Frequently Asked Questions

A convenience fee is required by the vendor for credit and debit card use, the fee is passed on to the end user. If the County were to pay this fee it would essentially lower your tax rate. To avoid paying a fee, other payment options are available - check, cash, money order. You can always pay through your bank’s bill pay for electronic payments. 

Vehicles are assessed based on the JD Power value. If you believe your assessment is in error due to the condition of the vehicle, please contact the office.

Real estate assessments are based on the typical selling price of comparable properties and reflect the actions of buyers and sellers in the local market. The Assessor’s Office is responsible for reviewing market transactions and using the data to assess each property accordingly. Each year staff analyzes real estate transfers, of which the majority are residential properties. Additionally, transactions for previous years are examined. Sales information is gathered from recorded deeds, buyers, sellers, real estate professionals, and the selling prices are compared to the assessed values to determine an assessment/sales ratio. Three valuation approaches, i.e., sales comparison, cost, or income are considered. Typically, the sales comparison approach is chosen for residential properties. Comparable sales information is used as a basis for the assessment of individual properties after the transactions are carefully analyzed to consider differences in size, quality, condition, location, and other amenities. 

Due to the limited number of local commercial property transactions, regional and national information must be collected for analysis. In addition to replacement cost data and market data, commercial properties are selected for reassessment based on potential rental income, occupancy levels, and investor demand.

Regarding parcel splits/merges and new construction

Land is assessed at the acreage amount as of January 1st per state code §58.1-3201. Any changes after January 1st, will be reflected in the following year's assessment. New construction is prorated based on fit for use or certificate of occupancy determined by Building Inspection or Assessor’s Office.

The assessment ratio is set by state code  §58.1-3290 and §58.1-3281, must be assessed at 100% fair market value. 

Assessment notices are mailed out the business day closest to January 15th. 

You can also view your assessment online through the Parcel Viewer. Assessment information is updated on the Parcel Viewer by January 15th. 

Appeals must be made by February 15th. Appeals can be made by contacting the office via phone 804-556-5853 no later than 5:00pm on February 15th or via mail post marked by February 15th. 

As part of your informal appeal request, staff will come out to review the property. Once their review is complete, a results letter will be sent to the property owner. If not satisfied, the applicant has 30 days from the results letter date to request an appeal to the Board of Equalization. 

New features such as new roof, new floors, pool, attached garage, generator, anything that changes the condition of the property with or without a building permit. 

In 2024, the County executed an early prepayment of $18 million of bonds to move toward its goal of retiring TCSD's debt in advance of its final maturity in 2042. 

The revalidation period is open September 1 - November 1, or until December 5^th with a $25 late fee. t. If this form is not received in the Assessor’s Office by December 5^th, the parcel will be removed from the program and will cause the property to be taxed at its fair market value for the following tax year and subsequent tax years.  The owner of such property may submit a new application for the following year. First time applicants or new property owners must apply by November 1^st and pay a $25 Application fee.

Forestry (20 acres excluding 1 acre home site), Agriculture (5 ac in production excluding home site), Horticulture (5 ac in production excluding home site). 

Due March 1st. The year of the vehicle dictates the mileage requirement. This must be updated annually until the vehicle is 20 years old. Proof must be received January 1st of the year through the filing deadline. List of proof and sliding scale is available on the website. The discount received for high mileage is also on a sliding scale. You can also apply for this within 30 days of purchasing a vehicle or moving into the county. 

March 1st. You must be 65 or older prior to January 1st and meet income and asset requirements.  This program must be applied for every three years, with recertification every year. To qualify, you must be on 100% disability with income and asset requirements. This only applies to real estate - will not apply to any ad valorem taxes. 

There is no deadlines for Veterans, however you must have a 100% service-related disability. This only applies to real estate - will not apply to any ad valorem taxes. 

March 1st. Must show proof that the vehicle is equipped for a physically handicapped individual. Just because you have a handicapped placard does not mean you will qualify for this program. 

Business License is due March 1^st, or within 30 days of opening. Business equipment forms which are due May 1st. 

Notify DMV within 30 days. Reminder: A bill of sale should be notarized. Until the person who purchased the vehicle registers it with DMV, it will still be under your name.

Notify DMV within 30 days that the vehicle is gone. If DMV is not notified it WILL stay on your tax records until the salvage is recorded by DMV. 

Notify DMV within 30 days of your move. It is recommended to surrender your plates to the DMV office to be removed from the Virginia tax rolls. 

You should notify DMV for any of the following:

• Move to another jurisdiction or state
• When you sell your vehicle
• When you buy a new vehicle
• When you scrap a vehicle

You can do this via the online portal, via the main DMV phone at 804-497-7100, the local office Goochland DMV office at 804-657-2018, or by visiting an office in person.

You will still be taxed even if you don't renew your business license.  Until the Commissioner of Revenue’s office is notified, you will receive a statutory assessment for amount of taxes owed. To close out your business, you must notify Commissioner of Revenue’s office with last operating year's gross receipts. They can be notified via email, phone, or in person. 

Lifetime Dog License is $10 and can be purchased at any time. Dogs must be 4 months old. Must have valid rabies certificate.