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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Wise County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Wise 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 (base rate, varies by special taxing districts)
1st Due
Dec 5
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Wise County, Virginia operates on an annual property tax system that serves as a primary funding source for essential county services including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and local government operations. Property taxes in Wise County are assessed based on fair market value as determined by the county assessor, with tax bills calculated by applying the current tax rate to the assessed value minus any applicable tax credits.

The effective tax rate in Wise County varies by location within the county due to special taxing districts that may impose additional assessments for specific services or improvements. Property owners should be aware that their actual tax rate may differ from the base county rate depending on their property's location and any special district assessments that apply. The county conducts annual public hearings to propose and approve tax rates, with the most recent official rates available for the 2024 tax year while 2025 rates await final determination.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base Real Property TaxRate pending 2025 approvalPrimary county tax rate for real property (2024 rate in effect until new rate adopted)
Special District AssessmentsVaries by locationAdditional assessments for fire departments, water/sewer districts, or other special services
Personal Property TaxVaries by classificationApplied to vehicles, business equipment, and other personal property

Note: Tax rates shown apply to Levy Year 2024, with 2025 rates subject to annual public hearing approval. Actual rates vary significantly by special taxing districts within Wise County. Contact the Wise County Commissioner of Revenue for current rates applicable to your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Wise 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 Wise County are triggered when there are changes in property ownership, new construction completion, or significant improvements that alter a property's assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental assessments ensure that property taxes reflect current ownership and property conditions rather than waiting for the next regular assessment cycle.

When a supplemental tax is issued, it represents the difference between the original tax assessment and the new assessment based on changed circumstances. For example, if a homeowner completes a major addition that increases their home's assessed value from $250,000 to $300,000 mid-year, they would receive a supplemental tax bill for the additional $50,000 in assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied for): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax (estimated using 2024 rate): Contact assessor for current rate
  • Monthly Escrow: Annual tax ÷ 12

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Applicable Tax Credits (requires application): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: Net Taxable × Current Rate
  • Monthly Escrow: Annual tax ÷ 12

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Tax Credits (must file application): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: Net Taxable × Current Rate
  • Monthly Escrow: Annual tax ÷ 12

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Contact Wise County Commissioner of Revenue for current rates and credit availability.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Wise County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment, typically calculated by dividing your annual property tax by 12 months, often with an additional cushion amount as permitted by federal regulations.

Property tax payments from escrow accounts are typically made by lenders before the January 31st due date to avoid penalties and interest. Lenders conduct annual escrow analyses to adjust monthly payments based on actual tax bills and account balances. Property owners should review their annual escrow statements and can request account information from their loan servicer. If you pay property taxes directly without escrow, ensure payment reaches Wise County by January 31st to avoid delinquency penalties that begin February 1st.

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 Wise County? A: Property taxes are due by January 31st each year. Taxes become delinquent on February 1st and are subject to penalties and interest from that date forward.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Wise County offers various tax credits including those for disabled persons, elderly (over-65) property owners, and veterans. All tax credits require separate applications filed with the Commissioner of Revenue - they are not automatically applied. Contact the Commissioner of Revenue office for specific credit amounts and application deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit, where available, typically limits annual increases in assessed value rather than reducing market value. This requires filing an application and is not automatic. Check with Wise County's assessor office for current Homestead programs and application requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Contact the Wise County Assessor's office for the current reassessment schedule. Property owners have appeal rights if they disagree with their assessed value.

Q: What happens if I don't receive my tax bill? A: Failure to receive a tax statement does not affect the validity of the tax, penalty, interest, due date, or any collection procedures. Property owners are responsible for payment by January 31st regardless of bill receipt.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact Wise County's Treasurer office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Delinquent taxes are subject to penalties and interest beginning February 1st. Contact the Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and interest calculations.

Q: Do special district taxes apply to my property? A: Special district assessments vary by property location within Wise County. These may include fire department assistance fees or other local service assessments. Your tax bill will itemize any applicable special district taxes.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
2024-25 APPROVED BUDGETnortonva.gov
02
County
Tax Rates for County, City, Town, and Districts. TY 2024tax.virginia.gov
03
County
Wise County, VA | Official Websitewisecountyva.gov
04
County
FAQ - Wise Countytax.co.wise.tx.us
05
Tax Doc
Where to File | Virginia Taxtax.virginia.gov
06
LIS > Bill Tracking > HB171 > 2000 sessionlegacylis.virginia.gov
07
LIS > Bill Tracking > HB1585 > 1995 sessionlegacylis.virginia.gov
08
LIS > Bill Tracking > HB255 > 1996 sessionlegacylis.virginia.gov
09
QQ QQ QQenergy.virginia.gov
10
J. JAC ][ ][ )Ienergy.virginia.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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