As a homeowner in Northern Virginia, one of the most important aspects of managing your property is understanding property taxes. Whether you’re new to the area or a long time resident, property taxes can significantly impact your finances. This guide will walk you through the basics of property taxes in Northern Virginia, explaining how they are calculated, what they fund, recent changes, and available relief programs. Additionally, we’ll focus on some local insights that will help you understand how these taxes influence your community.

How Northern Virginia Property Taxes Work

Property Tax Calculation: The Basics

In Northern Virginia, property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of your property. The local government assesses the value of your home annually, and the tax rate is expressed as a rate per $100 of assessed value.

For instance, if your property is valued at $500,000, and your locality has a tax rate of $1.14 per $100, you would owe $5,700 in property taxes for the year.

Each jurisdiction in Northern Virginia sets its own rate, and changes are typically made during the annual budget process. If the assessed value of your home increases, your tax bill may rise, even if the tax rate remains the same.

What Is Your Property Tax Fund?

The Vital Community Services Funded by Property Taxes

Property taxes are the backbone of local funding, supporting essential services in your community. In Northern Virginia, much of the tax revenue goes towards:

• Public Schools: This is usually the largest share, with most localities allocating a significant portion of their budget to public education.
  
• Public Safety: Fire, police, and emergency medical services rely heavily on property tax funding.
  
• Transportation: Maintenance of local roads, public transit, and traffic improvements.
  
• Parks and Recreation: Local parks, community centers, and recreational programs.
  
• Libraries and Other Services: Access to libraries, social services, and public health initiatives.
  

Each locality may designate specific portions of property tax revenue to target areas. For instance, the City of Alexandria allocates a portion of its tax revenue for affordable housing, while Fairfax County has additional levies for transportation.

Property Tax Relief Programs in Northern Virginia

Tax Relief for Eligible Homeowners

Several programs are available in Northern Virginia to help homeowners reduce their property tax burden, particularly for military families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Here’s a quick overview:

1. Military Veterans: Virginia offers full property tax exemptions for 100% permanently disabled veterans and their surviving spouses on their primary residence.
   
2. Seniors and People with Disabilities: Many counties, including Fairfax and Arlington, offer tax deferral or reduction programs to assist these groups.
   
3. Active-Duty Military: Some jurisdictions extend property tax relief to active-duty military personnel, providing deferral or exemption options.
   

These programs are designed to provide financial relief to those who need it most while encouraging long-term residency in the area.

A Breakdown of 2025 Property Tax Rates in Northern Virginia

Tax Rates by Locality for 2025

The property tax rates across Northern Virginia vary, depending on where you live. Below is a comparison of the 2025 property tax rates for some key localities:

Locality	2025 Tax Rate (per $100)	2024 Tax Rate (per $100)	Change for 2025
Fairfax County	$1.14	$1.125	+1.5¢
Arlington County	$1.033	$1.033	No Change
City of Alexandria	$1.135	$1.110	+2.5¢
Loudoun County	$0.805	$0.865	-6¢
Prince William County (Gainesville/Haymarket)	$0.920 (+$0.072 Fire Levy)	$0.920 (+$0.072 Fire Levy)	No Change

Key Insights:

• Fairfax County has seen a slight increase of 1.5¢, with the new tax rate at $1.14. This increase is expected to fund improvements to Fairfax County Public Schools and other county services.
  
• Arlington County has kept its tax rate steady at $1.033 per $100, a move that helps keep tax burdens manageable amid rising property assessments.
  
• Loudoun County reduced its tax rate by 6¢, a positive change for homeowners as property values continue to rise in the area.
  

Detailed Information on Local Property Taxes

Fairfax County – 2025 Property Tax Rate

Fairfax County’s tax rate for 2025 is $1.14 per $100 of assessed value. If your home is valued at $500,000, your annual property tax bill will be $5,700, before considering any district-specific taxes (e.g., the Tysons and Reston areas).

• Recent Changes: The rate has increased by 1.5¢ from 2024, reflecting an ongoing investment in public education and services.
  
• What It Funds: The majority of Fairfax County property taxes fund public schools. Other key areas include public safety, libraries, parks, and infrastructure.
  

Arlington County – 2025 Property Tax Rate

Arlington County’s tax rate remains at $1.033 per $100 of assessed value, a move that will help to keep costs steady for residents despite rising property assessments.

• Recent Changes: No change in 2025, but residential assessments rose by about 3.7%.
  
• What It Funds: A significant portion of property tax revenue supports Arlington Public Schools, while the remainder is allocated to public safety, transportation, and community services.
  

City of Alexandria – 2025 Property Tax Rate

Alexandria has increased its property tax rate to $1.135 per $100 in 2025, marking a 2.5¢ increase to fund various city priorities.

• Recent Changes: The city is addressing a funding gap for schools, affordable housing, and capital improvements.
  
• What It Funds: The majority of Alexandria’s tax revenue supports public schools, followed by police, fire services, transportation, and economic development.
  

Loudoun County – 2025 Property Tax Rate

Loudoun County has reduced its tax rate by 6¢ to $0.805 per $100, reflecting the county’s rapidly growing property values.

• Recent Changes: The tax cut follows a significant increase in the county’s tax base, primarily due to growth in commercial properties like data centers.
  
• What It Funds: Property taxes in Loudoun fund local schools, law enforcement, transportation projects (including Metro’s Silver Line), and infrastructure development.
  

FAQs: Northern Virginia Property Taxes

1. How are property taxes calculated in Northern Virginia?

Property taxes are calculated by multiplying your home’s assessed value by the tax rate for your locality. For example, if your home is valued at $500,000 and the tax rate is $1.14 per $100, your tax bill would be $5,700.

2. What do property taxes fund in Northern Virginia?

Property taxes fund local services such as public schools, police and fire departments, transportation infrastructure, parks, and libraries. A significant portion goes to public schools in each locality.

3. Are there any property tax relief programs in Northern Virginia?

Yes, many counties and cities offer property tax relief for seniors, people with disabilities, and military veterans. Some areas also offer tax deferral programs for those in need.

4. How often are property tax rates changed in Northern Virginia?

Property tax rates are typically reviewed and adjusted annually as part of the locality’s budget process. These changes depend on the financial needs of the community and other economic factors.

5. How do I find out my property’s assessed value?

You can find your property’s assessed value on the county or city’s property tax website. Each locality in Northern Virginia conducts property assessments annually.

Conclusion: Navigating Property Taxes in Northern Virginia

Property taxes are a vital part of community funding in Northern Virginia, supporting essential services and ensuring the continued growth and development of the area. By understanding how your property tax is calculated, what it funds, and the local programs available for relief, you can make more informed decisions as a homeowner or prospective buyer in the region.

Need Help Navigating the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market? If you have questions about how property taxes affect your real estate investment or need guidance on buying or selling in the area, contact  Elizabeth Ann Kline at 703-829-5478 for expert advice and assistance.