Fairfax County property taxes are due in two installments each year: December 5 and June 5

Fairfax County splits the property tax bill into two equal payments. The first installment is due by December 5, and the second is due by June 5. If either date falls on a weekend or holiday, the important date moves to the next business day. These dates explore whether you own a house, condo, or commercial property in the county.

The county sends tax bills in the mail about 30 days before each important date. If you do not receive a bill, you are still responsible for paying on time. Late payments trigger a penalty of 10 percent of the unpaid amount, plus interest that accrues monthly.

Key Takeaways

  • Property taxes in Fairfax County are due twice a year: December 5 and June 5, with a 10 percent penalty for late payment.
  • You can pay online through the Fairfax County website, by mail, in person at the Tax Assessor's office, or by phone with a credit card.
  • Tax bills arrive about 30 days before the important date, but you remain responsible for paying even if you do not receive the bill in the mail.
  • If you own property jointly or have a mortgage, your lender may pay taxes from an escrow account, so check your loan documents to confirm who pays.
  • Homeowners over 65 or with disabilities may be may be able to access for tax relief programs that reduce the amount owed each year.

How to pay your Fairfax County property taxes

The fastest way to pay is online through the Fairfax County Tax Assessor's website. You can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic payments that deduct the full amount on or before each important date. Online payments process when ready, and you receive a confirmation number right away.

If you prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check to the Fairfax County Tax Assessor's office. Mail your payment at least one week before the important date to may support it arrives on time. You can also pay in person at the Tax Assessor's office during business hours, or call to pay by phone using a credit or debit card. Phone payments incur a small processing fee.

Do not send cash through the mail. If you pay by check or money order, write your property account number on the front. The county accepts payments up until midnight on the important date date.

What happens if you miss the important date

A 10 percent penalty applies to any payment received after the important date. This penalty is calculated on the unpaid amount, not the total bill. For example, if your installment is $1,000 and you pay it 10 days late, you owe an additional $100.

Interest also begins to accrue on the unpaid balance the day after the important date. The interest rate is set by state law and changes each year. If the bill remains unpaid for an extended period, the county may place a lien on your property or begin foreclosure proceedings, though this typically happens only after several months of non-payment and written notices.

If you are facing hardship and cannot pay by the important date, contact the Tax Assessor's office before the due date. The office cannot waive penalties or interest, but staff can discuss payment plans or direct you to relief programs you may be may be able to access for.

If your mortgage lender pays your taxes

Many homeowners with mortgages have their property taxes paid automatically from an escrow account held by the lender. In this case, your lender sends the payment to Fairfax County on your behalf, and you do not need to pay directly. Check your mortgage documents or contact your lender to confirm whether taxes are paid from escrow.

If your lender pays your taxes, you will still receive a tax bill from Fairfax County, but it is for informational purposes only. Do not pay it yourself, as this would result in a duplicate payment. If you are unsure whether your lender is paying, call the Tax Assessor's office with your property account number and they can tell you who the payment is coming from.

Tax relief programs for homeowners

Fairfax County offers tax relief for homeowners who meet certain conditions. The Homestead Property Tax Exemption reduces the assessed value of your primary residence if you are 65 or older, disabled, or a surviving spouse of someone who was may be able to access. The exemption amount varies by year but typically reduces your tax bill by several hundred dollars annually.

The Deferral Program allows homeowners 65 and older to postpone paying property taxes while remaining in their home. Taxes accumulate as a lien on the property and are paid when the home is sold or transferred. You must meet income limits to may have access to for deferral.

To learn about these programs, contact the Fairfax County Tax Assessor's office or visit their website. You must file for relief before the tax year begins, so applications are typically due in the fall for the following year.

Finding your property account number and tax bill information

Your property account number appears on your tax bill and is the fastest way to identify your property when paying or calling the Tax Assessor's office. If you have lost your bill, you can find your account number on the Fairfax County website by searching your address. The Tax Assessor's office also maintains a searchable database of all properties in the county.

You can view your current bill balance, payment history, and upcoming important date online. This is useful if you want to confirm that a payment has been received or if you are planning ahead for the next installment. The website also shows the assessed value of your property and any exemptions you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I pay one day late?

A 10 percent penalty applies to any payment received after the important date, even by one day. Interest also begins to accrue. There is no grace period. If you are running late, pay online or by phone before midnight on the important date date to avoid the penalty.

Can I set up a payment plan if I cannot pay the full amount?

The Tax Assessor's office does not offer formal payment plans, but you should contact them before the important date to discuss your situation. They may be able to direct you to county information programs or explain your options. Waiting until after the important date will result in penalties and interest.

Do I owe property taxes if I am renting out my home?

Yes. The property owner is responsible for paying property taxes, regardless of whether the property is rented. If you have a mortgage on a rental property, your lender may still pay from escrow, so check your loan documents.

What if my address changed and I did not receive the tax bill?

You remain responsible for paying even if you do not receive the bill. Update your address with the Tax Assessor's office as soon as possible. You can find your bill online using your property address or account number, and you can set up automatic payments to avoid missing future important date.

Are there penalties for paying early?

No. You can pay your property taxes at any time before or on the important date without penalty. Some homeowners pay early to avoid the risk of missing the important date or to manage their cash flow.