Arlington VA property tax is one of the biggest expenses homeowners face in Northern Virginia, and understanding how it works can save you thousands of dollars. Whether you’re a new homeowner, thinking about buying, or just tired of overpaying, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about Arlington County property taxes in 2024—and more importantly, how to keep more money in your pocket.
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How Arlington Calculates Property Tax
Here’s the straightforward formula that determines your Arlington VA property tax bill: your home’s assessed value multiplied by the tax rate. Sounds simple, right? The tricky part is that “assessed value” isn’t always what you think it is.
Arlington County uses a market-value assessment approach, meaning your property is assessed at fair market value—essentially what it would sell for on the open market. The county assessor’s office conducts regular reassessments, typically every few years, to keep valuations current. This is different from some other jurisdictions that use older assessment methods.
Your property tax bill funds essential services: schools (the biggest chunk), public safety, roads, libraries, and parks. About 55-60% of your Arlington property tax payment goes directly to Arlington Public Schools, which is why the county’s education reputation drives both property values and tax rates.
Current Tax Rates for 2024
The Arlington property tax rate for 2024 is approximately $0.85 per $100 of assessed value (or $8.50 per $1,000). However, the effective rate varies based on your property type and local tax policy adjustments.
Here’s what that means in real dollars:
- A $500,000 home pays roughly $4,250 annually
- A $750,000 home pays roughly $6,375 annually
- A $1,000,000 home pays roughly $8,500 annually
These figures are estimates and can shift based on annual reassessments and county budget adjustments. Arlington County typically reviews its tax rate each fiscal year (July 1 – June 30), so rates can change. It’s worth checking the Arlington County official website for the most current rates before making major financial decisions.
The county also applies different rates for commercial and industrial properties, but this guide focuses on residential property taxes since that’s what most homeowners need.
Understanding the Assessment Process
Your Arlington property assessment is handled by the Arlington County Assessor’s Office, which maintains detailed records on every parcel. The assessment process involves several steps:
Initial Assessment: When you purchase property, the assessor records your deed and begins the assessment process. They use comparable sales data, property characteristics (square footage, lot size, age, condition), and market trends to determine fair market value.
Reassessment Cycle: Arlington typically reassesses properties on a 4-5 year cycle, though this can vary. During reassessment years, you’ll receive a notice of assessed value. This is critical—this is your chance to verify the information is accurate.
Data Review: The assessor’s office uses public records, MLS data, building permits, and field inspections to maintain accuracy. If you’ve made major improvements to your home, they may increase your assessment. Conversely, if comparable homes in your neighborhood have decreased in value, your assessment might go down.
Many homeowners don’t realize they can challenge their assessment. If you believe your home is overvalued, you have rights—we’ll cover the appeal process below.
Homestead Exemptions & Credits
Virginia offers homestead property tax exemptions, and Arlington County residents can benefit from state-level programs. However, Arlington’s homestead exemptions are more limited than some neighboring jurisdictions.
Virginia Homestead Property Tax Exemption: Virginia allows a $25,000 exemption on the assessed value of your primary residence. This means if your home is assessed at $500,000, you only pay taxes on $475,000. The exemption saves the average Arlington homeowner roughly $210-220 annually.
To qualify, you must:
- Own and occupy the home as your primary residence
- Have lived there for at least one year (with some exceptions for new purchases)
- Apply through Arlington County
Senior Citizens Tax Relief: If you’re 65 or older, Arlington County offers additional relief programs. The Senior Tax Relief Program can reduce your tax bill significantly if your income falls below certain thresholds. Income limits for 2024 are approximately $50,000-$60,000 depending on household size.
Disabled Persons Exemption: Veterans with service-connected disabilities and permanently and totally disabled persons may qualify for exemptions. These programs vary in benefit amount.
Compare this to Maryland’s homestead tax credit, which offers different benefits to homeowners across the Potomac River.
Tax Relief Programs Available
Beyond homestead exemptions, Arlington County offers several programs to reduce property tax burden:
Deferral Program: If you’re a senior citizen or disabled person with limited income, you can defer property taxes. You won’t pay taxes now, but the debt is recorded as a lien on your property. When you sell or pass the property to heirs, the deferred taxes (plus interest) are due. This program helps cash-strapped homeowners stay in their homes.
Land Use Assessment: If your property qualifies as agricultural, horticultural, or forest land, you may receive preferential assessment. This is rare in Arlington proper but more common in western parts of the county.
Historic Property Credit: Arlington offers tax credits for certified historic properties that undergo approved rehabilitation. If you own a historic home and make qualified improvements, you can claim a credit against your property tax bill.
These programs change annually, so contact the Arlington County Assessor’s Office directly to see what you might qualify for. Many homeowners leave money on the table simply because they don’t know these programs exist.
How to Appeal Your Assessment
If you receive your assessment notice and think the value is too high, you have the right to appeal. This is one of the most underutilized ways to reduce your Arlington property tax burden.
Step 1: Gather Evidence Collect comparable sales data for similar homes in your neighborhood. Use Zillow, Redfin, or MLS listings to find homes that sold recently with similar square footage, age, and condition. Document any issues with your property (roof needing replacement, foundation problems, outdated systems) that might justify a lower value.
Step 2: File Your Appeal Arlington County has a formal appeal process with specific deadlines—typically 30 days from your assessment notice. You must file by the deadline or you lose your right to appeal. File through the Arlington County Assessor’s Office or online through their portal.
Step 3: Present Your Case You can submit written evidence or request an in-person hearing. Many successful appeals happen because homeowners present solid comparable sales data showing their home is overvalued relative to the market.
Step 4: Review the Decision The assessor will review your appeal and issue a decision. If you disagree, you can appeal to the Arlington County Board of Equalization.
Successful appeals can reduce your assessment by 5-15%, which translates to real savings year after year. It’s worth the effort.
Proven Strategies to Save Money
Beyond appeals, here are practical ways to reduce your Arlington VA property tax impact:
1. Apply for All Exemptions You Qualify For Don’t assume you don’t qualify. The $25,000 homestead exemption alone saves money. If you’re a veteran, senior, or disabled, investigate additional programs. One call to the assessor’s office could save you hundreds annually.
2. Keep Your Assessment Data Accurate The assessor’s office relies on property records. If your home’s characteristics are wrong (they think you have 4 bedrooms when you have 3, or they missed that you removed a room), contact them to correct it. Errors sometimes inflate assessments.
3. Document Major Improvements Carefully This sounds counterintuitive, but here’s the thing: minor cosmetic improvements (paint, landscaping) don’t trigger reassessment, but major renovations (new roof, HVAC, kitchen) might. If you’re doing work, consult with the assessor’s office first about what will affect your valuation.
4. Challenge Inflated Assessments Proactively Don’t wait until you’re angry about your bill. Review your assessment every year. If comparable homes sold for less than your assessed value, that’s your appeal case.
5. Consider Tax-Advantaged Selling Strategies If you’re selling, timing matters. Selling in a down market year might mean the next owner gets a lower assessment. While you can’t control market timing, working with a knowledgeable real estate agent who understands Arlington’s assessment cycle helps.
How Arlington Compares to Nearby Counties
Arlington’s property tax rate is competitive but not the lowest in the DC metro area. Here’s how it stacks up:
Arlington vs. Fairfax County: Fairfax County taxes are slightly lower at around $0.81 per $100 of assessed value, but Fairfax homes are often assessed lower overall. The real difference depends on your specific home’s value and location.
Arlington vs. Prince George’s County, MD: Property tax in PG County Maryland runs about $0.92 per $100, making Arlington slightly cheaper. However, Maryland offers different homestead credits, so the net impact varies.
Arlington vs. Washington DC: Washington DC sales tax gets attention, but DC property taxes are actually lower than Arlington at around $0.85 per $100—but DC has no homestead exemptions, so the effective rate is higher.
The bottom line: Arlington’s property tax rate is middle-of-the-road for the region. You’re not overpaying compared to nearby jurisdictions, but you’re not getting a bargain either. What drives Arlington’s costs is the exceptional school system and services, not excessive taxation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Arlington property tax due?
Arlington County property taxes are due in two installments: typically December 5 and March 5. You’ll receive a bill in the mail, and you can also pay online through the county website. Late payments incur penalties, so mark your calendar.
Can I deduct Arlington property taxes on my federal return?
Yes, if you itemize deductions on your federal tax return (Schedule A), you can deduct up to $10,000 in state and local property taxes (the SALT cap). Many Arlington homeowners benefit from this, especially those with higher home values. However, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act capped this deduction, so not all property taxes may be deductible if you have other state/local taxes.
What happens if I don’t pay my property tax?
Arlington County takes unpaid property taxes seriously. After 30 days, penalties accrue. After 60 days, the county can place a lien on your property. Eventually, the county can foreclose and sell your home to recover the debt. Don’t ignore property tax bills—contact the county if you’re having trouble paying.
How often does Arlington reassess properties?
Arlington typically reassesses properties every 4-5 years, though this can vary. You’ll receive notice when your property is up for reassessment. Use that notice as your signal to review your assessment and prepare an appeal if needed.
Do new homeowners get a break on property taxes?
No, Arlington assesses new homeowners at fair market value based on their purchase price. However, you can immediately apply for the $25,000 homestead exemption if it’s your primary residence. Some states phase in assessments for new homeowners, but Virginia doesn’t.
What’s included in my property tax bill?
Your Arlington property tax bill funds: Arlington Public Schools (largest portion), county government operations, public safety (police, fire, rescue), road maintenance, parks and recreation, libraries, and other services. You’re essentially pre-paying for the infrastructure and services you use.
Can I pay my property taxes with a credit card?
Arlington County accepts online payments through their website, and some payment methods may incur processing fees. Check the county’s official payment portal for current options and any associated costs.
Final Thoughts: Take Action on Your Arlington Property Tax
Your Arlington VA property tax bill doesn’t have to be a mystery or a burden you simply accept. By understanding how assessments work, applying for exemptions you qualify for, and appealing inflated valuations, you can meaningfully reduce your tax liability.
The key is taking action: verify your assessment is accurate, file for homestead exemptions, explore relief programs if you qualify, and don’t hesitate to appeal if you believe your home is overvalued. Even a 5-10% reduction in your assessment saves hundreds of dollars annually—money that stays in your pocket instead of going to the county.
Arlington’s property taxes fund excellent schools and services, which is why home values remain strong. But that doesn’t mean you should pay more than you owe. Take control of your property tax situation today.
