More than 354,000 updated 2019 real estate assessments are available online and are being mailed to all property owners. Based on equalization changes (market driven value increases or declines for your home), countywide residential real estate assessments are up an average of 2.36 percent, with the average assessment for all homes at $562,601. In 2018, the countywide average home assessment was $549,630.

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75.6 Percent of Home Values Are Up

Approximately 75.6 percent of residential property in the county increased in value over the past year due to equalization, with an average increase of 2.36 percent.

Nonresidential real estate values (commercial, industrial and rental apartments) increased 2.71 percent on average due to equalization.

Of the 354,695 taxable parcels in Fairfax County:

294,520 have an assessment change

60,175 have no assessment change

The breakdown of average home property assessments (averages are not necessarily indicative of individual properties or neighborhoods):

Countywide average for all homes – $562,601, up 2.36%

Single family -detached homes – $673,407, up 2.17 percent

– $673,407, up 2.17 percent Townhouse /duplex properties – $422,490, up 3.12 percent

– $422,490, up 3.12 percent Condominiums – $272,914, up 2.98 percent

Why Your Assessment May Have Changed

There are several factors that affect real estate assessments:

Sales in the neighborhood.

Economic factors such as average number of days homes have been for sale and sales volume.

Improvements to the property (remodeling, additions).

New construction and rezonings.

Property characteristics (such as size, age, condition and amenities).

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Assessments Are Not a Bill

The real estate assessment notice is not a bill . Most homeowners pay real estate tax as part of a monthly mortgage payment. Your mortgage company then sends the taxes directly to the County. However, some homeowners pay their real estate taxes directly (due July 28 and Dec. 5). Contact your mortgage company if you are not sure how your taxes are paid. Here’s a sample assessment you’ll receive in the mail:

The Tax Levy Is An Estimate

The 2019 estimated tax levy shown on your assessment is just that – an estimate . As required by state law, the estimated tax for 2019 is based on the 2019 assessment and the County’s 2018 tax rates. This is an estimate because the Board of Supervisors has not yet adopted tax rates for 2019, but will do so as part of the budget process . The “levy,” or tax, is a combination of your current assessment and the current adopted tax rates.

Important note for participants in our tax relief program for seniors and people with disabilities . The 2019 tax estimate shown on your notice does not reflect your 2019 tax relief benefit. The filing deadline for your tax relief application is April 1. You will be notified about your tax relief status by June 30.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe that your real estate is incorrectly assessed, you can file an appeal. Appeals should be based on either fair market value, lack of uniformity or errors in property description. Simply saying that the value has increased too much in a single year is not a legal basis for an appeal. Before filing an appeal, we encourage you to call and talk to Tax Administration staff at 703-222-8234 (TTY 711) or send an inquiry by email.

If you still wish to file an appeal, property owners may begin with an administrative appeal. Property owners are encouraged to file this appeal as early as possible. All administrative appeal applications must be postmarked by May 1 or filed online by midnight (EST) of May 1. No administrative appeals will be accepted after this date. Both non-residential and residential property appeals may be submitted in writing to the Real Estate Division, but only residential assessment appeals can be initiated online. You can download appeal applications online or call the DTA office to obtain a copy.

Real Estate appeals can also be filed with the Board of Equalization (BOE). The BOE conducts formal hearings and considers sworn testimony. BOE appeal forms are available online or by calling the BOE office at 703-324-4891 (TTY 711). By law, all appeals to the BOE must be filed and postmarked by June 3, 2019 for this year.

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