🚀 Don't Miss Out! 10 Key Insights On Your New 2025 Assessment
1
Assessments Are Conducted Every Year
In Arlington, real estate assessments are made every year for the full calendar year. Other jurisdictions are conducted on a different time table. Some assess properties every other year or every third year. In Arlington, it is done every year.
There are two components to the assessment: Land and Improvements. Even for a condo, there is a land component. The improvement component is everything that was added to the land, e.g. the house or building.
2
Post online and mailed out mid-January
Assessments are mailed to every property owner in mid-January. They are also posted online at:
https://propertysearch.arlingtonva.us/
3
How are assessments determined?
The county assessor will look at a number of factors when determining the value, including:
- What a typical buyer would pay.
- The value of similar properties.
- The estimated cost to rebuild today with today's labor costs and materials.
The assessor does not visit every property and does not usually make assessments on individual properties. Rather, 'blanket' assessments are made for a building or group of properties.
4
12 month sales cycle
In Arlington, assessments are based on a 12 month sales cycle beginning 16 months before the January 1st assessment date. In a quickly changing market, the assessed value can vary quite a bit from actual market value.
An assessment is not an appraisal either. An appraisal is a written report by a licensed appraiser for a particular property and a specific point in time. Appraisers can even appraise a property for a date in the past. This might be done for tax reasons when computing capital gains.
5
Assessment Notices are not Tax Bills
The treasurer's office handles tax payments. Taxes are calculated by multiplying the assessed value by the tax rate, which is set by the county board every April.
The real estate tax rate for Arlington, Virginia in 2025 is $1.033 per $100 of assessed value. This is the first increase in the real estate tax rate since 2020.
6
Disputing Assessments
If you disagree with the assessed value for your property, contact the county assessor first at 703-228-3920.
If you decide to formally appeal your assessment, you must apply to the Department of Real Estate Assessments by March 3rd. An appeal can be filed online at
https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Topics/Real-Estate/Assessments/Online-Appeal-Applications
An assessor will contact the property owner and schedule an appointment. The assessor will review the information on which the assessment is based, and information identified by the property owner. Property owners will be notified of the results by mail or email, depending on their preference. An owner who has not received the results by April 1 may wish to file an appeal with the Board of Equalization to preserve that option in case they are not satisfied with the departmental assessment review.
7
When a Property is Sold.
Property information is updated 5-7 days after a deed is recorded in the land records.
8
Supplemental Tax Notices
If you get a supplemental tax assessment notice, it is for an additional assessment for renovations, additions, or new construction on the property. This is typically not done for condos.
9
Commercial Properties
Commercial properties are taxed at a different rate, usually higher, than residential properties. Commercial property owners are encouraged to submit an income and expense form to help determine value. If they appeal their assessment, this information is required.
10
Mixed Use Properties
Mixed use properties are taxed at a combined rate. An example of a mixed use property is an apartment building with retail or office space.
