Car Tax Payments Due Oct. 5 – What You Need to Know

Personal property taxes — better known as car taxes — are due on Monday, Oct. 5. Bills were mailed this summer, and there are many  convenient ways to pay.

New this year: the county now has four self-pay kiosks that accept cash, checks, debit and credit cards. 

Ways to Pay: Online is Quick, Easy and Free

Save gas, time and a stamp by paying online — it's quick, easy and free when you use an e-check. When paying by e-check or via debit or credit card, you can schedule when you want the money to be sent from your bank account.

While you can pay online using a credit or debit card, be aware that a third-party service fee will be applied.

Other ways to pay include

Self-Pay Kiosks. Kiosks are available at four locations around the county. Payments can be made with cash, check, debit and credit cards. You can find the kiosks at: 

• Fairfax County Government Center, Fairfax (open 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday-Friday)
• Gerry Hyland Government Center, Alexandria (open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Saturday)
• North County Governmental Center, Reston (open 24 hours, 7 days/week)
• Mason District Government Center, Annandale (open 24 hours, 7 days/week)

Phone. Call 703-222-6740, TTY 711; available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A third-party service fee will be applied.

Mail. Return your payment by mail using the envelope that came with your bill. 

• Make checks or money orders payable to County of Fairfax.
  Send to: Department of Tax Administration
  12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 223
  Fairfax, VA 22035
• Do NOT send cash.
• Payments postmarked on or before the Oct. 5 due date are considered on time, regardless of date received.

Drop box. If you are paying with a check or money order, you can put your payment in the secure, red drop boxes at the Fairfax County Government Center or in the designated book drops at five libraries from Sept. 15 to Oct. 5.

• Burke Centre, Burke
• Dolley Madison, McLean
• Thomas Jefferson, Falls Church
• Oakton Community, Oakton
• Sherwood Regional, Alexandria

Government Center Customer Service Counter. If you decide to pay in-person at the  Fairfax County Government Center (Suite 223), be prepared to wait in line. 

• Tax offices are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.
• Extended hours will be available for service in-person or by phone Sept. 28 to Oct. 2 and Monday, Oct. 5; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (weekdays only)
• Payment options include tap-to-pay with credit cards and Apple Pay, as well as debit card PIN entry. Payments can also be made at the counter with check, credit card and cash.
   

Understanding Your Car Tax

By state law, the county must assess a vehicle's value as of Jan. 1 based on a recognized, third-party pricing guide.  All Virginia localities, including Fairfax County, use the J.D. Power Official Used Car Guide. While vehicle values may fluctuate during the year, the law requires the county to use the value as of Jan. 1, and the assessment cannot be readjusted on depreciating values throughout the year. 

Your bill includes a local registration fee for vehicles regularly garaged, stored or parked in Fairfax County. If you live in Clifton, Herndon or Vienna, these localities each charge their own local registration fee that is included on your Fairfax County tax bill.

This registration fee is separate and distinct from the state registration fee paid to the Virginia DMV.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute!

If you have sold or moved a vehicle, and have a question about your tax bill, contact the Department of Tax Administration:

• Call 703-222-8234 (English or Español) TTY 711, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (to 6 p.m. from Sept. 28-Oct. 2 and Oct. 5)
• Send an email
• Visit the tax counter at the Fairfax County Government Center weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (to 6 p.m. from Sept. 28-Oct. 2 and Oct. 5)
   

You can also access your personal property (car tax) and real estate tax account information securely online via our MyFairfax web portal. When you create an account, MyFairfax enables you to:

• Access tax information.
• Register new vehicles or update vehicles moved or sold.
• View current and past real estate assessments and payment information.

Tax Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities

You may qualify for tax relief if you are at least 65 years old, or permanently and totally disabled, and meet the income and asset eligibility requirements. Learn more about tax relief to see if you qualify or call 703-222-8234, TTY 711.