownership in this coastal Virginia community.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Real Estate Base Rate$0.615Primary property tax rate for FY 2025 on real estate
Personal Property - Autos/Light Trucks$3.70Tax rate on assessed value of vehicles
Personal Property - Boats$1.45Tax rate on assessed value of watercraft
Personal Property - Motorcycles$3.70Tax rate on assessed value of motorcycles

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year. Actual tax bills may include additional special district assessments depending on property location within Mathews County. Property owners should verify any additional district-specific rates that may apply to their particular area.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

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 Mathews County are triggered when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that alter the assessed value of a property during the tax year. When these changes occur, the county assessor calculates the difference between the old and new assessed values and applies the current tax rate to determine any additional tax owed.

For example, if a property owner completes a $50,000 home addition in March, and the county reassesses the property at the higher value, a supplemental tax bill would be issued for the increased assessment from the date of completion through the end of the current tax year. The supplemental amount would be calculated as: ($50,000 × 0.615%) × (remaining months in tax year ÷ 12 months). Property owners typically receive supplemental bills separately from their regular bi-annual tax statements.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (assumes no credits applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 × 0.615% = $1,845
  • Monthly Equivalent: $153.75

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (assumes no credits applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 × 0.615% = $3,690
  • Monthly Equivalent: $307.50

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (assumes no credits applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 × 0.615% = $6,150
  • Monthly Equivalent: $512.50

Note: These calculations assume no tax credits are applied. Various tax credits may be available to qualifying property owners but require separate application to the county assessor's office.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Mathews County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Under this system, lenders collect approximately 1/12th of the annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, holding these funds in an escrow account. The lender then pays the county directly when taxes are due on June 5th and December 5th each year.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender has the correct tax amount, especially after reassessments or when tax credits are applied or removed. The lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing the account activity and any required payment adjustments. Property owners who pay taxes directly (without escrow) are responsible for ensuring payments reach the Mathews County Treasurer's office by the bi-annual due dates to avoid penalties and interest charges.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Mathews County for the current fiscal year? A: Real estate taxes are due bi-annually on June 5th and December 5th each year. Each payment covers six months of the annual tax obligation.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Various tax credits may be available for qualifying property owners, such as elderly/disabled credits or veteran credits. These require application to the county assessor's office and are not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Q: Is there a homestead credit and how does it work? A: Homestead-type credits, if available, typically limit annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Property owners must file an application with the assessor's office to qualify, and the credit is not automatically applied.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Mathews County? A: Properties are reassessed periodically as required by Virginia law. Property owners receive notice of assessment changes and have the right to appeal if they believe the assessment is incorrect.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges. Contact the Mathews County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Mathews County Treasurer's office to inquire about available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Do special districts add extra taxes to my bill? A: Depending on your property's location within Mathews County, additional special district assessments may apply. These would appear as separate line items on your tax bill.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who disagree with their assessment can file an appeal with the county. Contact the Mathews County Assessor's office for appeal procedures, deadlines, and required documentation.

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
Tax Ratesmathewscountyva.gov
02
State
Real Estatemathewscountyva.gov
03
County
Site Map • Mathews County, VA • CivicEngagemathewscountyva.gov
04
USE THIS SECTION TO REPORT BUSINESS PROPERTY ...mathewscountyva.gov
05
Treasurermathewscountyva.gov
06
Tax Doc
Report on Mandatory Property Tax Exemptionsrga.lis.virginia.gov
07
Tax Doc
disabled veterans personal property tax exemption ...mathewscountyva.gov
08
ACTUAL APPROVEDmathewscountyva.gov
09
Actuals Amend #3 FY25 Approvedmathewscountyva.gov
10
FY12 Amended Budget FINAL July 29 2011.xlsxmathewscountyva.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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