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TextCar Tax - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) |
How is my property tax calculated?The current tax rate is $4.57 per $100 of assessed value. To compute the tax on an item assessed at $5,000, divide the assessed value by 100 and multiply by the tax rate:
($5,000 ÷ 100) x $4.57 = $228.50
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Are there exceptions to the tax rate?Yes. The following are currently taxed at a rate of one cent per $100: antique automobiles, certified van pool vehicles, vehicles equipped for the transportation of persons with disabilities, some vehicles owned by members of volunteer fire and rescue squads and auxiliary police, vehicles owned by certain elderly and disabled individuals, aircraft and flight simulators, and homeowner associations furniture, office and maintenance equipment. Mobile homes are taxed at the real estate rate of $0.92 per $100.top |
What if I don't receive forms in the mail?Failure to receive forms does not exempt you from either the obligation to file or pay taxes on time. Forms may be obtained at the Government Center or by calling 703-222-8234 [TTY: 703-222-7594] or may be downloaded from this Web site.top |
How are vehicles assessed?The Statutes which govern personal property assessments for automobiles require that the value be (1) from a recognized pricing guide, (2) applied uniformly, and (3) as of January 1 of the tax year. To meet these requirements, Fairfax County, along with most other Virginia jurisdictions, uses the January edition of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Official Used Car Guide.Under the Code of Virginia, the valuation of automobiles using individual sales, purchase prices or trade-in offers as a basis for assessment is not permitted. Recognition of differences between vehicles is limited to conditional factors which can be readily identified and the extent of any loss of value clearly documented. Body damage, rusting, and mileage are conditional factors for which adjustments in value are most frequently made. For most vehicles, the tax is based on the clean trade-in value as listed in the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Used Car Guide published in January of the current tax year. For new model year vehicles, the assessment is based on a percentage of MSRP. This is the base-model MSRP, before options. NADA Guide values are used for subsequent years. |
Under what conditions may an assessment be appealed?If you believe that your vehicle has been overassessed, you may appeal the assessment. Body damage, rusting, and mileage are conditional factors for which adjustments in value are most frequently made.top |
How do I appeal my assessment?If your vehicle was in less than average condition as of January 1, submit a Car Tax Appeal form along with an itemized estimate detailing the extent of damage and the cost to repair the vehicle. Other acceptable documentation would be a copy of an insurance company estimate describing the cost to repair the damage. If your appeal is for a high mileage adjustment, please attach a copy of your most recent Safety Inspection slip, vehicle repair receipt or a similar document which identifies the mileage.top |
How soon does my vehicle need to be registered with Fairfax County?The Fairfax County Code requires owners of motor vehicles newly acquired or moved into the County to file for car taxation within 60 days, otherwise a penalty for late filing will be assessed.top |
Do I need to buy a decal if I live in one of the towns?Yes. Residents of Clifton and Herndon must purchase town, not County, decals. Effective April 15, 2008 the Town Council of the Town of Vienna eliminated the requirement to purchase and display a decal. Town residents are also required to file and pay personal property taxes to Fairfax County. The County decal display requirement was eliminated on July 1, 2006. However, the towns of Clifton and Herndon still have a decal purchase and a decal display requirement. Please contact your respective town for more information.top |
Do I need to register a leased vehicle with Fairfax County?Most leasing companies require the lessee to register the vehicle with their local jurisdiction. The vehicle is registered in the name of the leasing company, and the car tax bills are sent directly to the leasing company for payment. Depending on your lease contract, the car taxes are either paid by the leasing company or the tax bill is forwarded to the lessee for payment.You may register your leased vehicle on-line using our vehicle registration tool or download a registration form at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dta/forms.htm. top |
How do I register my vehicle for the Car Tax?The Fairfax County Code requires owners of motor vehicles newly acquired or moved into the County to file for car taxation within 60 days, otherwise a penalty for late filing will be assessed. You may file for the Car Tax in several ways. We recommend you perform this activity online:
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What should I do if I have sold my vehicle or moved my vehicle out of Fairfax County?In Fairfax County, the car tax on motor vehicles (cars, trucks, motorcycles, and vans) is prorated to reflect the time the vehicle was normally garaged in the County. To ensure that your motor vehicle is taxed accurately, you must notify the County when a vehicle is moved out of the County or sold. This may be done in person by visiting our office, by telephone, or by email. You may also report vehicle sales or moves online using our vehicle update tool. If you have sold your vehicle or moved the vehicle out of the County, the following information is required: property owner name and daytime phone number; vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make, and model or Fairfax County property number (if known); and date the vehicle was sold or relocated. If the vehicle was moved out of the County, you must also provide the new address. Upon notification that a property has been moved or sold, the Department of Tax Administration will adjust your account. Please note that vehicles which are moved out of Fairfax County to a non-prorating Virginia jurisdiction during the tax year are not prorated. Effective July 1, 1998, vehicles registered in Virginia but normally kept out of state are also taxable by the jurisdiction where registered. top |
To whom do I make the check payable?Checks or money orders should be made payable to "County of Fairfax."Mail payments to: Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 223 Fairfax, VA 22035 US Postmark must be by the due date to avoid late charges. top |
How do I purchase property at public auction for delinquent taxes?DTA may also sell vehicles and certain business equipment at public auction for the collection of delinquent taxes. If you have questions or would like to be added to a potential bidders list for personal property public auctions, please send your contact information to DTA's Revenue Collection Division. Vehicles and equipment currently scheuduled for Public Auction. top |
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