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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Poquoson County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Poquoson 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
$0.96 per $100 assessed value (uniform citywide rate as independent city)
1st Due
Jun 5
2nd Due
Dec 5
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

The City of Poquoson property tax system serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential municipal services including education, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community programs. Property taxes in Poquoson are assessed annually based on fair market value, with the City Council setting tax rates each year during the budget process. The current tax rate structure provides a moderate tax burden compared to many Virginia localities, though actual tax liability varies significantly based on property value and available tax credits.

Property owners should note that Poquoson operates as an independent city rather than a traditional county system, which means tax rates are set uniformly across the jurisdiction without the special district variations common in other Virginia localities. The effective tax rate for most residential properties ranges from approximately 1.0% to 1.4% of assessed value, depending on applicable tax credits and exemptions that property owners may qualify for through application.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
Real Estate Tax$1.14FY 2024-2025 base rate for all real property
Personal Property Tax$4.15FY 2024-2025 rate for vehicles and other personal property

The City Council establishes these rates annually as part of the municipal budget process. Unlike county systems with multiple taxing districts, Poquoson maintains uniform rates citywide. The real estate tax rate of $1.14 per $100 of assessed value applies to all residential, commercial, and industrial properties within city limits. Personal property, including motor vehicles, boats, and business equipment, is taxed at the higher rate of $4.15 per $100 of assessed value, though vehicle owners may qualify for state personal property tax relief depending on vehicle value and other factors.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Jun 5
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Dec 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 Poquoson are additional property tax assessments issued when there are changes in property ownership, significant improvements, or new construction that occurs after the annual assessment date. These supplemental bills ensure that property taxes reflect current ownership and property conditions throughout the tax year, rather than waiting for the next annual assessment cycle.

When property changes hands or new construction is completed, the Commissioner of Revenue conducts a pro-rated assessment for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if a property sells in September and the new assessed value differs from the original January assessment, both the seller and buyer may receive supplemental tax bills covering their respective ownership periods. New construction that receives a certificate of occupancy mid-year triggers a supplemental assessment based on the added value and the remaining months in the tax year.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Senior Citizen Tax Credit Applied: -$3,000 (if qualified and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $297,000
  • Annual Tax: $297,000 ÷ 100 × $1.14 = $3,386
  • Monthly Escrow: $282

$600,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Disabled Veteran Credit Applied: -$6,000 (if qualified and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $594,000
  • Annual Tax: $594,000 ÷ 100 × $1.14 = $6,772
  • Monthly Escrow: $564

$1,000,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • No Credits Applied: $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 ÷ 100 × $1.14 = $11,400
  • Monthly Escrow: $950

Note: All tax credits require separate application and qualification verification. Credits shown are examples and actual amounts may vary based on individual circumstances and current program guidelines.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for Poquoson homeowners, collecting monthly payments alongside principal and interest to ensure timely tax payment. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of the annual tax bill each month, plus an additional cushion amount as allowed by federal regulations. The escrow account pays property taxes directly to the City of Poquoson on the June 5 and December 5 due dates, with most lenders making payments several days before the deadline to ensure timely receipt.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender has current tax information, especially after reassessments or rate changes. The City provides tax certificates and verification letters upon request to help homeowners and lenders maintain accurate escrow calculations. If you receive a tax bill despite having an escrow account, contact your lender immediately to prevent duplicate payments, as the City's online system shows both half-year bills simultaneously and requires careful attention to avoid paying bills your lender will also pay.

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 Poquoson? A: Property taxes are due twice yearly on June 5 and December 5. Late payments incur penalties as required by Virginia State Tax Code.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Senior citizens aged 65 and over and certain disabled persons may qualify for real estate tax credits or deferrals. These require application and income/asset verification - they are not automatic. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue for application forms and deadlines.

Q: Is there a homestead credit that caps assessment increases? A: Virginia localities may offer assessment limitation programs for qualifying homeowners. Contact Poquoson's Commissioner of Revenue to determine if such programs are available and require annual application.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Virginia requires annual assessments, though not all properties are physically inspected each year. The Commissioner of Revenue maintains current market valuations and property owners can appeal assessments through the Board of Equalization.

Q: What penalties apply to late payments? A: Virginia State Tax Code mandates penalties for late property tax payments. Contact the City Treasurer for current penalty rates and payment options if taxes become delinquent.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, the City offers online tax payment options. When paying online, carefully verify you're paying the correct half-year bill to avoid duplicate payments, as both June and December bills appear on the system when assessed.

Q: Do I qualify for personal property tax relief on my vehicle? A: The Commonwealth of Virginia provides personal property tax relief for qualifying vehicles. Eligibility and relief amounts depend on vehicle value and other factors - contact the Commissioner of Revenue for current program details.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners may appeal assessments to the local Board of Equalization within specified timeframes after receiving assessment notices. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
State
Real Estate Taxes | Poquoson, VAci.poquoson.va.us
02
Tax Doc
Personal Property Taxes | Poquoson, VAci.poquoson.va.us
03
Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025ci.poquoson.va.us
04
Online Payments - Poquoson, VAci.poquoson.va.us
05
Specific Due Datessuffolkva.us
06
virginia - Poquoson, VAci.poquoson.va.us
07
State
Real Estate Taxes | Poquoson, VAci.poquoson.va.us
08
AGENDA - Poquoson, VAci.poquoson.va.us
09
Fiscal Year 2017 Comprehensive Annual Financial Reportci.poquoson.va.us
10
Fiscal Year 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Reportci.poquoson.va.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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