Fairfax County property tax bills are due twice a year, with payments split between December and June

Fairfax County splits property tax into two installments. The first half is due by December 5, and the second half is due by June 5. If you pay after those dates, you will owe a penalty and interest. The county sends tax bills in September for the December payment and in March for the June payment, so you should receive notice before each due date.

The exact amount you owe depends on your property's assessed value and the tax rate set by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors each year. If you own your home outright, you receive the bill directly. If you have a mortgage, your lender may pay the tax from an escrow account, in which case you will not see a separate bill—the payment comes from money you send to your lender each month.

Key Takeaways

  • Property tax in Fairfax County is due twice yearly: December 5 for the first half and June 5 for the second half.
  • Bills arrive in September (for December payment) and March (for June payment), giving you time to plan before the important date.
  • Payments made after the due date incur a penalty and interest, which compounds monthly.
  • You can pay online through the Fairfax County website, by mail, in person, or through your mortgage lender's escrow account.
  • If you miss a payment, the county can place a lien on your property, so contacting them when ready if you fall behind is important.

How to pay your Fairfax County property tax

The Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration accepts payments through several methods. You can pay online at the county's tax payment portal using a debit or credit card, though a processing fee applies. You can also mail a check to the Department of Tax Administration, pay in person at their office in Fairfax City, or arrange payment through your mortgage lender if your loan includes an escrow account.

When you pay online or by mail, include your tax bill number or parcel number so the county applies the payment to the correct property. If you are unsure of your parcel number, you can find it on your tax bill or search the Fairfax County property records online. Paying early—well before the December 5 or June 5 important date—protects you if mail is delayed or if there are processing issues.

What happens if you miss the important date

A penalty of 10 percent of the unpaid tax is added if you pay after the due date. Interest also accrues at a rate set by Virginia state law, currently 10 percent per year, calculated monthly. This means the longer you wait, the more you owe beyond the original tax bill.

If your tax remains unpaid for a full year, the county can file a lien against your property. A lien gives the county a legal claim on your home and can affect your ability to sell, refinance, or borrow against the property. If the tax goes unpaid for several years, the county may eventually sell your property at a tax sale to recover what you owe. If you cannot pay by the due date, contact the Department of Tax Administration when ready to discuss payment options or a payment plan.

Deferral and exemption programs

Fairfax County offers a property tax deferral program for homeowners age 65 or older, totally disabled homeowners, and surviving spouses of military members who died in service. This program allows you to defer paying property tax while you live in the home; the tax becomes due when you sell the property or pass away. You must meet income limits and own the home outright or have very little mortgage debt remaining.

The county also offers homestead exemptions that reduce the assessed value of your primary residence, lowering your tax bill. You must file for the exemption, and may be able to access depends on your age, disability status, or military service. Applications are processed by the county assessor's office. If you think you may may have access to for either program, contact the Department of Tax Administration or the Assessor's Office to request an process and learn the current income and property requirements.

Understanding your tax bill

Your Fairfax County property tax bill shows the assessed value of your property, the tax rate, and the amount due. The assessed value is not the same as the market value or the price you paid for the home. The county assessor reviews property values every four years and updates them based on recent sales of similar homes in your area. If you believe your assessed value is too high, you can file an appeal with the Board of Equalization, usually within a set window after your bill arrives.

The tax rate itself is set by the Board of Supervisors and can change from year to year based on the county budget. Your bill will show both the rate and how it was applied to your assessed value. If you have questions about how your specific bill was calculated, the Department of Tax Administration can explain the breakdown.

Setting up automatic payments

If you want to avoid missing a important date, you can set up automatic payments through your mortgage lender's escrow account if you have a loan. Your lender will pay the tax directly from the escrow funds you contribute each month. This removes the burden of remembering the important date, though you should still review your annual mortgage statement to confirm the tax was paid.

If you do not have a mortgage or prefer to manage payments yourself, some banks and bill-pay services allow you to schedule automatic payments to the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration. Set the payment to arrive a few days before the December 5 or June 5 important date to account for processing time. Even with automatic payments, review your tax bill when it arrives to catch any errors or changes in the amount due.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I pay my property tax through my mortgage lender?

Your lender collects tax money through your escrow account and pays the county on your behalf. You do not need to pay separately, but you should verify on your annual mortgage statement that the payment was made. If your lender fails to pay, you remain responsible, so contact your lender when ready if you suspect a problem.

Can I pay my property tax in one lump sum instead of two installments?

Fairfax County requires the two-installment schedule. However, you can pay both installments early if you wish. Some homeowners pay the full year's tax in December to simplify their finances, though you should confirm with the county that early payment of the second installment is accepted.

What is the penalty for paying late?

A 10 percent penalty is added to any unpaid tax after the due date, plus interest at 10 percent per year calculated monthly. The longer the tax remains unpaid, the more interest accumulates. Contacting the county when ready if you cannot pay by the important date may help you avoid the full penalty.

How do I find my parcel number if I lost my tax bill?

Search the Fairfax County property records online using your address, or call the Department of Tax Administration. Your parcel number is also listed on your deed and any mortgage documents. Having this number ready when you pay ensures the payment is credited to the correct property.

Can I appeal my property tax assessment?

Yes. If you believe your assessed value is incorrect, you can file an appeal with the Board of Equalization. The important date to appeal is usually 30 days after your bill is mailed. Contact the Assessor's Office for the current appeal important date and instructions on how to file.