Central Nova News

The City of Alexandria has dispatched the 2024 first half real estate tax bills, along with the refuse and stormwater utility fees, to property owners and mortgage companies. The real estate tax rate for 2024 stands at $1.135 per $100 of assessed value.

Unlike the real estate tax, both the refuse fee and stormwater utility fee follow the fiscal year from July 1 to June 30. The initial half refuse fee is set at $250 per can, representing half of the $500 annual rate for fiscal years 2024 and 2025. The first half stormwater utility fee is pegged at $154.35 per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU), which constitutes half of the $308.70 annual charge for FY 2024.

In October 2024, when the second half of the real estate tax bills are sent out, there will be no change in the refuse fee which remains at $250 per can. However, the stormwater utility fee will rise to $162.05 per ERU as part of a new annual rate.

Payments for these taxes and fees must be made by Monday, June 17, to avoid penalties. A late payment penalty applies if payments are not made or postmarked by this date—five percent if paid by July 2, increasing to ten percent thereafter or a minimum of $10 if greater. Refuse fees also incur a ten percent late penalty past June 17. Interest on unpaid amounts accumulates annually at ten percent initially and five percent each subsequent year from June 18 onward.

Property owners who wish to appeal their stormwater utility fee should submit an appeal form before June 17; forms can be found on Alexandria's website or obtained from their Stormwater Management Division office.

The Virginia Code prohibits waivers on tax penalties or interest due to non-receipt or inability to pay bills. Property owners missing their bill should contact Alexandria’s Treasury Division before June 17 for assistance in obtaining one.

Payment methods include online transactions via credit card or eCheck through Alexandria’s website or physical payments either mailed in or dropped off at designated locations by midnight on June 17.

Alexandria residents aged over sixty-five or those with permanent disabilities may qualify for a Real Estate Tax Relief Program, while veterans with full service-connected disabilities might receive complete exemptions on primary residences.

For more information about real estate taxes, assessments, appeals, mailing address updates, or other inquiries related to these financial obligations and services provided by Alexandria City offices and divisions are available online.