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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Virginia Beach County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Virginia Beach 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
$0.97 per $100 of assessed value (varies by special taxing districts)
1st Due
Dec 5
2nd Due
Jun 5
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Virginia Beach County operates under Virginia's property tax system, where property taxes serve as a primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, police and fire protection, road maintenance, parks and recreation, and municipal services. The county's property tax rate for fiscal year 2026 is $0.97 per $100 of assessed value, with assessments increasing an average of 5.6% for the current tax year.

Property taxes in Virginia Beach are calculated based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property as determined by the Real Estate Assessor's Office. It's important to note that actual tax rates can vary by location within the county due to special taxing districts, which may impose additional assessments for services like sanitary districts, lighting districts, or other municipal service areas. Property owners should verify their specific tax district to understand their complete tax obligation.

The Virginia Beach tax system follows a semi-annual billing schedule, with real estate taxes due in two installments on December 5 and June 5 each year. Personal property taxes are due annually on June 5. When due dates fall on weekends, payments are extended to the next business day.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
Base Real Estate Tax$0.97General county services, schools, public safety (FY 2026)
Personal Property TaxVariesVehicles, boats, business equipment (rates vary by category)
Special District AssessmentsVariesAdditional charges for sanitary districts, lighting, or other municipal services
Business Personal PropertyVariableCommercial equipment, inventory, fixtures

Note: The $0.97 rate applies to the 2026 fiscal year (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026). Rates are subject to annual review and adjustment by the Virginia Beach City Council. Property owners in special taxing districts will see additional line items on their tax bills for district-specific services. These special assessments vary significantly by location and the services provided in each district.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Virginia Beach County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Dec 5
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Jun 5
Delinquent after Apr 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 are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements made after the annual assessment date. The Treasurer's Office prepares and mails supplemental billings at the request of the Commissioner of the Revenue's Office to collect taxes for previous assessment periods or mid-year changes.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: property transfers that reveal previously unreported improvements, completion of new construction projects, addition of structures like pools or additions, and correction of assessment errors discovered during the tax year. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previously assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the fiscal year.

For example, if a property owner completes a $100,000 home addition in January and the improvement is discovered in March, they would receive a supplemental bill for the additional assessed value ($100,000 x $0.97 ÷ 100 = $970) prorated for the remaining four months of the fiscal year, resulting in a supplemental tax of approximately $323.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Varies based on assessment increase cap
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000 (assuming no applicable credits)
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 ÷ 100 × $0.97 = $2,910
  • Monthly Escrow: $242.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Senior/Disabled Credit (if qualified and applied): Amount varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000 (assuming no applicable credits)
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 ÷ 100 × $0.97 = $5,820
  • Monthly Escrow: $485

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Rehabilitation Credit (if applied for qualified improvements): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000 (assuming no applicable credits)
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 ÷ 100 × $0.97 = $9,700
  • Monthly Escrow: $808.33

Important Note: Most tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Credits shown are examples and actual eligibility and amounts vary based on individual circumstances and proper application filing.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for Virginia Beach properties, where monthly tax payments are collected along with principal and interest payments. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of the annual property tax bill each month, plus an additional cushion amount allowed by federal regulations.

Your mortgage servicer will receive tax bills directly from Virginia Beach and make payments on your behalf from your escrow account. The semi-annual payment schedule (December 5 and June 5) means your lender will make two large payments per year rather than monthly payments to the county. Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing all deposits and payments made from your account.

Property owners should verify that their lender is making timely payments and maintain records of all escrow transactions. If you pay taxes directly rather than through escrow, you can make payments online, by mail, or in person. For questions about tax payments, escrow accounts, or payment verification, visit https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/commissioner-of-the-revenue/ or contact the Commissioner of Revenue's office at (757) 385-4251.

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 Virginia Beach property taxes due for fiscal year 2026? A: Real estate taxes are due in two installments: December 5, 2025, and June 5, 2026. Personal property taxes are due June 5, 2026. If the due date falls on a weekend, payment is extended to the next business day.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Virginia Beach offers several tax credits including homestead credits for primary residences, senior and disabled veteran credits, and rehabilitation credits for qualified property improvements. Most credits require separate applications and are not automatic - you must apply to receive them.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It requires filing an application and helps limit dramatic year-over-year tax increases on your primary residence. This is a tax credit that must be applied for - it is not automatically granted.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Virginia Beach conducts annual assessments, with property values updated each year. The Real Estate Assessor's Office reviews market conditions, sales data, and property improvements to determine assessed values for each tax year.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. The exact penalty structure and interest rates are set annually by the city and compound over time until the balance is paid in full.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Virginia Beach offers online payment options through their official payment portal. You can also pay by mail, phone, or in person at the Treasurer's office.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Real Estate Assessor's Office within the specified timeframe after receiving your assessment notice. The appeals process includes review procedures and potential hearings before the Board of Equalization.

Q: Do special taxing districts affect my tax bill? A: Yes, properties located in special districts for services like sanitary, lighting, or other municipal services will have additional line items on their tax bills. These vary significantly by location within Virginia Beach.

For more information about assessments and appeals, visit: https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/real-estate-assessor/

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
State
Real Estate Assessor | City of Virginia Beachassessor.virginiabeach.gov
02
Tax Doc
Tax Rates | City of Virginia Beachassessor.virginiabeach.gov
03
Personal Property | City of Virginia Beachcor.virginiabeach.gov
04
City Treasurer | City of Virginia Beachtreasurer.virginiabeach.gov
05
Tax Doc
Upcoming Deadline for 2025 Tax Paymentsvirginiabeach.gov
06
Personal Property | City of Virginia Beachtreasurer.virginiabeach.gov
07
Tax Doc
Tax Relief | City of Virginia Beachcor.virginiabeach.gov
08
Forms | City of Virginia Beachassessor.virginiabeach.gov
09
Chapter 2. Homestead Exemption of Householderlaw.lis.virginia.gov
10
State
Real Estate | City of Virginia Beachtreasurer.virginiabeach.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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