Virginia · Essex County · Local exemptions · Updated Oct 2026

Essex County, VA property tax exemptions (2026)

The property tax breaks that are set or run locally in Essex 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 Essex County

Essex County's relief for owners 65+ or 100% disabled is capped at $1,000 a year. It exempts 100% of the tax with income under $20,000, stepping down to 20% at $27,501-$30,000, with net worth up to $125,000. New applications are due September 1 and recertifications March 1.

Apply at: Essex County Commissioner of the Revenue
Phone: 804-443-4737
Local breaks: Tax Relief for the Elderly & Disabled Program
Tax year: 2026 (county page current; guidelines PDF updated Jan. 17, 2023)

Where to apply in Essex County

Essex County Commissioner of the Revenue

Phone: 804-443-4737

Official exemptions page

Local exemptions in Essex County

Seniors

Tax Relief for the Elderly & Disabled Program

Income under $20,000: 100% of tax; $20,000-$22,500: 80%; $22,501-$25,000: 60%; $25,001-$27,500: 40%; $27,501-$30,000: 20%; maximum $1,000 a year.

Set by: county
Tax year: 2026 (county page current; guidelines PDF updated Jan. 17, 2023)
Who qualifies: 65+ or 100% disabled and unable to work (physician's statement); sole dwelling. Income up to $30,000 (up to $10,000 of a resident relative's income may be excluded in some cases); net worth up to $125,000.
Income limit: $30,000 income; $125,000 net worth
How to apply: Apply to the Commissioner of the Revenue with proof of age or disability and prior-year income and asset records.
Form: Tax Relief Application (PDF)
Deadline: September 1 for new applications; March 1 for re-certifications.
Renewal: Annual re-certification.

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 Essex County

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 (%)

Essex County median effective rate: 0.58% (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 Essex County: 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 Essex County

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 Essex County

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 Essex County

What property tax exemptions are there in Essex County?

Where do I apply for a property tax exemption in Essex County?

Essex County Commissioner of the Revenue Phone: 804-443-4737.

When is the deadline to apply in Essex County?

Tax Relief for the Elderly & Disabled Program: September 1 for new applications; March 1 for re-certifications.

Is there an income limit for Essex County’s local breaks?

Tax Relief for the Elderly & Disabled Program: $30,000 income; $125,000 net worth.

Do I have to reapply every year in Essex County?

Tax Relief for the Elderly & Disabled Program: Annual re-certification.

Think your assessed value is too high? See how to appeal in Essex County.

Sources

Essex County – Real Estate Tax Relief
Essex County – Tax Relief Guidelines About Income & Net Worth (PDF)
Median effective tax rate for Essex 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.

Last checked: Oct 2026.