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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Northampton County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Northampton 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
$0.54 per $100 assessed value (varies by special taxing districts)
1st Due
Dec 5
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Northampton County, Virginia operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for local government services, including public schools, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and other essential county services. Property owners pay taxes based on the assessed value of their real estate and personal property, with real estate taxes representing the largest portion of the county's revenue stream. The county's general property tax revenue is projected to increase from $26.4 million in FY25 to $29.2 million in FY26, reflecting the importance of this revenue source for county operations.

The actual tax rate you pay may vary depending on your specific location within Northampton County due to special taxing districts that may impose additional assessments for services like fire protection, lighting districts, or other localized services. The Northampton County Board of Supervisors sets the base tax rate annually as part of the budget process, typically announced in the spring for the upcoming fiscal year. Property tax bills are mailed to the property owner as of January 1st of each tax year, and all real estate and personal property taxes are due by December 5th annually.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The 2025 property tax rates for Northampton County have not yet been announced, as they are typically set during the annual budget process. The following framework shows how tax rates are structured:

ComponentRateDescription
Base County RateTBD for FY 2025-2026General county operations, schools, and services
Special District AssessmentsVaries by locationAdditional charges for fire protection, lighting, or other district services
Total Effective RateVaries by property locationCombined rate including all applicable district assessments

Note: The specific tax rates for levy year 2025-2026 will be announced by the Board of Supervisors during the budget adoption process. Rates can vary significantly within the county depending on which special taxing districts apply to your property location. Contact the Northampton County Commissioner of Revenue for current rates and district-specific information.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Northampton 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 tax assessments in Northampton County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur after the January 1st assessment date but before the end of the fiscal year, the county may issue a supplemental tax bill to capture the additional tax liability.

The supplemental tax is calculated based on the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, and prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in June and the county's tax rate is $0.75 per $100 of assessed value, your supplemental tax would be approximately $187.50 ($50,000 × 0.75% × 6/12 months remaining). Supplemental bills are typically mailed within 60-90 days of the triggering event and have their own due dates separate from the regular December 5th deadline.

Example Calculation

The following examples assume a hypothetical tax rate of $0.75 per $100 of assessed value (actual rates to be determined for FY 2025-2026):

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$300 (if qualified and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $299,700
  • Annual Tax: $2,247.75 ($299,700 × 0.75%)
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$187

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Senior/Disabled Credit Applied: -$500 (if qualified and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $599,500
  • Annual Tax: $4,496.25 ($599,500 × 0.75%)
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$375

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Credits Applied: $0 (assuming no qualifying credits)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $7,500 ($1,000,000 × 0.75%)
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$625

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and qualification. These calculations do not include special district assessments that may apply based on property location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Northampton County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender will estimate your annual property tax liability and divide it by 12 to determine your monthly escrow payment, which is collected along with your mortgage payment. Lenders typically maintain a cushion of 2-4 months of tax payments in your escrow account to handle rate increases or assessment changes.

Each year, your lender will conduct an escrow analysis to compare actual tax payments with collected escrow funds. If your property taxes increase due to rate changes or reassessment, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You should receive your property tax bill even if you have an escrow account, and it's important to verify that your lender pays the bill by the December 5th deadline to avoid penalties and interest charges. If you pay property taxes directly without escrow, you are responsible for ensuring timely payment to avoid late fees and potential tax lien 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

Q: When are property taxes due in Northampton County? A: All real estate and personal property taxes are due by December 5th each year. For the current tax year, payments must be postmarked by December 5, 2025, to avoid penalties.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Northampton County offers several tax credits including elderly/disabled credits and potential homestead credits. All credits require separate applications and qualification verification. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue's office for specific application forms, income limits, and deadlines, as credits are NOT automatically applied.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit (if available) typically limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. This credit caps how much your assessed value can increase each year, providing property tax stability. You must apply for this credit - it is not automatic and requires periodic renewal.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Northampton County? A: Virginia requires property reassessments at least every four years. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue for the current reassessment schedule and appeal deadlines if you disagree with your assessment.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. The specific penalty structure varies, so contact the Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options if you miss the December 5th deadline.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Northampton County Treasurer's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods. Many Virginia counties offer online payment systems for convenience.

Q: Do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, your location within Northampton County may subject you to additional special district taxes for services like fire protection or lighting districts. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and vary by geographic location.

Q: Are military personnel exempt from property taxes? A: Active duty military personnel with legal residence outside Virginia may qualify for certain exemptions. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue with your military documentation to determine eligibility and application requirements.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
FY26 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGco.northampton.va.us
02
State
2025 Real Estate Billing Book- Exemptco.northampton.va.us
03
County
Tax Rates - Northampton Countyco.northampton.va.us
04
County
Personal Property Tax Relief Information - Northampton Countyco.northampton.va.us
05
County
2025 Tax Bills Due - Northampton Countyco.northampton.va.us
06
County
Pay... - Northampton Countyco.northampton.va.us
07
County
Personal Property - Northampton Countyco.northampton.va.us
08
Tax Doc
Tax Relief for Elderly/Handicapped and Disabled Veteransco.northampton.va.us
09
Tax Doc
2020 Legislative Summary | Virginia Taxtax.virginia.gov
10
Bill Search - Legislationlis.virginia.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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