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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Roanoke County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$1.03 per $100 of assessed value (base rate, varies by special taxing districts)
1st Due
Dec 5
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Roanoke County, Virginia operates on a property tax system that serves as a primary funding source for essential county services including public schools, public safety, road maintenance, and general government operations. Property owners pay taxes based on the assessed value of their real estate and personal property, with assessments conducted regularly to reflect current market values.

The effective property tax rate varies by location within Roanoke County due to special taxing districts that may impose additional assessments for specific services or improvements. For the 2025 tax year, the base real estate tax rate is $1.03 per $100 of assessed value, though property owners should verify their specific rate based on their location within the county. Understanding your property's assessed value, applicable tax credits, and payment schedule is essential for proper tax planning and budgeting.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Real Estate Tax$1.03 per $100 assessed valueBase county levy for real property (FY 2025-2026)
Personal Property Tax$3.40 per $100 assessed valueTax on vehicles, boats, and other personal property (FY 2025-2026)
Special District AssessmentsVaries by locationAdditional charges for specific services or improvements in designated areas

Note: The rates shown were adopted on April 8, 2025, for the FY 2025-2026 levy year. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate as special taxing districts within Roanoke County may impose additional assessments that vary by geographic location. Contact the Roanoke County Commissioner of the Revenue office to determine if your property is subject to any special district taxes.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Dec 5
Delinquent after Dec 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 Roanoke County are triggered by specific events that occur after the regular assessment period, including ownership changes, new construction completion, property improvements, or changes in property use that affect taxable status. These taxes are calculated on a prorated basis from the date the change occurred through the end of the current tax year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition on July 1st and the county's tax rate is $1.03 per $100 of assessed value, your supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($50,000 ÷ 100) × $1.03 × (remaining months in tax year ÷ 12). This ensures you pay the appropriate amount of tax for the period when the improvement was taxable, rather than waiting until the next regular billing cycle.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Elderly/Disabled Tax Credit Applied: -$500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $299,500
  • Annual Tax: ($299,500 ÷ 100) × $1.03 = $3,085
  • Monthly Escrow: $257

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • No Credits Applied
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: ($600,000 ÷ 100) × $1.03 = $6,180
  • Monthly Escrow: $515

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Disabled Veteran Credit Applied: -$1,500 (requires application and qualification)
  • Net Taxable Value: $998,500
  • Annual Tax: ($998,500 ÷ 100) × $1.03 = $10,285
  • Monthly Escrow: $857

Note: Tax credits shown require annual application and eligibility verification. Actual credits may vary based on individual circumstances and program requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Roanoke County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to approximately 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill and holds these funds in a separate escrow account until taxes are due.

Lenders typically pay property taxes directly to Roanoke County before the due dates to avoid late penalties and potential tax liens. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing tax payments made on your behalf and any required adjustments to your monthly payment. It's important to review your property tax bills even when paid through escrow to verify accuracy and identify any available tax credits that require application. Contact your lender immediately if you notice discrepancies between the actual tax bill and the amount paid from escrow.

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 Roanoke County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Real estate taxes are due in two installments - June 5, 2026 for the first half and December 5, 2026 for the second half. Personal property taxes are due June 1, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Roanoke County offers tax credits for elderly and disabled residents, disabled veterans, and other qualifying circumstances. These credits reduce your tax bill but require annual application through the Commissioner of the Revenue office. Applications must be submitted by specific deadlines to be effective for the current tax year.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit limits annual assessment increases on your primary residence, typically capping growth at a specified percentage. This credit requires initial application and ongoing eligibility maintenance. It does not reduce your property's market value but limits taxable assessment growth over time.

Q: How often does Roanoke County reassess properties? A: Properties are reassessed periodically to reflect current market values. Property owners receive assessment notices and have the right to appeal assessments they believe are incorrect through the Board of Equalization process.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments are subject to interest charges and penalties that accrue monthly. Continued non-payment can result in tax liens being placed on your property and potential tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Roanoke County offers online payment options through their official website. You can also pay by mail, in person, or through authorized payment centers.

Q: What if I live in a special taxing district? A: Some areas of Roanoke County have additional special district taxes for services like fire protection, lighting, or infrastructure improvements. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and vary by location within the county.

Q: How do I know if my property assessment is accurate? A: Compare your assessment to similar properties in your area and recent sale prices. If you believe your assessment is too high, you can file an appeal with the Board of Equalization during the designated appeal period following your assessment notice.

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