Virginia · Bristol City · Local exemptions · Updated Oct 2026

Bristol City, VA property tax exemptions (2026)

The property tax breaks that are set or run locally in Bristol City, on top of Virginia’s statewide rules: what each is worth here, who qualifies, where to apply and the deadline.

What is different in Bristol City

Bristol's real estate tax credit for owners 65+ or totally disabled has very low limits: $35,000 household income and $50,000 net worth (excluding the house and one acre). Apply every year between February 1 and May 1. If you do not pay each year's taxes by June 5 and December 5, you lose the exemption for that year.

Apply at: City of Bristol Commissioner of the Revenue
Phone: 276-645-7316
Local breaks: Real Estate Tax Relief for Elderly/Disabled
Tax year: 2026 (as posted)

Where to apply in Bristol City

City of Bristol Commissioner of the Revenue

Phone: 276-645-7316

Official exemptions page

Local exemptions in Bristol City

Seniors

Real Estate Tax Relief for Elderly/Disabled

Real estate tax credit on the home (amount computed by the Commissioner).

Set by: city
Tax year: 2026 (as posted)
Who qualifies: Age 65 and/or totally disabled before January 1 of the tax year. Annual household income of everyone in the home up to $35,000; total net worth of everyone in the home up to $50,000, excluding the house and one acre.
Income limit: $35,000 household income; $50,000 net worth
How to apply: Mail or drop off the application to the Commissioner of the Revenue with the prior-year federal return and proof of all income and assets; disabled applicants attach an awards certification.
Form: Application for Real Estate Tax Relief for Elderly/Disabled (PDF)
Deadline: February 1 - May 1 each year.
Renewal: Every year.

Source: official page

State exemptions that also apply here

These breaks come from Virginia law. Their full rules, forms and deadlines are on the Virginia page.

Real Estate Tax Relief for the Elderly and Disabled (local option)Set by each locality (only where the local government offers it)
Real Estate Tax Deferral for the Elderly and Disabled (local option)(only where the local government offers it)
Real Estate Tax Exemption for Disabled VeteransFull exemption
Exemption for Surviving Spouses of Armed Forces Members Who Died in the Line of DutyFull exemption
Exemption for Surviving Spouses of First Responders Killed in the Line of Duty (local option)Full exemption (only where the local government offers it)

All Virginia property tax exemptions

By group in Virginia: Seniors · Veterans · Disability · Surviving spouses

Savings estimate for Bristol City

Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.

Exemption

Value taken off ($)

Filled in when the exemption is a fixed dollar amount. You can change it.

Tax rate (%)

Bristol City median effective rate: 0.72% (taxes paid as a share of home value). Use your own rate if you know it.

Enter a value and a tax rateChoose an exemption or type the value it takes off.

Median effective rate in Bristol City: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2020–2024 5-year estimates, county figures as published by Tax Foundation. It is a county-wide middle value; rates differ by town and school district.

An estimate, not a bill. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.

Eligibility finder for Bristol City

Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.

Do you own the home and live in it as your main home?

Your age, or the year you were born

Leave empty if you'd rather not say.

Are you a veteran?

Do you have a permanent disability?

Are you the surviving spouse of a veteran, service member or first responder?

Yearly household income ($)

Everyone in the home, before taxes. Optional: used only to compare with income limits.

Do you own and live in the home?Answer the first question to see results.

A first check, not a decision: only your county, city or town assessor decides. We read ages, ratings and income limits only where the official rule states them plainly; otherwise we show the rule for you to check.

Document checklist for Bristol City

Pick the breaks you plan to apply for. You get a checklist of forms, documents, steps and deadlines to print or keep on your phone.

Questions about property tax exemptions in Bristol City

What property tax exemptions are there in Bristol City?

Where do I apply for a property tax exemption in Bristol City?

City of Bristol Commissioner of the Revenue Phone: 276-645-7316.

When is the deadline to apply in Bristol City?

Real Estate Tax Relief for Elderly/Disabled: February 1 - May 1 each year.

Is there an income limit for Bristol City’s local breaks?

Real Estate Tax Relief for Elderly/Disabled: $35,000 household income; $50,000 net worth.

Do I have to reapply every year in Bristol City?

Real Estate Tax Relief for Elderly/Disabled: Every year.

Good to know in Bristol City

Taxes must be paid by each due date (June 5 and December 5) to keep that year's exemption.

Think your assessed value is too high? See how to appeal in Bristol City.

Sources

Bristol Commissioner of the Revenue
Bristol Real Estate Tax Relief application (PDF)
Median effective tax rate for Bristol City: 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.

Last checked: Oct 2026.