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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Rappahannock County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Rappahannock 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
$0.74 per $100 assessed value (rate varies by special taxing districts)
1st Due
Jun 5
2nd Due
Dec 5
Exemptions
3+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Rappahannock County, Virginia operates a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for essential county services, including schools, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and local government operations. The county assesses both real estate and personal property, with tax bills calculated based on assessed values as of January 1st each year. Rappahannock County is classified as a non-prorating locality, meaning assessments are subject to tax based on ownership status as of the January 1st assessment date.

Property owners in Rappahannock County should be aware that actual tax rates can vary by location within the county due to special taxing districts and additional assessments. The county collects its own property taxes directly, providing local control over the billing and collection process. Effective tax rates typically range from approximately 0.56% to 0.63% of assessed value for real estate, depending on the specific location and applicable district assessments within the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
Real Estate Base$0.56General county services and operations
Fire & Rescue$0.07Emergency services assessment
Total Real Estate$0.63Combined rate for FY 2025
Personal Property$3.80Vehicles, boats, and other personal property

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year and are subject to change based on Board of Supervisors decisions. Actual rates may vary by special taxing district within Rappahannock County. Property owners should verify their specific rate based on their location within the county.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Rappahannock 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 Rappahannock County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that occur after the January 1st assessment date. Since the county operates as a non-prorating locality, any property changes during the tax year may result in additional tax assessments. When new construction is completed or substantial improvements are made to existing property, the county assessor will determine the increased assessed value and calculate a prorated tax bill for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if a property owner completes a $50,000 addition to their home in June, and the improvement increases the assessed value by $45,000, they would receive a supplemental tax bill calculated on that additional assessed value for the remaining months of the tax year at the current real estate tax rate of $0.63 per $100 of assessed value.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Applicable Tax Rate: $0.63 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $1,890
  • Monthly Escrow: $157.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Applicable Tax Rate: $0.63 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $3,780
  • Monthly Escrow: $315.00

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Applicable Tax Rate: $0.63 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $6,300
  • Monthly Escrow: $525.00

Note: These calculations assume the standard county-wide rate. Actual taxes may vary based on special district assessments in your area. Tax credits, if available and applied for, would reduce the annual tax amount. Most tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Rappahannock County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, then pay property taxes directly to the county when due. The escrow amount is calculated by dividing the annual tax bill by 12 months, often with an additional cushion to account for potential tax increases.

Property owners with escrow accounts should receive an annual escrow analysis from their lender, typically showing the previous year's payments and any adjustments needed for the coming year. Since Rappahannock County taxes are due by December 5th each year, lenders typically pay from escrow accounts in late November or early December. Property owners should verify with their lender that taxes are paid on time to avoid the 10% late penalty that applies after the due date.

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 Rappahannock County? A: Property taxes are due by December 5, 2025 for the current tax year. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline extends to the next business day. A 10% penalty applies to late payments.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Available tax credits vary and typically include elderly/disabled relief and veteran exemptions. Most credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Rappahannock County Commissioner of Revenue for specific credit information and application forms.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: Virginia's homestead exemption programs typically limit annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. These programs require application and are not automatic. Contact the local assessor's office for specific eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Contact Rappahannock County's Commissioner of Revenue for the current reassessment schedule. Assessments are based on property values as of January 1st each year.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Rappahannock County Board of Equalization within the specified timeframe after assessment notices are mailed. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue for appeal procedures and deadlines.

Q: What is the penalty for late payment? A: A 10% penalty applies to property taxes paid after the December 5th due date. Additional interest may accrue on unpaid balances.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact Rappahannock County directly for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, your location within Rappahannock County may be subject to additional special district assessments beyond the base county rate. The fire & rescue assessment of $0.07 per $100 is one example of such additional assessments.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Tax Ratesrappahannockcountyva.gov
02
County
RAPPAHANNOCK COUNTY, VIRGINIArappahannockcountyva.gov
03
Tax Doc
Tax Calculatorrappahannockcountyva.gov
04
County
Rappahannock County, Virginiarappahannockcountyva.gov
05
State
Real Estate Assessmentrappahannockcountyva.gov
06
Deadlines & Datesrappahannockcountyva.gov
07
Personal Property Assessmentrappahannockcountyva.gov
08
LIS > Bill Tracking > Bills and Resolutions > sessionlegacylis.virginia.gov
09
County
COUNTY OF RAPPAHANNOCK, VIRGINIA FINANCIAL ...rappahannockcountyva.gov
10
County
Rappahannock County Board of Supervisors Economic ...rappahannockcountyva.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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