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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Southampton County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$4.84 per $1,000 assessed value (base county rate), varies by district with special assessments
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Southampton County, Virginia operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and county administration. Property owners pay taxes based on their property's assessed value, which is determined by the county assessor's office through periodic reassessments of fair market value.

The effective property tax rate in Southampton County varies by location within the county due to special taxing districts and additional assessments. Based on the current tax structure, property owners can expect to pay approximately $4.84 per $1,000 of assessed value for the base county levy, though total rates may be higher depending on your specific location and any applicable special district assessments. It's important to note that actual tax bills can vary significantly based on available tax credits and the specific taxing districts that apply to your property location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
Real Estate Base Levy$0.484FY 2024 base county rate for real estate
Tangible Personal PropertyVariesRate for vehicles, boats, and business equipment
Special District AssessmentsVariesAdditional charges may apply based on location

Note: These rates reflect the FY 2024 levy year, as FY 2025 rates have not yet been finalized. Southampton County maintains the base real estate rate of $0.484 per $100 of assessed value. Actual tax rates may vary depending on your property's location within special taxing districts. Contact the Southampton County Commissioner of Revenue's office for specific rate information applicable to your property's location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Southampton 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 Southampton County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or classification that occur after the regular assessment date. Common triggers include new construction completion, property transfers with reassessment, additions or improvements to existing properties, or corrections to previous assessments.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a $50,000 addition is completed and assessed in January (halfway through the fiscal year), the supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($50,000 ÷ 100) × $0.484 × 0.5 = $121 for the remaining tax year.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if eligible): -$300
  • Net Taxable Value: $299,700
  • Annual Tax: $299,700 ÷ 100 × $0.484 = $1,450
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$121

$600,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if eligible): -$300
  • Net Taxable Value: $599,700
  • Annual Tax: $599,700 ÷ 100 × $0.484 = $2,903
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$242

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Tax Credit (if eligible): -$300
  • Net Taxable Value: $999,700
  • Annual Tax: $999,700 ÷ 100 × $0.484 = $4,839
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$403

Note: Tax credits shown require application and eligibility verification. Additional credits may be available for seniors, disabled veterans, and other qualifying circumstances.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Southampton County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. Lenders collect monthly payments equal to 1/12th of the annual property tax bill and remit payments directly to the county on behalf of the property owner. The escrow account is typically analyzed annually to ensure adequate funds are collected.

Property taxes in Southampton County are due in two installments: 50% by August 15 and 50% by November 15. Lenders usually make payments before these deadlines to avoid late penalties. Property owners should verify that their lender has received current tax bills and is paying the correct amount, especially after reassessments or when tax credits are applied. If you pay taxes independently without escrow, you're responsible for making timely payments directly to Southampton County.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Southampton County property taxes due for FY 2024? A: Property taxes are due in two equal installments: 50% by August 15, 2024, and 50% by November 15, 2024.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Southampton County offers various tax credits including homestead credits for primary residences, elderly/disabled credits, and disabled veteran credits. Most credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue's office for specific eligibility requirements and application forms.

Q: How does the homestead tax credit work? A: The homestead credit provides tax relief for qualifying primary residences and may limit assessment increases in some cases. This is a tax credit that reduces your tax bill, not an exemption. You must apply annually and meet residency requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Southampton County? A: Southampton County typically conducts general reassessments every 4-6 years, though the specific schedule may vary. Property owners receive notice before reassessment and have appeal rights if they disagree with the assessed value.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges. Contact the Southampton County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and collection procedures.

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

Q: Do I pay different rates depending on where I live in the county? A: Yes, total tax rates may vary by location within Southampton County due to special taxing districts for services like fire protection, water, or other local improvements.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who disagree with their assessment can file an appeal with the Southampton County Board of Equalization. Appeals must be filed within the specified time period following assessment notices, typically within 30 days of receiving notice.

Verified Sources

Backed by 8 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
County
Tax Rates for County, City, Town, and Districts. TY 2023tax.virginia.gov
03
Understanding Business Tangible Property and Vehicle ...fairfaxcounty.gov
04
County
County of Southampton, Virginiafranklinva.gov
05
PPTRA-Recommendations on Implementing Changes in ...finance.virginia.gov
06
Tax Doc
Where to File | Virginia Taxtax.virginia.gov
07
Tax Doc
NONRESIDENT - Virginia Taxtax.virginia.gov
08
Tax Doc
763 Instr.indd - Virginia Taxtax.virginia.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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