Property Assessments

What is an assessment?

The City of Alexandria Real Estate Assessments levies a tax on all real estate located in the City subject to taxation. That includes us. Residential property is assessed at 100% of the estimated fair market value as of January 1 of each year. Your property tax is then based on your assessment.

How is it done?

The city uses mass appraisal methods and techniques to adjust prior year assessments to reflect changes in current fair market value. Simplistically, because of the uniqueness of Old Town Village, the assessments are based on sales of comparable courtyard units and town houses in Old Town Village.

When is it done?

Annually.

When do we receive the assessments?

In February of each year, the City mails assessment notices to all owners of real estate property in Alexandria. Call Alexandria Department of Real Estate assessments at 703-838-4646, weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for details.

How much will my tax be?

The tax is calculated by multiplying the property’s assessed value by the real estate tax rate. The real estate tax rate is per $100 of the assessed value. For example, in 2003, the real estate tax per $100 was $1.035. For each $100,000 of assessed value, the tax was $1035 ($1.035 x 1000).

When is the tax due?

Taxes are due in two installments, June 15 and Nov. 15. Pending reviews or appeals do not free you from paying the taxes already assessed on the due dates.

What if I disagree with the assessment?

Theoretically, you have two options: (1) request a departmental review; (2) appeal to the Board of Equalization. However, realistically, the Board of Equalization prefers you go through option one, the departmental review, before coming to them.

What do I do to review and appeal?

Submit your request for review no later than April 1 and your appeal no later than July 1 on the appropriate forms. Forms are available from the City’s Web site at www.alexandriava.gov/realestate by clicking on Real Estate Assessment Review and Appeal. Forms may also be obtained by calling the City Hall at 703-838-4646. For help in the process, appraisers are available at City Hall, 301 King Street, Room 2600, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays.