Every property in Virginia is assessed at 100% of fair market value by the local Commissioner of the Revenue or assessor. Tax rates are set per $100 of assessed value. Virginia independent cities set their own rates and fund all services directly, while towns within counties pay both town and county levies.

Property owners can appeal their assessment informally with the Commissioner of the Revenue, then formally through the local Board of Equalization. Evidence such as comparable sales, an independent appraisal, or documentation of property defects supports your case.

Filing with the Board of Equalization is free. If you disagree with the Board's decision, you can appeal to the circuit court within 30 days. Many localities also accept informal reviews before the formal appeal deadline.

Virginia offers several property tax relief programs: an elderly and disabled exemption (varies by locality, typically for age 65+ with income limits), a disabled veterans exemption (100% for veterans with a total and permanent service-connected disability), and a land use assessment program that taxes qualifying agricultural, horticultural, forest, and open-space land at its use value rather than market value.