Virginia Beach property taxes are calculated by multiplying your home's assessed value by the tax rate, which is $0.97 per $100 for FY27. A home assessed at $383,600, the city's FY27 median, owes about $3,721 a year. Taxes are due in two halves, December 5 and June 5. Seniors and disabled veterans may qualify for relief.
Key facts
- FY27 general real estate rate: $0.97 per $100 of assessed value.
- Special district rates include: Sandbridge special service district $0.98, Central Business District South (Town Center) $1.42 and Pembroke Square $1.44.
- Due dates: December 5 and June 5.
- FY27 assessments: The city's total real estate value rose about 6% to $92.3 billion, and the median residential appreciation was 5.23%, according to the Assessor's annual report.
- Personal property tax on vehicles: $4.00 per $100, due June 5.
- Compared with neighbors: FY27 rates were $1.01 in Chesapeake and $1.23 in Norfolk, per the City of Chesapeake's comparison.
How do I calculate my Virginia Beach property tax?
Here's the formula:
Assessed value ÷ 100 × tax rate = annual tax
| Assessed value | Rate | Annual tax | Each half |
|---|---|---|---|
| $300,000 | $0.97 | $2,910 | $1,455 |
| $383,600 (FY27 median) | $0.97 | $3,721 | $1,860 |
| $500,000 | $0.97 | $4,850 | $2,425 |
| $500,000 in Sandbridge SSD | $0.98 | $4,900 | $2,450 |
| $400,000 in CBD South SSD | $1.42 | $5,680 | $2,840 |
These examples use FY27 rates. City Council sets the rate each year with the budget, so check the Assessor's tax rate page for current numbers.
How does the city assess my home?
Virginia law requires real estate to be assessed at 100% of fair market value. The Virginia Beach Real Estate Assessor's Office reviews sales and market data each year and sets a new assessed value for every property. Assessments take effect July 1, the start of the fiscal year.
A few things to know:
- Notices go out in late winter. For FY27, notices were mailed February 27, 2026.
- Assessment isn't the same as market value at sale. The assessment is based on a specific date and mass appraisal. A home can sell for more or less.
- Improvements can raise your assessment. Additions and major renovations with permits are picked up.
If you're curious how the assessment compares with what your home could sell for, see what is my Virginia Beach home worth?
What are special service districts?
Some parts of the city pay a higher rate to fund specific services or projects in those areas. For FY27 the Assessor lists:
- Sandbridge SSD: $0.98. The extra helps pay for beach replenishment. See is Sandbridge a good place to buy a home?
- Central Business District South SSD: $1.42. This covers parts of Town Center. See living in Town Center and Pembroke.
- Pembroke Square SSD: $1.44.
The Assessor's page lists all districts. When I show homes, I check whether the property is in one so you know the true cost.
When are taxes due, and how do I pay?
The Virginia Beach Treasurer collects real estate taxes in two installments:
- December 5 for the first half.
- June 5 for the second half.
If you have a mortgage, your lender probably collects taxes monthly in an escrow account and pays the bills. If you own your home outright, you'll pay the Treasurer directly. Late payments add penalties and interest.
At closing, taxes are prorated between the buyer and seller, so each pays for the part of the year they own the home.
What tax relief is available for seniors and people with disabilities?
The Commissioner of the Revenue runs Virginia Beach's real estate tax relief program for homeowners who are:
- Age 65 or older by the program's cutoff date, or permanently and totally disabled.
- Living in the home as their primary residence.
- Within the income and asset limits. For the current program, net worth must be $350,000 or less, not counting the home.
Relief is tiered by income. The current program provides full relief at the lowest income tier, up to $63,212, and partial relief, down to 20%, for higher tiers up to $82,830. There's also a tax freeze option for incomes up to $108,075. Limits change, so confirm the current numbers with the Commissioner of the Revenue before you apply.
According to the city, about 5,300 seniors received a combined $15.4 million in relief in FY26.
What exemption do disabled veterans get?
Under Virginia's Constitution and state law, a veteran with a 100% service-connected, permanent and total disability rating from the VA is exempt from real estate tax on the primary residence. Key points:
- It covers the home and the land it sits on, up to the limits in state law.
- A surviving spouse can continue the exemption if the veteran died on or after January 1, 2011, and the spouse hasn't remarried and still lives in the home.
- You need to apply with documentation from the VA.
The city reported $35.3 million in disabled veteran exemptions in FY26. If you're buying with a VA loan, my VA loan guide covers other benefits.
How do I appeal my assessment?
If you think your assessment is too high:
- Review your notice and the property data on the Assessor's website. Check square footage, bedrooms and other details.
- Gather evidence, such as recent comparable sales, an appraisal or photos of problems.
- Request a review from the Assessor's Office by the deadline. In the FY27 cycle, appeals ran from March through April 30.
- Appeal further to the Board of Equalization if you're not satisfied.
What about vehicles and personal property?
Vehicles are taxed as personal property at $4.00 per $100 of assessed value, billed by the city and due June 5. Virginia's Personal Property Tax Relief Act reduces the bill on the first $20,000 of value for qualifying personal-use vehicles. Active-duty service members may be exempt under federal law if Virginia isn't their legal residence. For a full picture, see my Virginia Beach cost of living guide for 2027 and my earlier post on the cost of living in Virginia Beach.
How do Virginia Beach taxes compare with nearby cities?
From the City of Chesapeake's FY27 comparison of Hampton Roads rates:
| City | Real estate rate per $100 |
|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $0.97 |
| Chesapeake | $1.01 |
| Suffolk | $1.06 |
| Hampton | $1.14 |
| Newport News | $1.18 |
| Norfolk | $1.23 |
| Portsmouth | $1.24 |
Virginia Beach had the lowest rate on the list. For a full comparison with its neighbor, see Virginia Beach vs Chesapeake.
Ready to know the real cost of a home?
Search Virginia Beach homes for sale, and contact me or call or text (757) 919-8874. For every home you like, I'll check the current assessment, any special district rate and the estimated tax so your monthly budget has no surprises.
Barry Jenkins, Legacy Home Team at LPT Realty
Sources
- City of Virginia Beach Real Estate Assessor: Tax Rates
- City of Virginia Beach: Nine Property Trends from the Real Estate Assessor's Annual Report (FY 2027)
- City of Virginia Beach Treasurer: Real Estate Taxes
- City of Virginia Beach Treasurer: Personal Property
- City of Virginia Beach Commissioner of the Revenue: Senior and Disabled Tax Relief
- City of Virginia Beach: Disabled Veterans Exemption
- Code of Virginia § 58.1-3201: Assessment at fair market value
- Code of Virginia § 58.1-3219.5: Exemption for disabled veterans
- City of Chesapeake: FY 2027 Local Tax Comparisons (PDF)
Frequently asked questions
What is the property tax rate in Virginia Beach?
For FY27, the general real estate tax rate is $0.97 per $100 of assessed value. Some special service districts have higher rates, such as Sandbridge at $0.98 and the Central Business District South district at Town Center at $1.42.
When are Virginia Beach real estate taxes due?
Real estate taxes are paid in two installments, due December 5 and June 5. If you have a mortgage with an escrow account, your lender usually pays them for you.
How do I calculate my property tax?
Divide the assessed value by 100 and multiply by the tax rate. For a home assessed at $383,600, the FY27 median, that's 3,836 times $0.97, or about $3,721 a year.
Do disabled veterans pay property tax in Virginia Beach?
Veterans with a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability rating can be exempt from real estate tax on their primary residence under Virginia law. Some surviving spouses also qualify. Apply through the city.
Is there property tax relief for seniors in Virginia Beach?
Yes. Homeowners 65 or older, or permanently disabled, may qualify for relief if they meet income and asset limits. The amount ranges from full relief to partial relief depending on income, and there's also a tax freeze option. Check the Commissioner of the Revenue's current limits.
Can I appeal my Virginia Beach assessment?
Yes. Assessment notices go out in late winter, and you can request a review from the Real Estate Assessor's Office by the deadline, which was April 30 in the FY27 cycle. If you disagree with the result, you can appeal further.
Are cars taxed in Virginia Beach?
Yes. Vehicles are taxed as personal property at $4.00 per $100 of assessed value, due June 5. Virginia's personal property tax relief reduces the tax on the first $20,000 of value for qualifying personal-use vehicles.