To help taxpayers during the ongoing pandemic, Fairfax County has significantly reduced penalties for late personal property and real estate tax payments this year.

The penalty for late payments of these taxes was reduced from 10 percent to 5 percent. The additional 15 percent penalty for personal property taxes – better known as car taxes – that are more than 30 days overdue was eliminated. These changes will apply only to tax year 2020.

In late March, the board extended the due date to pay the first half of real estate taxes until August 28. This payment is normally due one month earlier on July 28. The deadline to report changes in personal property ownership was also extended to June 1. Taxpayers who missed this deadline are subject to the normal 10% penalty.

As always, Department of Tax Administration staff are available to assist taxpayers experiencing financial difficulties with setting up reasonable payment plans.

Residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to pay their taxes online. This is the safest, fastest, and easiest way to pay taxes during the pandemic. E-check payments are easy, quick, and free. Residents who normally pay with cash in person are reminded that they can do so by mailing a money order instead.

For more information or questions, contact the County’s Department of Tax Administration by email or by phone at 703-222-8234, TTY 711.