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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Surry County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Surry 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
$0.57 per $100 of assessed value (varies by special taxing districts)
1st Due
Dec 5
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Surry County, Virginia operates a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, law enforcement, road maintenance, and county administration. The county assesses both real estate and personal property, with real estate taxes comprising the largest portion of property tax revenue. Property owners should be aware that tax rates and assessment practices can vary depending on location within the county due to special taxing districts.

The county follows Virginia state guidelines for property assessment and taxation, with real estate assessments based on fair market value as of January 1st each year. Personal property, including vehicles, boats, and business equipment, is also subject to annual taxation. Property owners are responsible for understanding their tax obligations and taking advantage of available tax relief programs, most of which require formal application and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
Real Estate Tax$0.71Base rate for all real property for FY 2025-2026
Personal Property Tax$3.75Applied to vehicles, boats, and other personal property for FY 2025-2026

These rates apply to the fiscal year 2025-2026 and remain unchanged from the previous year. The real estate tax rate of $0.71 per $100 of assessed value is significantly lower than the personal property rate. Property owners should note that actual tax bills may vary based on location within special taxing districts, though specific district rates are not detailed in current documentation. All rates are subject to annual review and potential adjustment by the Board of Supervisors.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Surry 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 Surry County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that occur after the January 1st assessment date. When property changes hands or new construction is completed mid-year, the county issues a supplemental tax bill to account for the change in assessed value or ownership responsibility. The tax is calculated on a pro-rated basis from the date of the triggering event through the end of the fiscal year.

For example, if a property is sold on July 1st with an assessed value increase due to improvements, the new owner would receive a supplemental tax bill covering July through December at the current tax rate of $0.71 per $100 of assessed value. The supplemental tax becomes a lien on the property from January 1st of the levy year and is due immediately upon billing.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Assessed Value Property:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (example assumes no credits)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 ÷ 100 × $0.71 = $2,130
  • Monthly Payment: $177.50

$600,000 Assessed Value Property:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (credits require application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 ÷ 100 × $0.71 = $4,260
  • Monthly Payment: $355.00

$1,000,000 Assessed Value Property:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (example without credits)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 ÷ 100 × $0.71 = $7,100
  • Monthly Payment: $591.67

Note: Tax credits such as disabled veteran exemptions or other relief programs require formal application and approval. These examples show calculations without credits applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for Surry County properties, collecting monthly payments throughout the year to ensure timely tax payment. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of the estimated annual tax bill each month, plus a cushion amount allowed by federal law. Since real estate taxes are due December 5th annually, lenders usually pay the county directly from escrow accounts before the due date.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender has current assessment information and correct mailing addresses on file with the county. The county bills and collects its own property taxes, so coordination between the property owner, lender, and county treasurer is essential. If escrow payments are insufficient due to assessment increases, lenders may require additional payments or adjust monthly escrow amounts. Property owners should review their annual escrow analysis statements and contact their lender with any questions about tax payment timing or amounts.

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 Surry County for fiscal year 2025-2026? A: Real estate taxes are due December 5th annually. Personal property taxes are due June 5th each year, with a one-time extension to September 5th for 2025 only.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: A real property tax exemption is available to disabled veterans or their surviving spouse on their primary residence and up to one acre of land. This benefit requires formal application and is not automatically granted.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: Specific homestead credit details are not available in current documentation. Property owners should contact the county assessor's office for information about assessment limitation programs and application requirements.

Q: When does the county reassess property values? A: Property is assessed annually as of January 1st. The levy date for both real estate and personal property is January 1st, with lien dates also beginning January 1st.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payment penalties apply, though specific penalty rates are not detailed in available documentation. Contact the county treasurer's office for current penalty information.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: The county bills and collects its own property taxes, but specific online payment options are not detailed in current documentation. Contact the county treasurer for available payment methods.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeal procedures are not detailed in available documentation. Contact the county assessor's office for information about the appeal process and deadlines.

Q: Do I qualify for personal property tax relief on my vehicle? A: Your vehicle does not qualify for tax relief if more than 50% of its depreciation is deducted as a business expense for federal income tax purposes. Additional information is available in the county's Personal Property Tax Relief Pamphlet or on the Virginia DMV website.

Q: Are there special district taxes in addition to county taxes? A: Tax rates may vary by location within the county due to special taxing districts, though specific district information is not available in current documentation.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax bill? A: Supplemental taxes are issued when property changes ownership, new construction is completed, or improvements are made after the January 1st assessment date.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
fiscal year 2025-26 budget in briefsurrycountyva.gov
02
Proposed FY26 Budget - Board of Supervisorssurrycountyva.gov
03
County
surry county board of supervisorssurrycountyva.gov
04
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)surrycountyva.gov
05
Tax Doc
Tax Deadlinessurrycountyva.gov
06
State
Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Amendmentssurrycountyva.gov
07
Tax Doc
Disabled Veteran / Surviving Spouse Tax Exemptionsurrycountyva.gov
08
Tax Doc
Tax Relief / Exemptionssurrycountyva.gov
09
Tax Doc
Elderly & Disabled Tax Reliefsurrycountyva.gov
10
County
COUNTY OF SURRY, VIRGINIAsurrycountyva.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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