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  • Live

    Make the most of Alexandria's outstanding quality of life with information and services of interest to residents.

    • Be Prepared

      Are you ready? Find resources and information to help residents, businesses and visitors to prepare for all types of emergencies, and to stay safe.

      • Flooding Preparedness
      • Snow and Ice Control
      • Hurricane Preparedness
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Public Health Emergency
    • Community Life

      Learn more about pets and animals, schools and libraries, parks and farmers' markets, community gardens, and more.

      • Community Gardens
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Parks
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    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards and Commissions
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • City Academies
      • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus and Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Historic Preservation

      Historic Alexandria is a treasure trove of early structures, artifacts, and records that creates a unique way of life for its citizens and provides enjoyment for thousands of people who visit this special community every year. The City continues to add resources to its collection of local and nationally designated historic districts.

      • Alexandria History
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Historic Alexandria
      • Historic Districts
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • Building & Construction
      • Business Licenses
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
    • Parking

      Information about parking in the City of Alexandria, including parking options, enforcement, districts and permits.

      • Contest a Parking Ticket
      • Guest Parking Permits
      • Parking Permits
      • Parking Studies
      • Parking in Old Town
      • Pay a Parking Ticket
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Domestic Violence
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual Assault
      • Substance Abuse Prevention
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving and Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Schools & Libraries

      Did you know that ACPS is one of the most diverse school systems in the country? Our students come from more than 80 different countries, speak more than 60 languages, and represent a myriad of ethnic and cultural groups. The Alexandria Library is an educational, user-oriented service institution providing free public access to recorded knowledge and ideas.

      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Library
      • Child Care
      • Higher Learning
      • Out of School Time Programs
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care Assistance
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Resources
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Utilities

      The City of Alexandria does not operate any public utilities. The following companies are the primary providers of their respective service:

      • Cable TV (Comcast / Xfinity)
      • Drinking Water (Virginia American Water)
      • Electricity (Dominion Energy)
      • Natural Gas (Washington Gas)
      • Sewage/Water Treatment (Alex Renew)
      • Wired Telephone (Verizon)
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  • Play

    Whether you live here or are just visiting, Alexandria is a great place to shop, dine, take in the arts, get outdoors, and just have fun.

    • About Alexandria

      If you are looking for small-town charm and big-city amenities, Alexandria is the place to find them. Alexandria has a fascinating history, and many of its historic buildings are still preserved today. The City's many historic homes, churches, businesses, and museums allow residents and visitors alike to experience the past that makes it the charming town it is today.

      • Alexandria's History
      • Demographics & Statistics
      • Maps & GIS
      • Visit Alexandria
    • Arts & Culture

      Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to arts and culture, the City builds a vibrant community for its residents, workers, and visitors.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Historic Property Rentals
      • Museums & Historic Sites
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
      • Office of the Arts
    • Entertainment

      Find events and activities, shops and restaurants, concerts and performances, arts and culture, historic attractions, parks and libraries, farmers' markets, and more.

      • City Concerts
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      • Office of the Arts
      • Visit Alexandria: Things to Do
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
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    • Museums & Historic Sites

      Alexandria is a desirable location to live, work and play. The City owns many of the premier historic sites in Alexandria and it is charged with the conservation, interpretation and promotion of these links to the past.

      • City Museums
      • Historic Sites & Attractions
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
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      • Facility & Park Rentals
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      • Marina & Waterfront Parks
      • ParkLink Interactive Map
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
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      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Visit Alexandria

      Information about visiting Alexandria, including shopping, dining, attractions, accommodations, events listings and more. Plan your visit with an itinerary builder, interactive maps, hotel booking, online restaurant reservations and much more.

      • Group Tours
      • Meet in Alexandria
      • Plan Your Visit
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  • Services

    We are here to serve you. Browse the topics to the right to learn more about the programs and services we offer.

    • Alex311

      Connect with professional and knowledgeable staff for City service and information requests from every City department.

      • Missed Collection
      • Parking
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    • Animals

      What you need to know about animals, pets and wildlife in Alexandria.

      • Animal Adoption
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    • Buildings & Construction

      The City provides services to residents, businesses, contractors, and visitors needing permits for constructions and other developments.

      • Building Codes
      • City Code
      • Code Administration
      • Green Building
      • Land Use & Zoning
      • Permit Center
      • Permits & Land Use Applications
    • Environment

      "Green" initiatives, air quality, noise, water conservation, mosquito and rodent control.

      • Air Quality
      • Clean Waterways
      • Climate Change
      • Eco-City Alexandria
      • Green Building
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    • Jobs
      • City Government Jobs
      • Alexandria City Public Schools
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Maps & GIS

      Geographic Information Systems (GIS) centrally manages, shares and analyzes information about locations through specialized mapping technology. This information increases transparency, improves many City technology applications and provides critical data to decision makers and the public.

      • Interactive Maps
      • Open Data
      • Standard Maps
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Property & Housing

      The City administers various housing-related programs and services.

      • Housing Master Plan
      • Landlord & Property Manager Resources
      • Maps & GIS
      • Office of Housing
      • Parcel Viewer
      • Real Estate Assessments
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Emergency Mental Health Services
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual and Domestic Violence Services
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving & Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care
      • Children & Families
      • Discrimination & Disabilities
      • Gang & Youth Violence Prevention
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Assistance
      • Human Rights
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Transportation Planning
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  • Business

    Ideally located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is nationally recognized as one of the best places to live and do business on the east coast. Learn how we can help you start or relocate your business in Alexandria, and access resources for existing businesses and commuters.

    • Business Resources

      The City provides services and resources to help existing businesses expand within the City and promotes recruiting new businesses in Alexandria.

      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • BIPOC Small Business Program
      • Doing Business with the City
      • New Business Guide
      • Public-Private Partnerships
    • Jobs

      Alexandria offers wide range of job opportunities and services. Work for City government or City Public Schools, find out about an internship opportunity or learn about workforce development and career training options.

      • City Government Jobs
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • APEX Permitting & Land Use System
      • Business Licenses
      • Business Outdoor Program & Permits
      • Health Permits
      • Permit Center
      • Zoning Information
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Lodging Tax
      • Meal Tax
      • Payments
      • Real Estate Assessment Search
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Sales Tax
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Getting Around
      • Vehicle Registration
      • GO Alex Commuter Resources
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  • Government

    Learn more about Alexandria's accountable, effective, and well-managed government.

    • City Council

      The Alexandria City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Council members who are elected at-large for three-year terms. The Mayor, who is chosen on a separate ballot, presides over meetings of the Council and serves as the ceremonial head of government.

      • City Council Calendar
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    • Boards & Commissions

      The City of Alexandria has a strong commitment to citizen participation as evidenced by the number of citizen boards and commissions established by City Council. These bodies compose a formal system through which citizens can advise City Council on all major issues affecting the City.

      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Apply for a Board or Commission
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      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
      • Planning Commission
      • Park & Recreation Commission
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    • Departments & Agencies

      View a list of City departments, offices and other agencies, and learn about their role in the organization.

      • City Government Departments & Offices
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
      • Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA)
      • Alexandria Transit Company (DASH)
      • Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA)
      • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • Visit Alexandria (Official Tourism Site)
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

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    • Elected Officials

      Alexandria voters elect a Mayor and City Council and three local officers, as well as state and federal representatives.

      • City Council
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      • Voting in Alexandria
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

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    • Transparency

      The City government acts with integrity in an open process, and provides timely access to clear, trustworthy information, presented and employed by all parties from the beginning to the end of the process, including the reasoning that leads to and supports the policy conclusion.

      • Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program
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  • Projects & Plans

    Much of our work involves creating and improving infrastructure and planning for the future. Learn more about major projects and plans here, and how you can get involved!

    • Arts & Culture

      Information about arts, culture and historic projects in the City.

      • Arts & Culture Master Plan
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      Information about commercial and residential development projects in the City.

      • Landmark/Van Dorn Area Planning
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      Information about environmental and "green" projects in the City.

      • 500 Block N. Pitt St. Sewer Separation Project
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Frequently Asked Questions About Real Estate Assessments

Real Estate Assessments are a complicated topic. Here's some information about how it all works in the City of Alexandria.
Page updated on February 9, 2023 at 12:54 PM

Real Estate Assessments

  • Real Estate Tax Information
  • Real Estate Assessment Search
  • Real Property Assessment Information
  • Tax Payments
  • Review & Appeal Process
  • Letters of Authorization
  • FAQs

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The following are questions commonly asked about real estate assessments in the City of Alexandria and other Northern Virginia jurisdictions. You may reach us  via email, by phone at 703.746.4646, and by mail or in person at the Department of Real Estate Assessments, 301 King Street, City hall, Room 2600, Alexandria, VA. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Real Estate Assessment FAQs

1. I received my notice and believe that the assessment is too high (or too low). How do I have an appraiser take a second look at the assessed value?

If you have researched the sales and feel your assessment is incorrect, you should file for a “Request for Review” of your assessment. The request can be submitted online, via email, or regular mail. It is important to note that the deadline to file this is March 15, 2023. Please be as specific as possible when stating your reasons for the disputed value. Do not hesitate to call the Office and talk to an appraiser before submitting a Review. The appraiser can guide you through every step and answer questions regarding the assessment.

2. Can I use current year sales or listings as a basis for my Review or Appeal of my property's assessed value?

Real property assessments in the City of Alexandria are conducted annually and under state law are required to have a January 1 effective date of each calendar year. Therefore, the valuation of real property is conducted using closed and recorded property transfers that occurred during the previous calendar year. This methodology was affirmed by a recent advisory opinion issued by the Virginia Attorney General which concluded that, "the sale of real property after January 1 does not impact real property assessments for the current tax year." Therefore, it would be erroneous to use information subsequent to the effective date of valuation because it would reflect future market conditions that could not have been foreseen at the time of valuation. However, subsequent sales information may be used as evidence of the fair market value of the property during the annual assessment cycle that occurs after the date of the sale.

3. Why does the assessment notice include prior year's tax levies, and why is the percentage change shown on the assessment notice different from the percentage change in assessed value?

A 2014 amendment to §58.1-3330(B) of the Code of Virginia requires the disclosure of tax rate, tax levy, and percent change from the previous year. Since the tax rate is set by City Council after assessment notices are mailed, it is not possible to show the tax rate or levy for the current year's assessment. The percentage change shown reflects the change in the tax levy, and not the change in assessed value. This information is not intended to replace the tax bills which are mailed separately.

4. What is my assessed value intended to reflect?

Your total assessed value is the Office of Real Estate Assessments’ estimate of the 100% fair market value of your property as of January 1. Fair market value is defined as: 

The most probable price, as of a specified date, for which the specified property rights should sell after reasonable exposure in a competitive market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, with the buyer and seller each acting prudently, knowledgeably, and for self-interest, assuming that neither is under undue duress.

A simple question to ask yourself is: "Would I be able to sell my property for this assessed value as of January 1?"

5. How is my residential assessment determined?

Alexandria utilizes mass appraisal methods in determining the fair market value of your property. Your assessment notice allocates a land value (as if vacant), and an improvement value. The total value as it appears on your notice is intended to be your property's fair market value.

Your 2023 assessment is based on sales that occurred during 2022. Appraisers start by grouping properties into study groups. Then the appraisers analyze the sales of properties that occurred in the subject property’s study group. Since these properties are the group of properties that are determined to be most similar, they are the best sales to analyze and determine whether to increase, decrease, or not change an assessment.

If no sales occur in a given study group, appraisers must find a comparable study group to analyze and determine what action to take regarding the assessed values.

Think about it in terms of house hunting – if you really wanted to live in X neighborhood, but for whatever reason couldn’t buy there (nothing on market, too expensive), where else would you look?

6. How is my commercial assessment determined?

Commercial properties are more complex in nature than residential property. Commercial properties are analyzed by their property class (office building, apartment, hotel, etc.) and are valued based on the income, sales, and/or cost approaches.

7. What is a “Study Group”? How do I find out my property's study group?

A study group is a four digit number that identifies a group of properties that we analyze to determine the market value of a subject property.

Your study group can be found on the property information page of our website (alexandriava.gov/RealEstate). The study group is also on your assessment notice.

8. How do I find the sales analyzed to determine my January 1 assessment?

All valid sales used to determine the assessments are listed on the website. Start by clicking on the "Search Property & Sales Data" link on the Office’s webpage. Then enter in the subject property’s address or databank number. At the top of the screen, click the tab titled “Sales Used for Assessment.” The list that appears shows all of the valid sales that were analyzed to determine the 2023 assessment. The column headings (in blue) are all sortable, which should help in determining the most comparable properties. Once you have located the sales you believe to be most comparable, compare the sales price and the assessed value of those properties to your own. The more similar the comparable property, the more likely the assessed values will be closely related.

9. How can I change my mailing address for assessment notices and tax bills?

Any property owner who wishes to update the address to which real estate tax bills and any real estate tax-related correspondence are mailed must update the mailing address on file with the Real Estate Assessment Division .

Requests for address changes for assessment notices and tax bills must be made in writing by the property owner(s) or an authorized agent. These requests may be submitted by e-mail, mail, or in person. The mailing/billing address cannot be updated over the phone.  All requests should include the property address and the new mailing address.

Requests may be emailed to: realestate@alexandriava.gov

Address change forms may also be mailed or delivered in person during regular office hours to:

Real Estate Assessment Division     
301 King Street, Room 2600
Alexandria VA 22314

If you are an authorized agent, please review the requirements for valid Letters of Authorization prior to submitting a change of address request.

The mailing/billing address cannot be updated over the phone or by any other office. The Finance Department is required by law to mail the biannual real estate tax bills and related correspondence to either the owner's mailing address on file with the Real Estate Division or to the owner's mortgage company (whichever is applicable).

10. How does the percentage change in my assessment compare to other properties?

The percentage change of your assessment will generally be close to the assessment change of other properties located in your study group. However, in many of the City's residential areas, especially where there are a variety of building sizes, styles and quality, assessment changes may fall within a range of percentages. Reasons for this include cases where properties have received improvements over the past year that would cause the assessment to change at a different percentage rate. Also, staff appraisers physically inspect a number of neighborhoods each year and occasionally make adjustments to property data based on what they observe during the course of their inspections.

11. How does Alexandria compare to other parts of the state or to other Northern Virginia jurisdictions?

Each jurisdiction is unique, but surprisingly enough, assessment changes in Alexandria as of January 1, 2023 are comparable to those in the neighboring jurisdictions of Northern Virginia. Assessments in these jurisdictions are also based on the sales that occurred during calendar year 2022.

Assessment information for the following nearby jurisdictions can be found on their assessment office websites:

  • Fairfax County
  • Arlington County
  • City of Falls Church

12. Is there a state law that prevents assessments from changing more than a certain amount each year?

There is no provision to limit the amount of change from year to year. The Constitution of Virginia requires that real estate assessments represent 100% of fair market value.

13. Should my assessment change be the same as what has been published in the newspaper for my zip code?

Newspapers often publish sales data in a summary format for large areas, such as by zip code, by city or by county. This information can show general trends in the market. However, these trends should not be compared to the percentage change in your January 1 assessed value. One reason for this is that the time period can fluctuate for the reporting of the data. The assessment office primarily relies on sales during the past calendar year within precise areas and of properties that are more similar in nature to your property. In addition, data reported by the sources noted above are typically averages, which imply a range of percentage change.

14. How much are my taxes going to be in 2023?

City Council will set the tax rate in May 2023.

To calculate your taxes use the following formula:
(Assessed value ÷ 100) (tax rate).

For example, in tax year 2022, the real estate tax on a residence assessed at $200,000 is $2,220 ($200,000 x 2022 tax rate of $1.11 per $100).

15. What were the tax rates for the last several years?

Year      

TAX RATE

 

    (Per $100 of assessed value)    
2022       $1.11
2021       $1.11
2020       $1.13
2019       $1.13
2018       $1.13
2017       $1.13
2016       $1.073
2015       $1.043
2014       $1.043
2013       $1.038
2012       $0.998

 

 

16. If I find incorrect data on the website for my property, how do I ensure that these data are corrected?

The Office of Real Estate Assessments prides itself on maintaining accurate real estate data for the basis of the assessments for all property owners and for use by the public. Please notify us immediately if you note an error in your property information by sending an e-mail to realestate@alexandriava.gov, or by calling 703.746.4646.

17. My house is under construction and only partially complete. Why aren't you waiting until it is complete to assess me?

The City assesses all real estate as it is on January 1st of each year. New construction that is not fit for occupancy is assessed at a value reflecting the percentage of completion as of January 1 (e.g. 50%, 75%, etc.). Upon completion, it is assessed at its full value at the end of the month of completion.

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