Virginia · Arlington County · Local exemptions · Updated Oct 2026
Arlington County, VA property tax exemptions (2026)
The property tax breaks that are set or run locally in Arlington County, on top of Virginia’s statewide rules: what each is worth here, who qualifies, where to apply and the deadline.
What is different in Arlington County
In Arlington County, homeowners 65+ or totally and permanently disabled apply for real estate tax relief to the Department of Human Services, not the Commissioner of the Revenue. For 2026, household income up to $63,104 gets a full exemption, and partial exemptions run up to $112,187, with $515,200 in assets. A no-interest deferral is available up to $139,551 income or $695,519 assets, and the 2026 filing deadline is November 16.
Apply at
Arlington County Department of Human Services – Real Estate Tax Relief (RETR)
Phone
703-228-1350
Local breaks
Real Estate Tax Relief Program (exemption), Real Estate Tax Deferral (RETR)
Tax year
2026
Where to apply in Arlington County
Arlington County Department of Human Services – Real Estate Tax Relief (RETR)
Income $0-$63,104: full exemption; $63,104.01-$77,022: 75%; $77,022.01-$91,149: 50%; $91,149.01-$112,187: 25% (assets up to $515,200, home not counted). Prorated by month if you turn 65 during the year.
Set by
county
Tax year
2026
Who qualifies
Age 65+ or totally and permanently disabled and unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SSA, VA, Railroad Retirement Board or two Virginia doctors' affidavits); all titled owners live in the home as sole residence (spouse may be under 65). Prior-year gross income from all sources of owners and all relatives in the home (up to $10,000 disregarded per non-owner household member; disability benefits of owner/spouse disregarded). Assets of owners and spouses as of Dec. 31; unreimbursed medical, emergency home repair and condo special assessment costs over $1,000 can be deducted.
Mail the 2026 application to DHS with Form 1040 and attachments for applicant and resident relatives, all W-2s/1099s, proof of unearned income, December statements from all financial institutions, and values/mortgage balances of other property.
Defer (delay) payment of the tax, or of the part an exemption does not cover, without penalty or interest until the property changes ownership.
Set by
county
Tax year
2026
Who qualifies
Same age/disability rules; household income $112,187.01-$139,551 with assets up to $515,200, or income up to $139,551 with assets $515,200.01-$695,519.
Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.
Eligibility finder for Arlington County
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Document checklist for Arlington County
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Questions about property tax exemptions in Arlington County
What property tax exemptions are there in Arlington County?
In Arlington County, homeowners 65+ or totally and permanently disabled apply for real estate tax relief to the Department of Human Services, not the Commissioner of the Revenue. For 2026, household income up to $63,104 gets a full exemption, and partial exemptions run up to $112,187, with $515,200 in assets. A no-interest deferral is available up to $139,551 income or $695,519 assets, and the 2026 filing deadline is November 16. Local breaks here: Real Estate Tax Relief Program (exemption); Real Estate Tax Deferral (RETR).
Where do I apply for a property tax exemption in Arlington County?
Arlington County Department of Human Services – Real Estate Tax Relief (RETR) Phone: 703-228-1350 Address: 2100 Washington Blvd., 3rd Floor, Arlington, VA 22204. Also: Arlington County Department of Real Estate Assessments, which disabled veteran / surviving spouse exemption.
When is the deadline to apply in Arlington County?
Real Estate Tax Relief Program (exemption): November 16, 2026 (file by March 31 for a timely adjusted bill); late filing only for hardship. Real Estate Tax Deferral (RETR): November 16, 2026.
Is there an income limit for Arlington County’s local breaks?
Real Estate Tax Relief Program (exemption): $112,187 household income (exemption), $139,551 (deferral); assets $515,200 (exemption), $695,519 (deferral) Real Estate Tax Deferral (RETR): $139,551 household income; $695,519 assets.
Do I have to reapply every year in Arlington County?
Real Estate Tax Relief Program (exemption): Full review at least every 3 years; short review form in other years (mailed in February). Real Estate Tax Deferral (RETR): As for the exemption.
Good to know in Arlington County
For the statewide 100% disabled veteran / surviving spouse exemption, Arlington directs homeowners to Real Estate Assessments at 703-228-3920.
In 2025 the program gave more than $5.3 million in relief to more than 800 homeowners.
Median effective tax rate for Arlington County: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2020–2024 5-year estimates, county figures as published by Tax Foundation. The rate is property taxes paid divided by home value.