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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Suffolk County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Suffolk 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
$1.07 per $100 assessed value (base rate) + $0.105-$0.24 additional in special taxing districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Suffolk County, Virginia operates as an independent city with its own property tax system that funds essential municipal services including schools, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community services. The property tax system uses assessed values determined by the Commissioner of Revenue and applies tax rates set annually by the Suffolk City Council.

For FY 2024-2025, the base citywide real estate tax rate is $1.07 per $100 of assessed value, though actual tax bills vary significantly depending on location within the city due to special taxing districts. Properties in the Downtown Business Overlay Taxing District face an additional $0.105 per $100, while those in the Route 17 Tax District pay an additional $0.24 per $100 of assessed value. This means effective tax rates range from approximately 1.07% to 1.31% depending on your property's location within Suffolk County.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
Citywide Base Rate$1.07Basic real estate tax rate for FY 2024-2025, effective through June 30, 2026
Downtown Business Overlay+$0.105Additional assessment for properties in Downtown Business Overlay Taxing District
Route 17 Tax District+$0.24Additional assessment for properties in Route 17 Tax District

Note: The citywide base rate applies to all properties, with additional district rates added where applicable. Properties in special taxing districts pay both the base rate plus their district's additional rate. All rates are based on $100 of assessed value and are effective through June 30, 2026.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Suffolk 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 Suffolk County are typically triggered by new construction, property improvements, or ownership changes that occur after the annual assessment date. When these events happen, the Commissioner of Revenue may issue a supplemental assessment to capture the increased property value for the current tax year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, then applying the applicable tax rate for the remaining months in the fiscal year. For example, if a $50,000 home addition is completed in January and your property is in the base tax district, the supplemental tax would be approximately $267.50 ($50,000 × $1.07 ÷ $100 × 6 months ÷ 12 months) for the remainder of that fiscal year.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property (Base District)

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: $1.07 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $3,210
  • Monthly Escrow: $267.50

$600,000 Property (Downtown Business Overlay District)

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate: $1.175 per $100 ($1.07 + $0.105)
  • Annual Tax: $7,050
  • Monthly Escrow: $587.50

$1,000,000 Property (Route 17 Tax District)

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: $1.31 per $100 ($1.07 + $0.24)
  • Annual Tax: $13,100
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,091.67

Note: These calculations assume no tax credits. Available tax credits require separate application and may reduce your actual tax bill.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Suffolk County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. Lenders typically collect 1/12 of your annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, plus a small cushion as allowed by federal regulations.

Property taxes are due semi-annually on December 5th (first half) and June 5th (second half). Your lender will make these payments directly to Suffolk County from your escrow account on your behalf. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing projected tax payments, and your monthly escrow amount may be adjusted based on actual tax bills and account balance. Always verify that your lender has received and paid your tax bills correctly by checking with the Suffolk County Treasurer's office.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due for FY 2024-2025? A: Real estate taxes are due December 5th (first half) and June 5th (second half). Personal property taxes are due December 5th annually.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Tax credits are available for qualifying senior citizens (65+) and permanently/totally disabled residents. These credits require application and are not automatically applied to your tax bill. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue at 757-514-4260 for application details.

Q: Is there a homestead credit that caps assessment increases? A: Check with the Commissioner of Revenue regarding available assessment limitation programs. Any such programs typically require annual application and have specific eligibility requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Contact the Commissioner of Revenue's office at 757-514-4260 for information about Suffolk County's assessment schedule and procedures.

Q: What happens if I pay late? A: Penalty and interest charges are added to unpaid taxes after the due date. Contact the Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my taxes online? A: Contact Suffolk County's Treasurer's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special taxing districts affect my bill? A: Properties in the Downtown Business Overlay District pay an additional $0.105 per $100, while Route 17 Tax District properties pay an additional $0.24 per $100 on top of the base $1.07 rate.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Contact the Commissioner of Revenue's office at 757-514-4260 for information about the assessment appeal process and deadlines.

Q: Who do I contact about errors on my tax bill? A: For questions about your tax bill or to request changes, contact the Commissioner of Revenue's office at 757-514-4260 before contacting the Treasurer's office for payment issues.

Q: What exemptions are available for my property? A: Real property exemptions may be available for qualifying dwellings and land. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue's office to determine eligibility and application requirements for specific exemption programs.

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
FY 2024-2025 Tax Rates and Feessuffolkva.us
02
Tax Doc
Personal Property Tax Reliefsuffolkva.us
03
State
Real Estate Taxessuffolkva.us
04
Specific Due Datessuffolkva.us
05
Tax Doc
Personal Property Taxessuffolkva.us
06
Tax Doc
Tax Relief Programsuffolkva.us
07
Chapter 2. Homestead Exemption of Householderlaw.lis.virginia.gov
08
State
Housing & Real Estatesuffolkva.us
09
Tax Doc
FY 2023-2024 Tax Rates and Feessuffolkva.us
10
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQsuffolkva.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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