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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Portsmouth County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Portsmouth 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
$1.24 per $100 of assessed value for fiscal year 2025 (increased from $1.23)
1st Due
Dec 5
2nd Due
Jun 5
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Portsmouth County, Virginia operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for essential local services including public safety, schools, infrastructure maintenance, and municipal operations. The property tax rate for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, is set at $1.24 per $100 of assessed property value, representing a $0.01 increase from the previous year. This rate generates revenue to support major initiatives including a new Public Safety Facility and City Hall project, both scheduled for completion by 2028.

Property owners should note that Portsmouth County assesses real estate annually, and the effective tax burden can vary based on individual property assessments and available tax credits. The county offers several tax credit programs, including veterans' exemptions and rehabilitation credits for substantially improved properties, though these require specific applications and documentation. Property taxes are collected quarterly, with specific due dates throughout the fiscal year to help property owners manage their tax obligations.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100 assessed value)DescriptionLevy Year
Base Real Estate Tax$1.24General municipal services, public safety, infrastructureFY 2025-2026
Personal Property TaxVaries by categoryMotor vehicles, boats, business equipment, machineryFY 2025-2026

The $1.24 rate applies uniformly across Portsmouth County for real estate taxation beginning July 1, 2025. Personal property tax rates vary depending on the type of property, with motor vehicles, recreational vehicles, boats, and business equipment subject to separate assessment schedules. The county prorates personal property taxes for motor vehicles, trailers, and boats when ownership changes occur during the tax year.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Dec 5
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Jun 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 property taxes in Portsmouth County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or substantial improvements that occur after the annual assessment date. When these events happen, the county assessor determines the difference between the old and new assessed values and applies the current tax rate to calculate the supplemental tax amount.

For example, if a property owner completes a $50,000 home addition in September 2025, and the addition increases the assessed value by $45,000, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: $45,000 ÷ 100 × $1.24 = $558 annually, prorated from the completion date through the end of the fiscal year (June 30, 2026). The property owner would receive a supplemental tax bill for the remaining months of the fiscal year, and the new higher assessment would be reflected in the following year's regular tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Veterans' Credit Applied: -$0 (no application filed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Calculation: $300,000 ÷ 100 × $1.24 = $3,720
  • Annual Tax: $3,720
  • Monthly Escrow: $310

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Veterans' Credit Applied: -$2,000 (application approved)
  • Net Taxable Value: $598,000
  • Tax Calculation: $598,000 ÷ 100 × $1.24 = $7,415.20
  • Annual Tax: $7,415.20
  • Monthly Escrow: $617.93

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Rehabilitation Credit Applied: -$5,000 (substantial improvement credit)
  • Net Taxable Value: $995,000
  • Tax Calculation: $995,000 ÷ 100 × $1.24 = $12,338
  • Annual Tax: $12,338
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,028.17

Note: All credits shown require separate applications and qualifying documentation.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Portsmouth County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or those who request escrow services. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12 of the annual property tax bill, plus insurance premiums, and hold these funds in a non-interest-bearing account. The lender pays property taxes directly to Portsmouth County on behalf of the homeowner according to the quarterly due date schedule.

Escrow accounts are analyzed annually, typically at the loan anniversary date, to ensure adequate funding for the upcoming tax year. If property assessments increase significantly, lenders may require higher monthly escrow payments or collect shortage amounts. Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender receives updated tax bills and makes payments on time, as the property owner remains ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid by the due dates even when using escrow services.

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 Portsmouth County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due quarterly: 1st quarter by September 30, 2nd quarter by December 31, 3rd quarter by March 31, and 4th quarter by June 30. Senior citizens receive a five-day extension for each quarter.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: Portsmouth County offers veterans' tax credits (requires VA documentation), rehabilitation credits for substantially improved properties, and senior citizen credits. All credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied to tax bills.

Q: How does the homestead credit work in Portsmouth County? A: Portsmouth County may offer assessment growth limitations for qualifying homeowners. This type of credit caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value and requires filing an application by specified deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Portsmouth County conducts annual property assessments. Property owners who disagree with their assessment can file appeals during designated appeal periods, typically in early spring.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges. Contact the Portsmouth County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options if you've missed a due date.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Portsmouth County offers online payment options for property taxes. Visit the county's official website or contact the Treasurer's office for available electronic payment methods and any associated processing fees.

Q: Do personal property taxes have different rules? A: Yes, personal property taxes apply to motor vehicles, boats, business equipment, and other movable property. The county prorates these taxes when ownership changes occur during the year, and rates vary by property type.

Q: How do I apply for veterans' tax exemptions? A: Veterans must provide documentation from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to qualify for tax exemptions. Contact the Portsmouth County Assessor's office for specific application forms and deadlines, as these benefits are not automatic and require annual or periodic renewal.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Collection & Rates | Portsmouth, VAportsmouthva.gov
02
May 13, 2025portsmouthva.gov
03
Appeals & Notices | Portsmouth, VAportsmouthva.gov
04
Due Dates | Portsmouth, VAportsmouthva.gov
05
Tax Doc
Where to File | Virginia Taxtax.virginia.gov
06
Portsmouth Public Utilities, VA | Official Websiteutilities.portsmouthva.gov
07
Tax Doc
Tax Exempt Propertiesportsmouthva.gov
08
State
Disabled Veterans Real Estate Tax Exemption Eligibilityportsmouthva.gov
09
Tax Doc
FAQs • Treasurer Personal Property Taxportsmouthva.gov
10
Tax Doc
Personal Property Taxportsmouthva.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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