Virginia · Fairfax County · Local exemptions · Updated Oct 2026
Fairfax County, VA property tax exemptions (2026)
The property tax breaks that are set or run locally in Fairfax 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 Fairfax County
Fairfax County sets its own limits for real estate tax relief for people 65+ or permanently and totally disabled: up to $90,000 household income and $400,000 net worth, with relief of 100%, 75%, 50% or 25% depending on income. Relief applies only up to 125% of the county's average assessed value. The county also offers a tax deferral with higher limits ($100,000 income, $500,000 net worth).
Apply at
Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration – Tax Relief Office
Phone
703-222-8234
Local breaks
Real Estate Tax Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities, Real Estate Tax Deferral (seniors and people with disabilities)
Tax year
2026
Where to apply in Fairfax County
Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration – Tax Relief Office
Real Estate Tax Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Income $60,000 or less: 100% relief; $60,001-$70,000: 75%; $70,001-$80,000: 50%; $80,001-$90,000: 25%. Applies up to 125% of the average assessed value of all county properties; value above that is taxed in full.
Set by
county
Tax year
2026
Who qualifies
Age 65+ or permanently and totally disabled (either spouse if jointly owned); prorated if you turn 65 or become disabled during the year. Total combined prior-year income of owners and resident relatives $90,000 or less (non-owner relatives exclude first $6,500; disabled applicants exclude first $7,500). Net worth of owners and spouse $400,000 or less, not counting the home and up to one acre (up to five acres that cannot be subdivided are also excluded).
Income limit
$90,000 total combined income; $400,000 net worth
How to apply
File the 2026 homeowner application with DTA, with federal and state income tax returns and all Dec. 31 account statements (plus a disability affidavit if applying by disability).
Real Estate Tax Deferral (seniors and people with disabilities)
Taxes are deferred (not forgiven); interest at WSJ prime + 1% (max 8%), compounding yearly; deferred taxes plus interest may not exceed 10% of the home's assessed value. Due when the home is sold or transferred, or within one year after the last qualifying owner dies.
Set by
county
Tax year
2026
Who qualifies
Age 65+ or permanently and totally disabled; total combined income $100,000 or less; net worth of owners and spouse $500,000 or less (excluding the home and up to one acre; up to five non-subdividable acres also excluded).
Income limit
$100,000 total combined income; $500,000 net worth
Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.
Eligibility finder for Fairfax County
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Document checklist for Fairfax County
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Questions about property tax exemptions in Fairfax County
What property tax exemptions are there in Fairfax County?
Fairfax County sets its own limits for real estate tax relief for people 65+ or permanently and totally disabled: up to $90,000 household income and $400,000 net worth, with relief of 100%, 75%, 50% or 25% depending on income. Relief applies only up to 125% of the county's average assessed value. The county also offers a tax deferral with higher limits ($100,000 income, $500,000 net worth). Local breaks here: Real Estate Tax Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities; Real Estate Tax Deferral (seniors and people with disabilities).
Where do I apply for a property tax exemption in Fairfax County?
Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration – Tax Relief Office Phone: 703-222-8234 Address: 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 243, Fairfax, VA 22035.
When is the deadline to apply in Fairfax County?
Real Estate Tax Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities: May 1, 2026 for returning applicants; first-time applicants and hardship cases (written explanation required) may file later, up to December 31. Real Estate Tax Deferral (seniors and people with disabilities): May 1, 2026 (same as relief).
Is there an income limit for Fairfax County’s local breaks?
Real Estate Tax Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities: $90,000 total combined income; $400,000 net worth. Real Estate Tax Deferral (seniors and people with disabilities): $100,000 total combined income; $500,000 net worth.
Do I have to reapply every year in Fairfax County?
Real Estate Tax Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities: Every year. Real Estate Tax Deferral (seniors and people with disabilities): Every year.
Good to know in Fairfax County
The Tax Relief Office also handles the statewide disabled-veteran and surviving-spouse exemptions (contact [email protected]).
Vehicle tax relief (one vehicle) and a renters' relief program have much lower limits ($22,000 income, $75,000 net worth).
Median effective tax rate for Fairfax 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.