Property Assessors Offices - Virginia

Know the ins and outs of Virginia property assessment There is no state-level VA property assessment; it's actually done at the local level. Your investment properties are taxed at 100% full market value. It pays to know how these assessments are valued, so you can determine if the figure placed on your property is fair.

I recommend:  Bankrate.com is a tool that educates you on property tax assessments in Virginia. Fairfax County's website explains the annual assessment program.

Use online tools to search Virginia property assessment Searching online records is a relatively easy way to check out VA property tax records. There are several options because Virginia property assessment information is public record. There are free and subscription-based databases.

I recommend:  Searchsystems.net uses the DirectPass online database to link you to information from property assessors in Virginia. It costs about $5 per month and is categorized by county. Some cities and counties such as the City of Portsmouth, Virginia and Arlington, Virginia Real Estate Investments post their real estate records online. Search by name or address to get the assessment information. Subscribe to LoopNet for free to search Virginia property records.

Determine potential taxes based on a similar record from the VA property assessor If you're planning to invest in a multi-unit building and there's one next door that's similar, it's safe to assume that property assessors in Virginia will assess your property at an amount close to what your neighbors pay. Unless there are vast discrepancies in the condition, age or size of the building or lot, Virginia assessors must keep it in line with neighboring properties.

I recommend:  Take some time to look through the records of Virginia property assessors, such as the annual report from the Loudon County assessor. Hanover Countty Geographic Information Access System and Chesterfield Connections post their geographic information online, too.