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Tax Relief - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

• What are the qualifications for real estate tax relief?
• What are the qualifications for car tax relief or personal property tax relief?
• What are the qualifications to receive a rental grant?
• When is the filing deadline?

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What are the qualifications for real estate tax relief?

• To qualify for a Real Estate tax exemption under the Tax Relief Program, the following requirements must be met:

• The applicant must be at least 65 years of age, or permanently and totally disabled. Applicants who turn 65 or become permanently and totally disabled during the year of application may also qualify for tax relief on a prorated basis.

• If the dwelling is jointly owned by an applicant and spouse, either the applicant or the spouse must be at least 65 years of age or older, or permanently and totally disabled.

• The gross income from all sources of the owners of the dwelling and any relatives of the owners who reside in the dwelling may not exceed $72,000. The following income limitations and percentage of relief apply:

  Gross Income	Amount of Tax Relief
  $52,000 or less	100%
  $52,001 to $62,000	50%
  $62,001 to $72,000	25%

• For each relative (other than spouse) residing in the dwelling, the first $6,500 of income may be excluded. Disabled applicants may exclude the first $7,500 of income.

• The total combined net assets of owners of the dwelling and of the spouse of any owner who resides in the dwelling may not be greater than $340,000 (not including the value of the home, its furnishings and up to one acre of land).

• When the property is jointly owned and the co-owner is deceased, a certified copy of the death certificate must be provided.

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 What are the qualifications for car tax relief or personal property tax relief?

• To qualify for a Personal Property tax exemption under the Tax Relief Program, the following requirements must be met:

• The applicant must be a resident of Fairfax County.

• The exempted vehicle must be owned and used primarily by or for an applicant who is at least 65 years of age or an applicant found to be permanently and totally disabled.

• The gross income of the applicant may not exceed $22,000.

• Disabled applicants may exclude the first $7,500 of income, i.e., an effective gross income of $29,500.

• The total combined net assets of the applicant and spouse may not exceed $75,000.

• Personal Property tax relief shall only be granted on one vehicle.

• Personal Property tax relief on mobile homes applies only to those homes used as a full time residence.

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What are the qualifications to receive a rental grant?

• To qualify for a Rental Grant under the Tax Relief Program, the following requirements must be met:

• The applicant must be a resident of Fairfax County.

• The applicant must be at least 65 years of age, or permanently and totally disabled.

• Gross income from all sources of the persons residing in the dwelling may not exceed $22,000.

• Relatives residing in the dwelling may exclude the first $6,500 of income.

• Permanently and totally disabled applicants may exclude the first $7,500 of income, i.e., an effective gross income of $29,500.

• Total combined net assets of the applicant and spouse may not exceed $75,000.

• The grant total is based on the amount of rent paid for the dwelling in the County during the grant year that exceeds 30% of income.

• A copy of rental receipts or cancelled checks for each month of the previous year or a written statement from the landlord documenting the amount of rent paid must be provided.

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When is the filing deadline?

First time applicants have until December 31 of the year that tax relief is being requested. For first time filers, late applications may also be accepted during the following tax year.

Returning applicants must file between January 1 and April 1. (Some exceptions may be available if applications are filed late due to a hardship which prevented the application from being filed on time. Detailed requests for hardship waivers must be submitted in writing to the Department of Tax Administration).

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