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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Orange County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Orange County, VA. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Base rate varies by location within county due to special taxing districts and additional assessments
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Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Orange County, Virginia operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, emergency services, road maintenance, and county administration. Property taxes in Orange County are assessed annually based on fair market value as of January 1st by the Commissioner of the Revenue, following Virginia state requirements for assessment practices.

The effective property tax rate in Orange County varies by location within the county due to special taxing districts and additional assessments. Property owners should expect their actual tax rate to differ based on their specific location and any applicable special district levies. The county follows Virginia's semi-annual payment schedule, with taxes typically due in two installments during the fiscal year.

It's important to note that tax rates and assessments can vary significantly within Orange County boundaries depending on special service districts, school district boundaries, and other local improvement assessments that may apply to specific areas.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base Real Estate TaxRate pending for FY 2025-2026General county operations and services
School District AssessmentVaries by districtPublic education funding
Special Service DistrictsVaries by locationFire, rescue, and other local services
Debt ServiceIncluded in base rateBond payments for infrastructure

Note: Final tax rates for FY 2025-2026 are not yet published. Rates vary by specific location within Orange County due to special taxing districts. Contact the Orange County Commissioner of Revenue for current rates applicable to your property's specific location.

The total effective rate typically aligns with Virginia's statewide average of approximately 1% of assessed value, though individual properties may experience higher or lower effective rates based on their district assignments.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Orange 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 property taxes in Orange County are triggered by specific events that occur after the January 1st assessment date, including change of ownership, new construction completion, or significant property improvements. These supplemental assessments ensure that property tax obligations reflect current property values and ownership throughout the tax year.

When a supplemental assessment is issued, the tax is calculated on a prorated basis from the date of the triggering event through the end of the current fiscal year. For example, if a property changes ownership on April 1st, the new assessment would apply for the remaining 9 months of the fiscal year, with the tax calculated proportionally.

Supplemental tax bills are typically mailed within 2 weeks of the Notice of Supplemental Assessment. Due dates for supplemental taxes can vary from the regular semi-annual schedule, so property owners should carefully review their supplemental tax notices for specific payment deadlines and avoid late payment penalties.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Veteran Exemption (if qualified, requires application): -$4,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $296,000
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.0%): $2,960
  • Monthly Escrow: $247

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homeowner Tax Credit (if qualified, requires application): Amount varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.0%): $6,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $500

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Available Tax Credits (requires application): Amount varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.0%): $10,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $833

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue for current credit amounts and application requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Orange County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity. Lenders collect monthly tax payments as part of your mortgage payment and remit taxes directly to Orange County on the June 5th and December 5th due dates. Your lender typically collects 1/12th of your annual tax obligation each month, plus a cushion amount as permitted by federal law.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender has current tax information, especially after assessment changes or tax rate adjustments. Escrow shortages can occur when tax assessments increase significantly, requiring either a lump-sum payment or increased monthly collections to cover the shortfall.

If you pay taxes directly (without escrow), you're responsible for making semi-annual payments by the June 5th and December 5th deadlines. Late payments incur a 10% penalty, with 10% annual interest beginning July 1st for first-half payments and January 1st for second-half payments.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Orange County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due semi-annually on June 5th (first half) and December 5th (second half). Late payments incur a 10% penalty and 10% annual interest.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Orange County offers a $4,000 credit for eligible veterans that can be applied to real estate. Most tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead tax credit work? A: Virginia's homestead exemption program helps limit assessment increases for qualified homeowners. This requires application and caps how much your assessment can increase annually, but does not reduce your property's market value assessment.

Q: When are properties assessed and how can I appeal? A: Properties are assessed annually as of January 1st by the Commissioner of the Revenue. Assessment appeals must be filed according to specific deadlines - contact the Commissioner of Revenue for current appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: A 10% penalty is added on June 6th for first-half payments, with 10% annual interest beginning July 1st. For second-half payments, a 10% penalty is added December 6th, with 10% annual interest beginning January 1st.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact Orange County's tax collection office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, your location within Orange County may subject your property to additional special district taxes for services like fire protection, which can increase your total effective tax rate above the base county rate.

Q: Are there tax credits for seniors or disabled persons? A: Virginia localities may offer various tax relief programs. Contact Orange County's Commissioner of Revenue to inquire about available programs, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines, as most require annual application by March 1st.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Real Estate Tax | Orange County, VA - Official Websiteorangecountyva.gov
02
County
Personal Property Tax | Orange County, VA - Official Websiteorangecountyva.gov
03
County
Orange County Insight August 2025newsletter.orangecountyva.gov
04
Important Dates & Filing Deadlinesorangecountyva.gov
05
Important Dates & Filing Deadlinesorangecountyva.gov
06
County
Press Release - Orange County Lifts Advisory Agorangecountyva.gov
07
County
Veteran's Exemption | Orange County Assessor Departmentocassessor.gov
08
County
Forms | Orange County Assessor Departmentocassessor.gov
09
Tax Doc
Tax Relief for Disabled Veteransorangecountyva.gov
10
County
Orange County, Virginiaorangecountyva.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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