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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Powhatan County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$0.75 per $100 of assessed value for real estate, varies by special taxing districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Powhatan County, Virginia operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for local government services, including public schools, road maintenance, emergency services, and general county operations. The county conducts regular reassessments to maintain current market values, with the most recent general reassessment completed for 2025. Property owners receive tax bills twice annually, creating a semi-annual payment structure that helps distribute the tax burden throughout the year.

The effective tax rates in Powhatan County can vary depending on your specific location within the county due to special taxing districts and additional assessments. Based on current data, real estate is taxed at $0.75 per $100 of assessed value, while personal property (including vehicles and business property) is taxed at $3.60 per $100 of assessed value. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate as it may include additional district-specific assessments beyond the base county rate.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Real Estate Base Rate$0.75 per $100FY 2025-2026 base levy for all real property
Personal Property Rate$3.60 per $100FY 2025-2026 rate for vehicles and business personal property
Special District AssessmentsVariesAdditional rates may apply based on location within specific taxing districts

Note: Actual tax rates may vary by location within Powhatan County due to special taxing districts. Property owners should verify their specific rate on their tax bill or contact the Commissioner of Revenue for district-specific information.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Powhatan 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 Powhatan County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements that occur after the annual assessment date but before the end of the tax year. These taxes ensure that all property changes are captured for the current tax year rather than waiting for the next assessment cycle.

Common triggers include purchasing a home, completing new construction, adding significant improvements like additions or pools, or subdividing property. The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, multiplying by the current tax rate, and prorating based on the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you purchase a home in September that was previously assessed at a lower value, you would receive a supplemental bill for the difference in taxes from September through the end of the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: $0.75 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $2,250
  • Semi-annual Payment: $1,125 (due June 5 & November 5)

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate: $0.75 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $4,500
  • Semi-annual Payment: $2,250 (due June 5 & November 5)

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: $0.75 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $7,500
  • Semi-annual Payment: $3,750 (due June 5 & November 5)

Note: These calculations assume the base real estate rate only. Additional credits may be available but require separate application. Veterans and elderly/disabled residents may qualify for tax credits that would reduce these amounts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Powhatan County collect property taxes through escrow accounts as part of your monthly mortgage payment. Your lender will estimate your annual property taxes, divide by 12, and collect this amount monthly along with principal, interest, and insurance. The lender then pays your tax bills directly to Powhatan County on the June 5 and November 5 due dates.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender has current assessment information, especially after reassessments or if you've received supplemental tax bills. You can confirm your tax payments have been received by checking with the Powhatan County Treasurer's Office or monitoring your account online. If you pay taxes directly without escrow, you're responsible for making both semi-annual payments on time 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
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Powhatan County? A: Real estate taxes are due twice annually on June 5 and November 5 for FY 2025-2026. Personal property taxes are also due on these same dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Powhatan County offers various tax credits including veterans' credits and elderly/disabled credits. Most credits require separate application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue for specific eligibility requirements and application forms.

Q: Is there a homestead credit available? A: Virginia localities may offer homestead-type credits that limit assessment increases rather than reducing market value. These typically require annual application. Check with Powhatan County's Commissioner of Revenue for current programs and application deadlines.

Q: How often does Powhatan County reassess properties? A: Powhatan County completed its most recent general reassessment for 2025. Reassessment schedules vary, and property owners can appeal assessments through the Board of Equalization process.

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

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Powhatan County offers online payment options for property taxes. Visit the county's official website or contact the Treasurer's Office for payment portal access and accepted methods.

Q: I'm a 100% disabled veteran - what exemptions apply? A: Veterans who are 100% service-connected disabled or their surviving spouses may qualify for real estate tax exemptions on their principal residence. Applications are required and not automatic.

Q: What if I live in a special taxing district? A: Some areas of Powhatan County may have additional special district taxes beyond the base county rate. Your tax bill will show all applicable rates, and you can contact the Commissioner of Revenue for district-specific information.

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