Confused by your Fairfax City real estate tax bill or worried a supplemental bill might arrive after a renovation or purchase? You are not alone. Property taxes touch your budget, your closing costs, and your long-term plans. In this guide, you will learn who sets the rates, how your bill is calculated, where to verify your assessed value, and what to do about supplemental bills after improvements. Let’s dive in.
How Fairfax City taxes work
Two City offices handle most of what you need to know. The Commissioner of the Revenue establishes assessed values, answers assessment questions, and manages tax relief applications. The Treasurer’s Office issues bills, takes payments, and maintains your account history. You can find each office’s role and contact pages on the City site for the Commissioner of the Revenue and the Treasurer’s Office.
City Council adopts the real estate tax rate as part of the budget process. Because rates and due dates can change, always verify the current rate on the City’s official pages or adopted budget posted through the City of Fairfax home page.
Calculate your bill
The basic formula is straightforward:
- Annual real estate tax = (Assessed value ÷ 100) × tax rate per $100
Example for illustration only: If your home is assessed at $500,000 and the rate were $1.20 per $100, the annual tax would be (500,000 ÷ 100) × 1.20 = $6,000. This is just an example. Confirm the current rate before you calculate your actual bill.
Find your assessed value and rate
Your assessed value comes from the Commissioner’s office. To verify:
- Use the City’s property search, GIS, or assessment pages linked from the City of Fairfax home page or the Commissioner of the Revenue.
- Review the property card for valuation details and recent assessment changes.
- If something looks off, call the Commissioner’s office for a review and next steps.
To confirm the current tax rate and due dates, check the Treasurer’s page for billing cycles and payment options on the Treasurer’s Office.
Billing schedule and payments
Virginia localities commonly bill on a semiannual or annual schedule. Fairfax City publishes due dates with each budget cycle. To avoid late fees:
- Verify the current billing cycle and due dates on the Treasurer’s Office.
- Set up reminders or online payments per the Treasurer’s instructions.
- Keep your mailing address and owner-of-record data current so bills reach you.
Tax relief programs
Many Virginia localities offer tax relief for eligible homeowners, including elderly or disabled homeowners and disabled veterans. Fairfax City administers applications and eligibility through the Commissioner’s office. Review program details, forms, and deadlines with the Commissioner of the Revenue. For broader state context, you can also consult the Virginia Department of Taxation.
Renovations and supplemental bills
When you complete improvements that increase your property’s value after the regular assessment date, the City may issue a supplemental assessment. This reflects the increase in value for the portion of the tax year after completion.
Here is the typical sequence:
- You file a building permit, work is inspected, and completion is recorded.
- The Commissioner updates your assessed value to include the improvement.
- The Treasurer issues a supplemental bill that taxes only the increase in value for the remaining part of the year.
- The bill is sent to the owner of record when the supplement is issued. Any prorations between buyer and seller are handled by the parties at closing.
Illustrative example: Suppose your home was assessed at $500,000. On August 1, you complete a renovation that adds $50,000 in value, bringing your assessed value to $550,000. If the tax rate were $1.20 per $100, the annual tax on that $50,000 increase would be $600. A supplemental bill would cover only the portion of the year after August 1. The City’s actual proration method rules apply, so confirm details with the Treasurer.
To track permits that might trigger a supplement, use the Building or Community Development resources linked from the City of Fairfax home page.
If you bought recently
It is common for supplemental bills to arrive after closing if improvements were completed near the time of sale. The City bills the owner of record when the supplement is issued, while the buyer and seller settle prorations in their closing documents.
What to do:
- Review your closing statement to see how taxes were prorated.
- If you receive a supplemental bill tied to pre-closing work, contact your title company for guidance on prorations.
- Confirm the outstanding balance and payment options with the Treasurer’s Office.
How to appeal an assessment
If you believe your assessed value or a supplemental assessment is incorrect, start with the Commissioner’s office. Ask for an explanation of the valuation and the effective dates. If you still disagree, follow the City’s published appeal procedures, which may include a local Board of Equalization.
Important reminders:
- Deadlines are strict. Confirm current timelines and steps with the Commissioner of the Revenue.
- For statutory background on assessments and appeals, consult the Virginia Code through the legislative information system.
Buyer checklist at or before closing
- Ask the seller for the most recent real estate tax bill and confirm if taxes are current.
- Make sure your settlement statement clearly shows tax prorations.
- After recording, confirm you appear as the owner of record in the City’s assessment system via the Commissioner of the Revenue or the property search linked from the City home page.
- Check for recent or open building permits that could lead to a supplemental bill.
Owner checklist after renovations
- Keep copies of permits, final inspections, and contractor invoices.
- Monitor your property record for changes to assessed value.
- If you receive a supplemental bill, confirm the improvement completion date, the assessed increase, and the billed period with the Commissioner and Treasurer.
- If you disagree with the change, request a review and follow the published appeal process.
Work with a local guide
Clear steps and early verification help you avoid surprises. Whether you are buying, selling, or renovating, staying in sync with the Commissioner and Treasurer saves time and stress. If you want a second set of eyes on your closing documents, assessment history, or permit trail, reach out. We can help you gather the right records and connect with the right City office.
Ready to navigate your Fairfax City taxes with confidence? Let’s connect to review your situation and plan next steps. Unknown Company
FAQs
Who sets Fairfax City’s real estate tax rate?
- City Council adopts the tax rate during the budget process. Verify the current rate on the City of Fairfax home page or the Treasurer’s Office.
Where can I find my current assessed value?
- Use the assessment search or GIS linked from the Commissioner of the Revenue or the City home page.
How are supplemental bills calculated after renovations?
- The City taxes only the increase in value from your improvement and prorates it for the part of the tax year after completion.
If I just bought a home, who pays a supplemental bill?
- The City bills the owner of record when the supplement is issued, while buyer and seller typically settle prorations in the closing documents.
How do I appeal if I disagree with my assessment?
- Contact the Commissioner of the Revenue for a review and follow the City’s formal appeal steps within the stated deadlines.
Where can I confirm due dates and payment options?
- Check the Treasurer’s Office for current due dates, billing cycles, and online payment instructions.
