At What Age Do You Stop Paying Property Taxes in Virginia?

Many homeowners in Virginia, especially those over 60, wonder if they ever stop paying property taxes. The short answer? No-there’s no automatic cutoff based on age alone. But there are serious programs that can cut your bill to zero, or close to it, if you qualify. It’s not about turning 65 or 70 and getting a letter from the county saying you’re off the hook. It’s about applying, proving you meet the rules, and staying on top of paperwork.

Virginia Doesn’t Automatically Waive Property Taxes at Any Age

Some states have laws that freeze or eliminate property taxes once you hit a certain age. Virginia isn’t one of them. Even if you’re 85 and living on a fixed income, your property tax bill doesn’t vanish just because you’re a senior. Local governments still need money for schools, roads, and emergency services. That’s why every county and city in Virginia handles property taxes the same way: everyone pays unless they qualify for a specific exemption or deferral program.

That’s a big difference from places like Florida or Texas, where age alone can trigger tax relief. In Virginia, it’s not your birthday that matters-it’s your income, your residency, and whether you’ve filed the right forms.

Senior Property Tax Relief Programs in Virginia

Virginia gives local governments the power to offer tax relief to seniors and disabled homeowners. That means the rules change depending on where you live. Some counties offer full exemptions. Others only freeze your tax amount. A few let you defer payments until you sell or pass away.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• Age requirement: Most programs require you to be at least 65 years old by December 31 of the tax year. A few counties, like Fairfax and Loudoun, lower the age to 60 for certain benefits.
• Income limits: Your household income (including Social Security, pensions, and investment income) must be below a set threshold. In 2025, most counties cap it between $45,000 and $65,000. Some rural counties allow up to $80,000.
• Ownership and residency: You must own and live in the home as your primary residence. Rental properties, second homes, and vacation cabins don’t qualify.
• Application deadline: You must apply by the last day of February each year. Missing it means you wait until next year.

For example, in Richmond, seniors with income under $50,000 can get a 100% exemption. In Arlington, the same income level gets you a 50% reduction. In Roanoke, you can defer your entire tax bill-meaning you don’t pay now, but the amount plus interest is due when you sell or die.

How to Apply for Property Tax Relief in Virginia

Applying isn’t automatic. You won’t get a notice. You won’t be contacted. You have to take action.

1. Find your local commissioner of the revenue. Every county and city has one. Search “[Your County] commissioner of revenue Virginia” online.
2. Download or pick up Form 50-146. This is the official Virginia Senior and Disabled Property Tax Relief Application. Some counties have their own versions, but this is the baseline.
3. Gather proof. You’ll need your Social Security statement, pension letters, bank statements showing income, and proof of residency (like your driver’s license or utility bill).
4. Submit by February 28. Mail it in or drop it off in person. Some counties accept online submissions now, but don’t assume-call first.
5. Wait for approval. If approved, you’ll get a letter. Your tax bill will be adjusted by July or August. If denied, you can appeal within 30 days.

Pro tip: Apply even if you think your income is too high. The limits change yearly. In 2023, Fairfax raised its cap from $55,000 to $65,000 after inflation adjustments. You won’t know unless you try.

What Happens If You Don’t Apply?

If you skip the application, you pay full tax-no exceptions. Even if you’re 90, on Social Security, and living on $28,000 a year, you’re still on the hook for the full amount. That’s why so many seniors in Virginia end up selling their homes-not because they want to, but because they can’t afford the tax bill.

There’s a reason the Virginia Department of Taxation says over 60% of eligible seniors don’t apply. Some think it’s too complicated. Others don’t know it exists. A few assume the government will notify them. It won’t.

Deferral Programs: Pay Later, Not Now

If you can’t afford to pay now but don’t want to sell, deferral might be your best option. This isn’t forgiveness-it’s postponement.

Under Virginia Code § 58.1-3222, counties can let qualifying seniors defer their entire property tax bill. The amount owed grows with interest-usually 5% to 8% per year. When you sell the home, move out, or pass away, the county collects the full amount plus interest from the estate or buyer.

Deferral is common in places like Henrico, Chesterfield, and Prince William. It’s ideal if you have equity in your home but low cash flow. You keep your house. You don’t pay now. But you owe it later.

Important: You can’t defer if you have a mortgage with a clause that prohibits tax deferrals. Check your loan documents. Some lenders won’t allow it.

Disabled Homeowners Get the Same Benefits

Age isn’t the only path to relief. If you’re permanently and totally disabled-regardless of age-you can qualify for the same exemptions and deferrals. You’ll need a letter from the Social Security Administration or a licensed physician confirming your disability.

Many disabled veterans also qualify for additional state-level exemptions through the Virginia Department of Veterans Services. These can stack with local relief, sometimes cutting taxes to zero.

What If You Move?

Property tax relief is tied to the home, not the person. If you sell your house and move to a new one, your exemption doesn’t transfer. You have to reapply in your new county. That’s why some seniors wait until they’re ready to downsize before applying-they don’t want to go through the process twice.

Also, if you move into a nursing home or assisted living for more than 12 months, you lose eligibility. The home must be your primary residence. A vacant house doesn’t count.

Common Mistakes Seniors Make

• Thinking the state handles it-nope, it’s all local.
• Waiting until after the February deadline-too late.
• Not reporting income changes-like a new pension or inheritance-that could push you over the limit.
• Assuming their tax bill is correct-always check it. Errors happen.
• Not telling the county if they add a spouse or heir to the deed-this can disqualify you.

One real case: A widow in Lynchburg applied for relief in 2020. In 2023, her daughter moved in to help care for her. The county didn’t know. In 2024, they audited and found the daughter’s name on the deed. The exemption was revoked. She owed $12,000 in back taxes. She had to sell the house.

Next Steps: What You Should Do Now

If you’re over 60 and own a home in Virginia:

1. Go to your county’s website and search for “property tax relief for seniors.”
2. Call the commissioner of revenue’s office. Ask: “What’s the income limit this year? Do you offer deferral?”
3. Get Form 50-146 and fill it out. Don’t wait.
4. Apply by February 28, 2026-even if you’re not sure you qualify.
5. Keep copies of everything. Save your approval letter.

There’s no magic age when Virginia says, “You’re done paying.” But there’s a very real chance you can pay nothing-if you know where to look and act in time.