Virginia · Charlottesville City · Local exemptions · Updated Oct 2026

Charlottesville City, VA property tax exemptions (2026)

The property tax breaks that are set or run locally in Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville City

Charlottesville's 2026 relief for owners 65+ or permanently and totally disabled is based only on combined federal AGI: 100% relief up to $39,000, then 80%, 60% and 40% up to $65,000. No net worth limit is listed. The city also runs the Charlottesville Homeowner Assistance Program, which gives grants of $1,000-$2,500 to low- and moderate-income owners of homes assessed at $550,000 or less.

Apply at: City of Charlottesville Commissioner of Revenue
Phone: 434-970-3160
Local breaks: Real Estate Tax Relief for the Elderly or Disabled, Charlottesville Homeowner Assistance Program (CHAP) grant
Tax year: 2026

Where to apply in Charlottesville City

City of Charlottesville Commissioner of Revenue

Phone: 434-970-3160

Official exemptions page

Local exemptions in Charlottesville City

Seniors

Real Estate Tax Relief for the Elderly or Disabled

2025 combined AGI $0-$39,000: 100% relief; $39,001-$52,000: 80%; $52,001-$58,500: 60%; $58,501-$65,000: 40%.

Set by: city
Tax year: 2026
Who qualifies: 65+ or permanently and totally disabled as of Dec. 31 of the prior year; sole dwelling in the city. Combined prior-year federal AGI of applicant, spouse, co-owners and resident relatives up to $65,000.
Income limit: $65,000 combined federal AGI (TY2025)
How to apply: Apply online or with the fillable PDF to the Commissioner of Revenue with Form 1040 or all 2025 income statements for everyone in the home; under 65 add an SSA letter or two Virginia physicians' letters.
Deadline: April 1, 2026.
Renewal: Rotating by last name: Groups 1-2 (A-P) recertify, Group 3 (Q-Z) and new applicants (Group 4) file a full application; re-apply if income changes more than 10%.

Source: official page

Low income

Charlottesville Homeowner Assistance Program (CHAP) grant

Grant of $1,000, $1,500, $2,000 or $2,500 depending on combined household income.

Set by: city
Tax year: 2026
Who qualifies: Homeowners not receiving elderly/disabled relief or a veteran/surviving spouse exemption for 2026; home assessed at $550,000 or less; combined 2025 AGI of all occupants up to $65,000.
Income limit: $65,000 combined AGI
How to apply: Apply online or by fillable PDF during the summer window.
Deadline: 2026 window: July 1 - September 2 (online) / September 4 (walk-in and mail); now closed.
Renewal: Annual program if offered.

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 Charlottesville 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 (%)

Charlottesville City median effective rate: 0.82% (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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville City

What property tax exemptions are there in Charlottesville City?

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

City of Charlottesville Commissioner of Revenue Phone: 434-970-3160.

When is the deadline to apply in Charlottesville City?

Real Estate Tax Relief for the Elderly or Disabled: April 1, 2026. Charlottesville Homeowner Assistance Program (CHAP) grant: 2026 window: July 1 - September 2 (online) / September 4 (walk-in and mail); now closed.

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

Real Estate Tax Relief for the Elderly or Disabled: $65,000 combined federal AGI (TY2025) Charlottesville Homeowner Assistance Program (CHAP) grant: $65,000 combined AGI.

Do I have to reapply every year in Charlottesville City?

Real Estate Tax Relief for the Elderly or Disabled: Rotating by last name: Groups 1-2 (A-P) recertify, Group 3 (Q-Z) and new applicants (Group 4) file a full application; re-apply if income changes more than 10%. Charlottesville Homeowner Assistance Program (CHAP) grant: Annual program if offered.

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

Sources

City of Charlottesville – Real Estate Tax Relief
City of Charlottesville – Commissioner of Revenue
Median effective tax rate for Charlottesville 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.