Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has indicated its intent to provide 10% tax relief for personal property taxes, offering significant relief to vehicle owners in the area. The tax relief, incorporated as part of the FY 2024 budget mark-up, will result in approximately $64 million in total tax relief. The decision comes as a response to the rising cost of living, including inflation and increasing real estate and vehicle assessments.

Assessment Ratio Change to Provide Relief

The Board of Supervisors plans to assess vehicles at 90% of their market value for tax year 2023 instead of the usual 100%. This reduction in assessment ratio acknowledges the extenuating circumstances faced by vehicle owners and aims to ease the burden of personal property taxes. The assessment reduction of 10% will be automatically applied to tax bills, resulting in an average reduction of over 18% or about $68 for vehicle owners.

Vehicle Values Decrease as County Grants Tax Relief

According to county tax officials, vehicle values have decreased by an average of 9.8% compared to the previous year. While values remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, 97% of vehicles have experienced a decline or remained the same. The county utilizes the J.D. Power pricing guide to determine assessed value, and assessments are based on a vehicle’s value as of January 1, 2023.

Additional Relief and Appeal Process

Seniors and individuals with disabilities can also apply for personal property tax relief, subject to income and net worth limits. The application process and eligibility criteria can be obtained through the Department of Tax Administration. Vehicle owners have the option to appeal their car’s assessment if there are valid reasons, such as high mileage, body damage, or serious mechanical defects as of January 1.

While awaiting the results of an appeal, vehicle owners are reminded to pay their tax bills by the designated October 5 due date to avoid penalties and interest charges. In the case of a successful appeal, a refund will be issued based on the corrected assessment.

For more information or inquiries regarding personal property taxes, residents can contact the Department of Tax Administration via email or at 703-222-8234 (TTY 711).

The tax relief measures introduced by Fairfax County aim to alleviate the financial strain on vehicle owners and address the challenges posed by rising costs. By providing substantial relief and options for appeal, the county demonstrates its commitment to supporting its residents during these economically challenging times.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is Jeffrey C. McKay?

  Jeffrey C. McKay is the Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors mentioned in the article. He is a political figure in Fairfax County, responsible for leading the Board of Supervisors and making decisions related to local governance.

• What is Fairfax County?

  Fairfax County is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States. It is part of the Washington metropolitan area and is known for being one of the most populous and affluent counties in the nation. It has its own local government, including the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, which oversees various administrative functions and decision-making processes.

• How does the assessment reduction for vehicle owners work?

  The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has approved a 10% assessment reduction for personal property taxes on vehicles. This means that for tax year 2023, vehicles will be assessed at 90% of their market value instead of the normal 100%. The reduction will be automatically applied to the personal property tax bills of vehicle owners, resulting in a cut of more than 18% on average for car tax bills.

• How can seniors and people with disabilities apply for personal property tax relief?

  Seniors and people with disabilities can apply for personal property tax relief in Fairfax County. To qualify, residents must meet income and net worth limits, with a $75,000 cap on total net assets as of Dec. 31, 2022. Further information about the application process, requirements, and eligibility can be obtained by contacting the Department of Tax Administration in Fairfax County.

• How can vehicle owners appeal their car’s assessment?

  Vehicle owners have the option to appeal their car’s assessment if they believe there are valid reasons such as high mileage, body damage, or serious mechanical defects as of Jan 1. They should learn more about the appeal process and contact the Department of Tax Administration in a timely manner for guidance and assistance. It’s important for vehicle owners to pay their tax bills by the Oct. 5 due date while awaiting the results of the appeal to avoid penalties and interest charges. If the