Confused about how real estate taxes work in South Arlington? You’re not alone. Between annual assessments, appeal windows, due dates, and relief programs, it can feel like a maze when you’re buying or selling in Penrose and the Columbia Pike corridor. This guide breaks it down in plain language so you can plan your budget, evaluate a purchase, or prep your home for market with confidence. Let’s dive in.
What drives your tax bill in South Arlington
South Arlington’s mix of condos, townhomes, duplexes, and single-family homes means assessments vary block to block. County planning and ongoing investment along Columbia Pike add complexity and momentum to local values. If you’re comparing sales or considering an appeal, choosing the right comparables for your specific property type is essential. You can explore the area’s revitalization context on the County’s Columbia Pike projects page.
Current tax rate and 2025 assessments
Arlington’s adopted real estate tax rate has been set at $1.033 per $100 of assessed value in recent budgets, including FY2025 and the County’s FY2026 adoption in April 2025. You can confirm the official rate on Arlington’s adopted budget page.
For calendar year 2025, the County reported an overall assessment increase of about 2%, with residential values up about 3.7% and an average assessed value of about $854,900 for single-family and attached homes. These changes affect individual tax bills even when the rate stays the same. See Arlington’s assessment update in the County’s property values news release.
How your tax is calculated
Arlington uses a simple formula: taxes = (assessed value ÷ 100) × tax rate. The County explains the calculation on its Real Estate FAQs.
Illustrative example: a Penrose townhome assessed at $850,000 at a $1.033 rate is roughly (850,000 ÷ 100) × 1.033 ≈ $8,780 per year. Use your current assessment and the County’s adopted rate for an accurate estimate.
Assessments and appeals: what to expect
Arlington’s Department of Real Estate Assessments values property each year based on fair market value using recent sales and standard appraisal methods. Assessment notices typically arrive in mid-January and include the new value and a “lowered” rate estimate required by state law. You can review process details and timelines on the County’s Real Estate FAQs.
If you think your assessment is high
- Start with an informal departmental review. File an Application for Review by the County’s annual deadline, which typically falls in early March. An appraiser will contact you during this step.
- If needed, file a formal appeal with the Board of Equalization. The BOE deadline is typically mid-April in Arlington. Filing deadlines are strict, so submit early to preserve your options.
- Always check your current assessment notice for the exact dates for the year. Deadlines can shift slightly year to year.
Due dates, billing, and closings
Arlington bills real estate taxes in two installments each year: June 15 and October 5. Payment options and the County’s CAPP portal are available through the Treasurer’s Office and the Real Estate Taxes page. You can also access the Treasurer’s contact and payment resources on the Treasurer’s Office page.
When you buy or sell, taxes are typically prorated at closing based on the contract and local custom. If the County issues a revised assessment that affects the year of your closing, confirm how your contract handles reassessment risk and settlement adjustments. The County’s FAQs outline assessment timing and billing cycles on the Real Estate FAQs.
Relief and exemptions that lower taxes
Several County programs can reduce or defer your real estate tax if you qualify.
Real Estate Tax Relief for seniors and certain disabled homeowners
Arlington’s Real Estate Tax Relief (RETR) program offers exemptions and deferrals for qualifying homeowners who are age 65 or older or permanently and totally disabled. For 2025, the County published income tiers up to $105,937 and asset limits (excluding the home) up to $499,709 for exemption and up to $674,606 for deferral eligibility. The general filing deadline is November 15, and the County recommends filing by March 31 for timely bill adjustments. Review eligibility, tiers, and documentation on the RETR program page.
100% Disabled Veteran and other exemptions
Virginia law and Arlington provide a full exemption for the principal residence of veterans with a 100% service-connected, permanent and total disability, as well as qualifying surviving spouses. The County also lists other targeted exemptions, including certain rehabilitation incentives. See qualifications and application steps on Arlington’s Tax Payments and Exemptions page.
Buying or selling in Penrose and Columbia Pike
In a mixed-housing area like South Arlington, the sales mix can shift quickly. Townhomes, condos, and single-family homes can appreciate at different paces, and new construction can influence nearby assessments. When pricing, appeal planning, or budgeting taxes, make sure your comps match your property type and condition, and reference the County’s latest rate and your current assessment each year.
Budgeting for the year
- Confirm your current assessment in January when notices go out.
- Multiply your assessed value by the adopted rate for a quick estimate.
- Plan for the two installment due dates and factor any relief you expect to receive.
- If you are under contract to buy or sell, ask your settlement agent to show the tax proration on your closing disclosure.
Quick checklist
- Verify the current tax rate on the County’s adopted budget page.
- Review your assessment notice and the Real Estate FAQs for deadlines.
- If appealing, file the departmental review by the early March deadline, then BOE by mid-April if needed.
- Note due dates: June 15 and October 5 on the Real Estate Taxes page.
- Check eligibility for RETR or other exemptions on the RETR program page.
If you’re weighing a purchase, preparing to sell, or planning an appeal in South Arlington, you don’t have to go it alone. For tailored guidance on pricing, tax planning around your sale, and selecting the right comparables for Penrose and the Columbia Pike corridor, reach out to Caitlin Platt.
FAQs
What is the current Arlington real estate tax rate for 2025?
- Arlington’s adopted rate has been $1.033 per $100 of assessed value in recent budgets. Always confirm the latest figure on the County’s adopted budget page.
How are South Arlington property taxes calculated on a condo or townhome?
- Use the same formula for all property types: (assessed value ÷ 100) × tax rate. See the County’s calculation guidance in the Real Estate FAQs.
When are Arlington real estate taxes due each year?
- Taxes are billed in two installments due June 15 and October 5. Payment options and details are on the County’s Real Estate Taxes page.
What is the timeline to appeal a 2025 South Arlington assessment?
- File an informal departmental review by the County’s early March deadline, then a BOE appeal by mid-April if needed. Check your notice and the Real Estate FAQs for the exact dates.
What tax relief is available to South Arlington seniors or disabled homeowners?
- Arlington’s RETR program offers exemptions and deferrals based on income and assets, with 2025 tiers up to $105,937 and asset limits specified by the County. Review criteria and deadlines on the RETR program page.
Do 100% disabled veterans pay real estate tax on a South Arlington home?
- Qualifying 100% service-connected, permanently and totally disabled veterans (and certain surviving spouses) may receive a full exemption for their principal residence. See details on the County’s Exemptions page.
How are taxes handled at closing on a South Arlington home sale?
- Taxes are typically prorated between buyer and seller based on the contract and local practice, using the latest billed amount or an estimate. Learn about billing cycles on the Real Estate FAQs.
