HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Scott County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by district within Scott County, 2025 rates typically announced in spring
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Scott County, Virginia operates on a property tax system that serves as a primary funding source for essential county services including public schools, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and local government operations. Property owners in Scott County pay taxes based on the assessed value of their real estate, with the county conducting periodic reassessments to maintain current market valuations.

The effective property tax rate in Scott County varies depending on your specific location within the county due to special taxing districts and additional assessments. While the research data shows that 2025 rates are not yet available, property owners should expect annual rate updates typically announced in the spring. Rates can differ significantly between areas of the county based on special district services such as fire protection districts, library districts, or other local improvement areas that may impose additional levies beyond the base county rate.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Note: 2025 Scott County property tax rates are not yet available. The table below shows the general structure - contact the Scott County Tax Assessor's Office at 276-386-7692 for current FY 2025-2026 rates.

ComponentRate (per $100 assessed value)Description
Base County LevyTBDGeneral county operations and services
School DistrictTBDPublic school funding
Special DistrictsVaries by locationFire protection, library, or improvement districts
Total RateTBDCombined rate varies by property location

Property tax rates in Scott County vary significantly by special taxing districts within the county. Your exact rate depends on which fire district, school attendance zone, and other special service areas your property is located in. Contact the Scott County Tax Assessor's Office at 202 W. Jackson St., Suite 114, Gate City, VA 24251 for your specific rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Scott 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 Scott County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. Common triggers include the purchase of property (change of ownership), completion of new construction, additions or major improvements to existing structures, or changes in property use classification.

When a supplemental tax is issued, it represents the difference between the taxes already assessed for the year and what should be assessed based on the property's new status. For example, if you purchase a home mid-year that was previously exempt from taxation, you would receive a supplemental bill for the remaining months of the tax year. The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the new annual tax amount, subtracting any taxes already paid for that tax year, and prorating the difference based on the number of months remaining in the tax year.

Example Calculation

Note: These examples use estimated rates as 2025 rates are not yet available. Contact Scott County Tax Assessor for current rates.

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied for): -$0 to -$5,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated 1.0%): $3,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $250

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if applied for): -$0 to -$5,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated 1.0%): $6,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $500

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Available Tax Credits (requires application): Variable
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated 1.0%): $10,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $833

All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Contact the county assessor for available credits and application procedures.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Scott County require borrowers to establish an escrow account for property tax payments, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, holds these funds in an escrow account, and pays your property taxes directly to Scott County when they become due.

Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected, and may adjust your monthly payment up or down based on actual tax bills and account balance. Since Scott County property taxes are generally due by January 1st each year, your lender will remit payment before the due date to avoid penalties. Property owners should verify that their lender has made timely payments and contact the Scott County Tax Office at 276-386-7692 if there are any discrepancies. You can also monitor your escrow account through your lender's online portal and request an escrow account disclosure statement annually.

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 Scott County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Scott County property taxes are typically due by January 1st of each year. Contact the Tax Office at 276-386-7692 to confirm specific due dates and payment options for the current fiscal year.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Scott County offers various tax credits including homestead credits for eligible residents and veterans' exemptions for returning veterans. All tax credits require separate applications - they are NOT automatic. Contact the Scott County Assessor's Office at 202 W. Jackson St., Suite 114, Gate City, VA 24251 for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Tax Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit typically limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing your home's market value. This means your assessed value cannot increase more than a certain percentage each year (such as 10%). You must file an application to receive this credit - it is not automatically applied.

Q: How often does Scott County reassess properties? A: Contact the Scott County Assessor's Office at 276-386-7692 for the current reassessment schedule. If you disagree with your assessment, you have the right to appeal through the county's assessment appeal process within specified timeframes.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payment penalties and interest charges apply to overdue property taxes in Scott County. Contact the Tax Office at 276-386-7692 for specific penalty rates and payment deadline information.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact Scott County at 276-386-7692 or visit their office at 202 W. Jackson St., Suite 114, Gate City, VA 24251 to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates in Scott County vary by special taxing districts including fire protection districts, library districts, and other local service areas. Your exact rate depends on which districts serve your property location.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts provide services like fire protection or libraries to specific areas of Scott County. If your property is within a special district boundary, you'll pay additional taxes beyond the base county rate. These additional levies fund the enhanced services provided to your area.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Tax Rates for County, City, Town, and Districts. TY 2024tax.virginia.gov
02
Tax Doc
Local Tax Ratestax.virginia.gov
03
County
Tax Rates for County, City, Town, and Districts. TY 2023tax.virginia.gov
04
Tax Doc
Where to File | Virginia Taxtax.virginia.gov
05
Tax Doc
2018 Form 770 Instructions - Virginia Taxtax.virginia.gov
06
County
COUNTY OF SCOTT - Exemptionsscottcoil.gov
07
Tax Doc
85-235 | Virginia Taxtax.virginia.gov
08
HJ457 - 2025 Regular Sessionlis.virginia.gov
09
Tax Doc
NONRESIDENT - Virginia Taxtax.virginia.gov
10
LIS > Bill Tracking > Committees > 2008 sessionlegacylis.virginia.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate