You’re in the home stretch; Get ready for Round 2!
You just paid off your mortgage. Congratulations.
You still owe $6,000 in property taxes this year. And next year. Forever.
But here’s something most Virginia homeowners don’t know: You can legally reduce that bill by $1,000+ per year.
It’s called the Homestead Exemption, and most people either don’t know about it or miss the deadline.
What Is The Homestead Exemption?
Virginia offers property tax relief for:
- Elderly homeowners (65+)
- Disabled homeowners
- Surviving spouses of eligible individuals
The exemption reduces your assessed home value for tax purposes, which means you pay less in property taxes.
How Much Can You Save?
Typical savings: $500-$1,500 per year
Some counties offer even more for low-income seniors.
Example: If your home is assessed at $300,000 and your county exempts $100,000, you only pay taxes on $200,000.
At a 1% tax rate: $1,000 saved per year. Every year.
Who Qualifies? (Virginia)
Age-Based Exemption:
- 65+ years old as of December 31st
- Own and occupy the home as your primary residence
- Meet income requirements (varies by county)
Disability-Based Exemption:
- Permanently and totally disabled
- Certified by a physician or receiving Social Security disability
- Own and occupy the home as your primary residence
- Meet income requirements (varies by county)
Income limits vary by county – most counties have thresholds around $50,000-$75,000 annual income. Check your specific county’s requirements.
How To Apply
Step 1: Check Your County’s Specific Requirements
Visit your county Commissioner of Revenue or Tax Assessor website. Requirements and exemption amounts vary significantly by county.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
- Proof of age (driver’s license, birth certificate)
- Social Security card
- Most recent federal tax return (to verify income)
- Proof of disability (if applying under disability provision)
- Deed or settlement statement (proving you own the home)
Step 3: Complete The Application
Most counties have forms available online. Some require in-person application. The application is typically 2-3 pages.
Step 4: Submit By The Deadline
CRITICAL: Most Virginia counties require application by May 1st for the current tax year.
Some counties have earlier deadlines (February-March).
Missing the deadline means waiting another full year.
Step 5: Reapply If Required
Some counties require annual reapplication. Others grant ongoing exemption, but you must report income changes.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Missing the deadline – Set a calendar reminder for March 1st every year
- Not applying when you first qualify – You can’t get retroactive exemptions
- Assuming you don’t qualify – Income limits are higher than most people think
- Not reporting income changes – You could lose the exemption and owe back taxes
- Only applying for county taxes – Some cities have separate exemptions you need to apply for
Major Virginia Counties – Specific Details
Fairfax County
Exemption: Up to $10,000 for elderly/disabled
Additional: Extra exemption for low-income seniors
Website: fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/relief
Henrico County
Exemption: First $15,000 of assessed value (65+)
Income Limit: $52,000
Website: henrico.us/revenue
Virginia Beach
Exemption: First $10,500 of assessed value
Income Limits: Vary by program
Website: vbgov.com/revenue
Loudoun County
Exemption: Up to $10,000 for elderly/disabled
Income Limit: $72,000
Website: loudoun.gov/treasurer
Prince William County
Exemption: First $10,000 of assessed value
Income Limit: $52,000
Website: pwcgov.org/revenue
Chesterfield County
Exemption: Up to $15,000 for elderly/disabled
Income Limit: Varies by program
Website: chesterfield.gov/revenue
Arlington County
Exemption: Graduated based on income
Income Limit: Up to $100,000 (reduced benefit)
Website: arlingtonva.us/revenue
Albemarle County
Exemption: Up to $10,000
Income Limit: $52,000
Website: albemarle.org/revenue
Not listed here? Search “[Your County Name] Virginia homestead exemption” or visit your county’s Commissioner of Revenue website.
What If You Don’t Qualify?
If you’re under 65, not disabled, or over the income limit, you’re stuck paying full freight.
This is exactly why I advocate for eliminating property taxes on primary residences entirely.
You shouldn’t need to be elderly, disabled, or low-income to avoid losing your home to taxes. Property taxes are modern serfdom – you never truly own your home when the government can seize it for non-payment.
But until we achieve that reform, at least take advantage of the relief programs that exist.
Your Action Plan
- Visit your county’s Commissioner of Revenue website TODAY
- Download the homestead exemption application
- Gather your required documents
- Apply before the May 1st deadline (or earlier if your county requires it)
- Set a calendar reminder for next year’s application if annual renewal is required
Set that reminder NOW. Missing the deadline by even one day means you lose an entire year of savings. That’s $1,000+ you’ll never get back.
Need Help With Your Virginia Mortgage?
I’m Albert Sestak, Senior Loan Officer at 1st Call Mortgage (NMLS #152375).
I help Virginia homeowners navigate the financial realities of homeownership – including the property tax burden that never ends.
Whether you’re buying, refinancing, or just have questions about your mortgage strategy, I’m here to help.
Contact:
Website: 1stcallmortgage.com
Blog: blog.1stcallmortgage.com
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about Virginia’s Homestead Exemption programs. Specific requirements, exemption amounts, and deadlines vary by county. Always verify current requirements with your local Commissioner of Revenue or Tax Assessor’s office. This is not legal or tax advice.
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