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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Sussex County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Sussex County, Virginia operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and county administration. Property taxes in Sussex County are assessed based on the fair market value of real estate and personal property, with taxes calculated using millage rates applied to assessed values.

The effective tax rate in Sussex County varies by location within the county due to special taxing districts and additional assessments. Property owners should expect their actual tax rate to differ based on their specific location and any applicable special district levies. The county reassesses properties periodically to maintain current market valuations, and property owners have appeal rights if they disagree with their assessments.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
Real Estate$0.53Base county levy for FY 2025-2026
Personal Property$4.85Motor vehicles, boats, business equipment

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 levy year. Actual tax rates may vary by location within Sussex County due to special taxing districts, municipal service areas, or additional assessments for specific services. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate based on their property's location and any applicable district levies.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Sussex 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 Sussex County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements that affect the assessed value during the tax year. These situations trigger a recalculation of taxes based on the new circumstances.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: change of ownership that removes existing exemptions or credits, completion of new construction or major improvements, subdivision of property, or correction of assessment errors. The supplemental tax is calculated as the difference between the original tax bill and what the tax would have been with the new information, prorated for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if a $400,000 home receives a $50,000 addition completed in January, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the additional $50,000 assessed value at $0.53 per $100, resulting in approximately $265 in additional annual taxes.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Available Credits: Senior/Disabled Credit (if applicable, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 ÷ 100 × $0.53 = $1,590
  • Monthly Escrow: $132.50

$600,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Available Credits: Homestead Credit (caps assessment increases, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 ÷ 100 × $0.53 = $3,180
  • Monthly Escrow: $265.00

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Available Credits: Various credits may apply but require separate applications
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 ÷ 100 × $0.53 = $5,300
  • Monthly Escrow: $441.67

Note: All tax credits require application and approval. Contact the Sussex County assessor's office for specific credit eligibility and application procedures.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Sussex County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. The lender collects monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, then pays property taxes directly to Sussex County when due.

Lenders typically collect 1/12 of the annual property tax amount each month, plus a cushion of up to two months' worth of payments as required by federal law. Each year, lenders must provide an escrow analysis showing the previous year's activity and any adjustments needed for the coming year. Property owners should verify that their lender has current tax information, especially after reassessments or when tax rates change. If you pay taxes independently without escrow, remember that real estate taxes are due December 5th and personal property taxes are due May 1st, with a 10% penalty applied after those dates.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Sussex County for FY 2025-2026? A: Real estate taxes are due by December 5th, and personal property taxes are due by May 1st. A 10% penalty applies to payments received after these deadlines.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Sussex County offers tax credits for seniors 65 and older and permanently/totally disabled individuals. These are tax credits that reduce your tax bill and require a separate application - they are not automatic. Contact the county assessor's office for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit typically caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. This credit requires filing an application and is not automatically applied. Specific terms and application requirements should be confirmed with the Sussex County assessor's office.

Q: How often does Sussex County reassess properties? A: Assessment schedules vary, but property owners receive notice before reassessment. You have the right to appeal your assessment through the county's appeal process if you believe it's incorrect.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: A 10% penalty is added to real estate taxes paid after December 5th and personal property taxes paid after May 1st. Additional interest may accrue on delinquent amounts.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact Sussex County directly or visit their official website for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Do I pay different rates if I live in a special district? A: Yes, tax rates can vary within Sussex County based on special taxing districts or service areas. Your tax bill will reflect any additional district assessments that apply to your property's location.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: You have the right to appeal your assessment. Contact the Sussex County assessor's office for information about the appeal process, deadlines, and required documentation.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
FY 2025-2026 Proposed Budgetsussexcountyva.gov
02
County
Tax Rates - SUSSEX COUNTY, VIRGINIAsussexcountyva.gov
03
FY 2025 Proposed Budgetsussexcountyva.gov
04
County
Sussex County Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Deadline ...sussexcountyva.gov
05
County
Treasurer Tax Rates - SUSSEX COUNTY, VIRGINIAsussexcountyva.gov
06
County
Important Dates - SUSSEX COUNTY, VIRGINIAsussexcountyva.gov
07
County
County of Sussex, VA Ellen G. Boone Commissioner of the ...sussexcountyva.gov
08
Chapter 2. Homestead Exemption of Householderlaw.lis.virginia.gov
09
County
Personal Property Taxes - SUSSEX COUNTY, VIRGINIAsussexcountyva.gov
10
BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW MEETINGsussexcountyde.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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