Property Tax Basics For Burke Homeowners

Confused about your Burke property tax bill or worried about a surprise increase this year? You are not alone. With assessments up across Fairfax County and a few key dates to track, it helps to know how your bill is calculated and what options you have. This guide breaks down the 2025 basics, timelines, savings programs, appeals, and practical steps so you can stay ahead. Let’s dive in.

What sets your Burke tax bill

Fairfax County assesses real property each year at fair market value as of January 1. Assessment notices for 2025 were mailed on February 18, 2025. The county reported an average residential assessment increase of 6.65% for 2025, though your change may differ by property type and neighborhood. You can review how assessments work and see county updates in the county’s assessment resources and news release.

• Learn more about annual assessments and notices on the county’s Real Estate page: Fairfax County Real Estate Assessments & Taxes
• See the county’s 2025 notice and average increase: 2025 assessments now available

Rate, formula, and example

For Tax Year 2025, the base real estate tax rate is $1.1225 per $100 of assessed value. Your bill is calculated using a simple formula: (Assessed value ÷ 100) × total tax rate. Example: a $600,000 assessment at $1.1225 per $100 equals $6,735. Some parcels also have special district levies or service charges, which are listed on your parcel record and bill.

• Check the official rate list and special districts: Real Estate Tax Rates
• Review the billing formula in county FAQs: Real Estate FAQs

Estimate vs. final levy

Assessment notices may show an estimated levy that uses last year’s rate. The Board of Supervisors adopts the final rate during the budget process. Your final bill reflects your assessment and the adopted rate for the year.

• County update on assessment release and rate setting: 2025 assessments news

Key 2025 dates and payments

Fairfax County bills real estate taxes in two installments each year. The first installment is due July 28. The second installment is due December 5. If a due date falls on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next business day.

• County billing and due date details: Real Estate Assessments & Taxes

Most homeowners with a mortgage escrow will not receive a paper bill because the county sends it to the mortgage company. Confirm with your servicer that taxes are paid from escrow. You can view your account and bills online via the county’s MyFairfax portal.

• View accounts or update details: Department of Tax Administration

You can pay online, by mail, or in person. The county lists available payment methods and any service fees that apply to card payments. Use MyFairfax for the most convenient property-specific tools.

• Payment options: Pay Taxes in Fairfax County

Relief and exemptions you may qualify for

Fairfax County offers programs that can reduce or defer your real estate taxes if you meet income, asset, and eligibility criteria.

Seniors and people with disabilities

The Tax Relief program uses income and net-asset tests. For 2025, combined household income up to $90,000 and net assets up to $400,000 may qualify for tiered relief. Households at or below $60,000 may be eligible for 100% relief. Read the county application for full definitions and documentation.

• Program rules and details: Tax Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities

Real estate tax deferral

Deferral has higher thresholds. The county lists a $100,000 combined income cap and $500,000 net-asset cap. Deferred taxes accrue interest tied to the prime rate plus 1.00% and not to exceed 8.00%. Deferred amounts are a lien and are repaid when the property is sold, transferred, or as program rules require.

• Deferral terms and application: Tax Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities

Disabled veteran exemption

Virginia law authorizes a full real estate tax exemption for the principal residence of veterans rated 100% service-connected, permanent and total. Applicants must submit the county’s exemption affidavit and VA documentation.

• State ruling reference: Virginia Tax Ruling 12-108
• County exemptions overview: Real Estate Exemptions

Applications are annual and time-sensitive. The county’s forms page posts current-year applications, instructions, and deadlines.

• Forms and deadlines: Tax Administration Forms

If you disagree with your assessment

Start by contacting the Department of Tax Administration to review the data used for your valuation. Many concerns can be resolved informally by discussing sales, property characteristics, or condition details with county staff or an appraiser.

If you still disagree, you can file an administrative appeal, then if needed, a Board of Equalization appeal. For 2025, the county posted an April 1, 2025 administrative appeal deadline for residential properties and a June 2, 2025 BOE filing deadline. Deadlines change each year, so use your notice and the appeals page for the current window and required documents.

Appeals are evidence-based and focus on fair market value and uniformity. They cannot be based only on “the rate increased.” Appeals do not pause your obligation to pay on time.

• Process, deadlines, and forms: Assessment Appeals
• Common questions on assessments: Real Estate FAQs

If you miss a payment

Fairfax County applies an automatic 10% penalty to late real estate tax installments. Interest on unpaid balances accrues annually based on the county’s current policy. The county may add administrative or collection fees for delinquent accounts.

• Penalties and interest policy: Missed Due Date

If you cannot pay, contact the Treasurer’s office right away to discuss options and reduce escalation risk. The county can use collection measures, DMV holds, or lien enforcement if bills remain unpaid.

• Real estate payment assistance: DTA Real Estate Help

Tools every Burke homeowner should use

Use the county’s online tools to understand your parcel and bill details.

• RESviewer and assessment lookup. View your assessment notice, parcel specifics, and any special district codes that add charges. Start here: Real Estate Assessments & Taxes
• MyFairfax portal. Check balances, bills, and payment history or confirm if your mortgage company is set to pay from escrow: Department of Tax Administration
• Forms and relief. Download current applications and instructions: Tax Administration Forms
• Appeals. Review sales data, gather comparables, and file within the posted window: Assessment Appeals

Quick homeowner checklist

• Confirm whether your mortgage servicer pays from escrow.
• Download your assessment notice and note any special district codes.
• Verify property data like square footage, beds, permits, and condition.
• If appealing, gather 3 to 4 recent comparable sales near the January 1 valuation date.
• Review relief or exemption eligibility and prepare documents early.

Planning a move in Burke

If you plan to sell or buy this year, factor your assessment, tax rate, and any special district charges into your budget. Sellers often ask how tax timing affects net proceeds, and buyers ask how taxes impact monthly costs. A clear plan helps you price, time your move, and compare neighborhoods within Fairfax County.

If you want local guidance on timing, pricing, or budgeting around real estate taxes, connect with John Irvin. You will get senior-level advice and a practical plan tailored to your Burke goals.

FAQs

How are Burke property taxes calculated in 2025?

• Your bill is based on your January 1 assessment multiplied by the adopted 2025 county tax rate per $100 of value, plus any special district charges listed for your parcel; see the rate list and formula in the county’s tax rates and FAQs.

Will my taxes go up if my assessment increased?

• Not automatically, because tax equals assessment times the adopted rate; the Board sets the final rate during the budget process, and relief or exemptions can also change what you owe, as noted in the county’s 2025 assessments release.

When are Fairfax County bills due each year?

• Real estate taxes are billed in two installments due July 28 and December 5, with dates shifting to the next business day if they fall on a weekend or holiday; see the county’s Real Estate page.

Where can I apply for senior, disability, or veteran relief?

• The county’s forms page lists current applications for tax relief, deferral, and the disabled veteran exemption; start at Tax Administration Forms and the program pages for relief and exemptions.

What if I cannot pay my bill on time?

• Penalties and interest apply automatically, so contact the Treasurer’s office immediately to ask about options and avoid collections; review the county’s Missed Due Date guidance for current penalties and interest.

How do I check if my Burke parcel has special district charges?

• View your assessment notice and parcel record in RESviewer and MyFairfax for district codes and any add-ons; start at Real Estate Assessments & Taxes.