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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Waynesboro County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Waynesboro 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
0.77% ($0.77 per $100 of assessed value) for FY 2024, rates may vary by special taxing district
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Waynesboro County, Virginia operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and county operations. Property taxes are assessed based on the fair market value of real estate as determined by the county assessor's office, with annual assessments reflecting current market conditions.

The county's tax rate has shown variation over recent years, with the current FY 2024 rate set at 0.77% ($0.77 per $100 of assessed value). The FY 2025 tax rate has not yet been established, as rates are typically determined annually during the county's budget process in May. It's important to note that actual tax rates may vary by location within Waynesboro County due to special taxing districts, which can add additional assessments for specific services or improvements in designated areas.

Property owners should be aware that Virginia does not impose assessment caps, meaning property values can increase without limitation based on market conditions. However, various tax relief programs are available to eligible residents, though most require formal application and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Base County Rate$0.77FY 2024 general county operations and services
School DistrictIncluded in baseFunding for Waynesboro County public schools
Special DistrictsVaries by locationAdditional assessments for specific areas (rates vary)

Historical Tax Rates:

  • 2013-2016: $0.80 per $100
  • 2017: $0.87 per $100
  • 2018-2022: $0.90 per $100
  • 2023-2024: $0.77 per $100
  • 2025: To be determined (typically set in May)

Note: Properties located within special taxing districts may be subject to additional assessments beyond the base county rate. Contact the Waynesboro County Assessor's Office to determine if your property is located within any special districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Waynesboro 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 property taxes in Waynesboro County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use that occur after the annual assessment date. The county has authorized supplemental billing procedures to capture these mid-year changes and ensure proper tax collection.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: change of ownership through sale or transfer, completion of new construction or major improvements, changes in property use classification, and subdivision of existing parcels. The supplemental tax is calculated as the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, multiplied by the current tax rate, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

Example: If a property's assessed value increases from $400,000 to $500,000 due to completed renovations in January, and the tax rate is $0.77 per $100, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($100,000 ÷ 100) × $0.77 = $770 annually, then prorated for the 11 remaining months = approximately $706 in supplemental taxes due.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Applicable Tax Credits: -$0 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: ($300,000 ÷ 100) × $0.77 = $2,310
  • Monthly Payment: $192.50

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Tax Credit: -$500 (example credit amount, requires application)
  • Net Tax Due: (($600,000 ÷ 100) × $0.77) - $500 = $4,120
  • Monthly Payment: $343.33

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home with Senior Citizens Credit

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Senior Citizens Tax Credit: -$1,200 (example credit amount, requires application and income qualification)
  • Net Tax Due: (($1,000,000 ÷ 100) × $0.77) - $1,200 = $6,500
  • Monthly Payment: $541.67

Note: Tax credits shown are examples and require formal application. Actual credit amounts and eligibility requirements should be verified with the Waynesboro County Commissioner of Revenue.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Waynesboro County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Lenders collect monthly tax payments along with principal and interest, depositing these funds into an escrow account. The lender then pays property taxes directly to the county on the owner's behalf when taxes become due.

Waynesboro County's split payment schedule works well with escrow systems: first half real estate taxes are due July 31, and second half taxes are due December 5. Lenders typically make these payments a few days before the due dates to ensure timely payment and avoid penalties. Property owners should receive annual escrow statements from their lenders showing deposits, payments made, and account balances.

For properties without escrow accounts, owners are responsible for making direct payments to Waynesboro County. The county provides online payment options and accepts payments by mail. Property owners should verify that their lender has made escrow payments on time by checking with the county's tax office or reviewing online payment records, as missed payments remain the property owner's ultimate responsibility.

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 Waynesboro County for FY 2025? A: Real estate taxes are paid in two installments: first half due July 31, 2024, and second half due December 5, 2024. Personal property taxes are due December 5, 2024.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Various tax credits may be available including homestead tax credits, senior citizens credits, and disabled veterans credits. All tax credits require formal application with the Commissioner of Revenue office and are not automatically applied.

Q: How does the Homestead tax credit work? A: Homestead tax credits typically limit annual assessment increases rather than reducing the property's market value. This caps how much your assessment can grow each year. You must file an application to receive this benefit - it is not automatic.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Waynesboro County? A: Properties are reassessed annually to reflect current market values. Assessment notices are typically mailed in early spring, with appeal deadlines specified on the notice.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges. Contact the Waynesboro County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options if you've missed a due date.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Waynesboro County typically offers online payment options through their official website. Check the county treasurer's website for available payment methods and any associated processing fees.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Some properties are located in special taxing districts that levy additional taxes for specific services like street lighting, water/sewer improvements, or special maintenance districts. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal their assessments through the Board of Equalization. Appeal procedures and deadlines are included with your annual assessment notice. You must file within the specified timeframe to preserve your appeal rights.

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 Tax | Waynesboro, VA - Official Websitewaynesboro.va.us
02
State
Real Estate Assessor's Office | Waynesboro, VAwaynesboro.va.us
03
Tax Doc
Personal Property Tax | Waynesboro, VA - Official Websitewaynesboro.va.us
04
Due Dates | Waynesboro, VA - Official Websitewaynesboro.va.us
05
Deadlines | Waynesboro, VA - Official Websitewaynesboro.va.us
06
State
Real Estate Assessor's Officewaynesboro.va.us
07
Work Session November 5, 2007 Council for the City of ...waynesboro.va.us
08
WARM Application for Exemption from Real and Personal ...waynesboro.va.us
09
CITY OF WAYNESBORO, VIRGINIAwaynesboro.va.us
10
Waynesboro, VA - Agenda Centerwaynesboro.va.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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