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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Winchester County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Winchester 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
$0.795 per $100 of assessed value (base rate), varies by special taxing districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Winchester County, Virginia operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and county administration. Property taxes in Winchester County are assessed on the full fair market value of real estate without assessment caps, meaning your property's assessed value can fluctuate with market conditions.

The effective tax rate for Winchester County varies by location within the county due to special taxing districts and additional assessments. For the 2025 tax year, the base county rate is $0.795 per $100 of assessed value, though this may be supplemented by special district assessments depending on your property's location. Property owners should expect their actual tax rate to differ based on their specific address and any applicable special service districts in their area.

Winchester County follows Virginia's semi-annual billing system, with property taxes due twice yearly on June 20 and December 5. Property owners are encouraged to explore available tax credits and exemptions, though most require formal application and approval through the Commissioner of Revenue's office.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
Base County Rate$0.795General county operations and services
School DistrictVariesPublic education funding (included in base rate)
Special Service DistrictsVaries by locationAdditional services like enhanced fire protection, lighting districts
Total Effective Rate$0.795+Base rate plus applicable special assessments

Rates shown are for Fiscal Year 2025. Special district rates vary significantly by property location within Winchester County. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue at (540) 665-5600 for your specific total rate. Some properties may qualify for tax relief on the first $20,000 of assessed value (31% reduction), though this requires application and eligibility verification.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Winchester 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 Winchester County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to a property's ownership, value, or tax status. Common triggers include new construction completion, property transfers, successful assessment appeals that reduce value, or removal of tax-exempt status. The supplemental tax represents the difference between taxes already billed and what should have been billed based on the change.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March that increases your assessed value, Winchester County will issue a supplemental bill for the additional taxes owed from the completion date through the end of the tax year. The calculation would be: ($50,000 ÷ 100) × $0.795 × (remaining months ÷ 12) = prorated additional tax due. Supplemental bills are typically issued within 30-60 days of the triggering event and follow the same payment terms as regular tax bills.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Veteran's Tax Credit (if qualified): -$0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: ($300,000 ÷ 100) × $0.795 = $2,385
  • Monthly Escrow: $199

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Elderly/Disabled Credit (if qualified): -$500 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $599,500
  • Annual Tax: ($599,500 ÷ 100) × $0.795 = $4,766
  • Monthly Escrow: $397

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • No credits applied
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: ($1,000,000 ÷ 100) × $0.795 = $7,950
  • Monthly Escrow: $663

Note: All tax credits require formal application through the Commissioner of Revenue. Rates shown do not include potential special district assessments.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most Winchester County property owners with mortgages have their property taxes collected through escrow accounts managed by their lenders. Your mortgage servicer collects monthly escrow payments as part of your total housing payment, then pays your property taxes directly to Winchester County on your behalf. Lenders typically collect slightly more than needed to ensure adequate funds for tax payments and are required to provide annual escrow analyses showing projected costs.

Winchester County's semi-annual billing schedule (June 20 and December 5) allows mortgage servicers to pay taxes when due rather than waiting for annual bills. If your escrow account experiences shortfalls due to assessment increases or rate changes, your lender will typically spread the shortage over 12 months while adjusting future monthly payments. Property owners can verify their tax payments and view payment history through the Winchester County Treasurer's office at 107 N. Kent St., Winchester, VA 22601, or by calling (540) 665-5600.

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 Winchester County for FY 2025? A: Property taxes are due semi-annually on June 20 and December 5. If the due date falls on a weekend, payment is due the following Monday.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: Winchester County offers several tax credits including veteran's exemptions, elderly/disabled relief, and derelict property abatement credits. ALL credits require formal application through the Commissioner of Revenue and are not automatically applied.

Q: Is there a homestead exemption that caps assessment increases? A: Virginia does not have assessment caps. However, Winchester County offers tax relief on the first $20,000 of assessed value for qualified applicants, providing a 31% reduction on that portion. This requires annual application and income verification.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Winchester County conducts property reassessments every 4-6 years, with the most recent general reassessment completed in 2024. Annual reviews may occur for properties with significant changes.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur a 10% penalty plus interest charges. Additional collection fees may apply for severely delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Winchester County accepts online payments through their official website. Contact the Treasurer's office at (540) 665-5600 for payment portal information and accepted methods.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Properties in special service districts (enhanced fire protection, street lighting, etc.) pay additional assessments beyond the base $0.795 rate. Your specific rate depends on your property's location and applicable districts.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Board of Equalization within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue for appeal forms and procedures.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Personal Property Calculatorfcva.us
02
FINAL - FY 26 Budget in Briefwinchesterva.gov
03
State
Real Estate Tax Calculatorfcva.us
04
State
Real Estate Taxes Due - City of Winchester, VAwinchesterva.gov
05
Filing Deadline April 01winchesterva.gov
06
Tax Doc
Upcoming Due Dates for 2025 Taxes - City of Winchester, VAwinchesterva.gov
07
State
Application for Real Estate Tax Exemption for Veterans ...winchesterva.gov
08
State
Real Estate Tax - City of Winchester, VAwinchesterva.gov
09
Chapter 2. Homestead Exemption of Householderlaw.lis.virginia.gov
10
Tax Doc
Item 459 (CA) Personal Property Tax Relief Program. ...budget.lis.virginia.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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