Commissioner of Revenue
Arlington Taxpayer General Information - What You Need To Know
VEHICLE PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES
All cities and counties in Virginia levy a personal property tax. Vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, motor homes, trailers, semitrailers, boats, and aircraft are subject to the tax. The Commissioner of Revenue, 703-228-3135, assesses the Vehicle Personal Property Tax, and payments are made to the Treasurer, 703-228-4000.
Vehicles Taxed in Arlington
All vehicles garaged in Arlington are subject to the Vehicle Personal Property Tax, including vehicles with out of state tags, vehicles that are not operated, and vehicles that are temporarily absent from Arlington. A vehicle is temporarily absent if it has not been legally registered in another jurisdiction. Should a vehicle fail to be registered within 60 days of its arrival in the County, it may be subject to a late filing penalty equal to 10 percent of the applicable tax.
Personal Property Tax Relief Act (PPTRA)
The Virginia Commonwealth Car Tax Relief program was enacted in 1998. It applies to the first $20,000 of the assessed value of cars, panel trucks, pick-up trucks, and motorcycles, whether owned or leased. These vehicles must have a registered gross weight of 7,501 pounds or less, and must be used for non-business purposes. Motor homes, trailers, boats, and farm use vehicles do not qualify for tax relief. When a vehicle qualifies, Arlington's annual vehicle tax bill will show both the tax credit paid by the Commonwealth and the remaining tax amount owed by the owner.
REMINDER:
October 5 is the deadline for Vehicle Personal Property Tax Payments
Assessments and Tax Rates on Vehicles
The Arlington Commissioner of Revenue uses one of the lowest values in the N.A.D.A. Used Car Guide to assess all vehicles.
The Vehicle Personal Property Tax rate, currently $5.00 per $100 of the vehicle’s assessed value, is set by the County Board.
County Decals
Most cities and counties in Virginia require that a decal be displayed on the front windshield of each vehicle adjacent to the Commonwealth inspection sticker. An Arlington decal must be displayed within 60 days of purchasing a vehicle and/or locating it in Arlington. Valid Commonwealth registration for each vehicle must be presented to the Commissioner of Revenue. Upon payment of all outstanding Arlington obligations, the Treasurer will issue a decal. The annual fee for obtaining the decal is $25.
Tax Deadlines
Normally, vehicle tax bills are due October 5, and it is the policy of the Treasurer to mail all tax bills 30 days prior to the tax deadline. Tax bills for vehicles registered with the Commissioner between July 16 and December 15 (inclusive) will be presented at registration and are payable immediately. Vehicle personal property tax bills are applicable to the calendar year in which issued or on a pro-rated portion thereof. State law requires the Treasurer to collect late payment penalties and interest on any outstanding taxes not paid by the deadline.
Corrections to Bills
If your tax bill is incorrect, immediately contact the Commissioner of Revenue. If a replacement tax bill is not available prior to the payment deadline, pay the full amount originally assessed in order to avoid possible penalty and interest. The Treasurer will mail you a refund for the amount overpaid after the corrected assessment is issued.
Vehicles Sold or Moved
If your vehicle is sold or moved, please contact the Commissioner of Revenue within 30 days so that taxes will no longer be assessed on the vehicle.
Taxpayer Improvement Program Service
The TIPS program works to identify and collect taxes from apparent tax evaders, including those who evade personal property taxes on vehicles. To report suspected evaders, call the TIPS Hotline at 703-228-3030, or you can complete the TIPS form online.
BUSINESS TAXES
Opening a Business in Arlington
New partnerships and trade names must be registered with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Arlington Courthouse, 1425 N. Courthouse Road, Suite 6700, Arlington, VA 22201, 703-228-7010.
New businesses must also apply for a Certificate of Occupancy with the Zoning Office, 2100 Clarendon Boulevard, 10th floor, Suite 1000 , Arlington, VA 22201, 703-228-3883.
Business License Tax
Business license taxes are assessed by the Commissioner of Revenue. Most of these taxes are based on total gross receipts. A new business must obtain a license before commencing operations. For further information call 703-228-3060.
Business Tangible Personal Property Tax
Arlington levies a tax on all tangible personal property owned by a trade or business (such as furniture, fixtures, machinery and tools) located in the County on January 1. The business must file a return with the Commissioner of Revenue by May 1 of each year to avoid a 10 percent late filing penalty. Payment is due by September 5. Businesses must itemize their personal property and/or equipment, starting with the date of purchase for each item and original purchase price. For further information call 703-228-3060.
OTHER TAXES
Real Estate Taxes
Real estate is assessed by the Department of Real Estate Assessments. Taxes are due in two installments, June 15 and October 5 of each year.
Dog Licenses
All dogs over four months of age must be licensed by the Arlington Treasurer’s Office. No dog license will be issued without proof that the dog has a valid rabies inoculation. License applications may be obtained from the Treasurer, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, and all participating veterinarians. A one-year license is $10 and a three-year license is $25. For further information on dog licensing, please call 703-228-3080.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Sign up for Online Bill Notification. Receive e-mail reminders, view online payment history, and view bills for real estate taxes, personal property taxes, utilities, and parking tickets. Go to the Treasurer's web site, then to the "Get It Done Online" section.
Pay through the mail. Tax and utility bills may be paid by check or money order made payable to Treasurer, Arlington County and mailed to 2100 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 215, Arlington, VA 22201. Write your account number on your check, and be sure to enclose the payment stub from your bill.
Payments are accepted at most full service bank branch offices in Arlington by cash, check, or money order. Bring the payment stub from your bill with you, and write your account number on your check. You need not have an account with the bank, nor is there a charge for this service. Banks cannot accept late payments.
Pay over the telephone by credit or debit card. A fee will be added to each transaction. Call 1-888-2PAY-TAX (1-888-272-9829). The jurisdiction code for Arlington is 1000. Enter the 14-digit account number from the front of your bill. (Please note: Visa is not accepted for payment of utility bills.)
Pay online. Use a credit card, debit card, or e-check. Go to the payment web site. A fee, charged by our credit card processor, will be added to all credit and debit card payments. There is no charge for using an e-check.
Place payment in the 24-hour drop box. The drop box is located in the 2400 block of Clarendon Boulevard, on the driver's side near the corner of Clarendon Boulevard and Adams Street.
If you have any problems with any of the payment methods listed above, please call the Treasurer at 703-228-4000 (TTY: 703-228-4611).
Join the Automated Payment Service (APS)
There are two payment options:
Automated Bank Debit (ABD) Program
Your bank account will be automatically debited for your personal property tax, real estate tax, and/or utility bills. To join, call 703-228-3090.
Making use of these alternative forms of payment is encouraged to maximize your convenience and to minimize congestion at the Treasurer’s Office.
ATTENTION VOTERS!
If you plan to vote in Virginia in the November general election, read this carefully:
If you do not have a valid voter card with your current address, you may not be qualified to vote. Call the Arlington Office of Voter Registration at 703-228-3456 immediately. The deadline to register or make corrections to your registration is 30 days before the election.
TAX CALENDAR
| 1/15 | 4th Qtr. State Estimated Income Tax Due |
| 3/1 | Business License Tax Return (36.8K PDF format) Filing and Payment Due |
| 4/15 | Federal Tax Return Filing Due |
| 5/1 | Business Tangible Personal Property Tax Return (22.8K PDF format) Filing Due |
| 5/1 | Virginia State Income Tax Filing Due |
| 5/1 | 1st Qtr. State Estimated Income Tax Due |
| 6/15 | 1st Installment Real Estate Tax Due |
| 6/15 | 2nd Qtr. State Estimated Income Tax Due |
| 9/5 | Business Tangible Personal Property Tax (22.8K PDF format) Payment Due |
| 9/15 | 3rd Qtr. State Estimated Income Tax Due |
| 10/5 | Vehicle Personal Property Tax Due |
| 10/5 | 2nd Installment Real Estate Tax Due |
| 11/15 | Deadline for Displaying New Vehicle Decals |
CONTACT INFORMATION
For assessment information contact the Office of the Commissioner of Revenue:
General Information: 703-228-3033
Fax: 703-228-7048
E-mail the Commissioner of Revenue's Office
Vehicle Personal Property Information: 703-228-3135
Fax: 703-228-7581
E-mail the Vehicle Personal Property Tax Division
Business Tax Division: 703-228-3060
Fax: 703-228-3578
E-mail the Business Tax Division
Customer Advocate: 703-228-4810
Fax: 703-228-7048
E-mail the Customer Advocate
TIPS Hotline: 703-228-3030
Fax: 703-228-7581
E-mail the Vehicle Personal Property Tax Division
or complete the TIPS form online
For payment information contact the Office of the Treasurer:
General Information, including Real Estate Billing Information: 703-228-4000
Fax: 703-228-7436
E-mail the Treasurer's Office
For information regarding Real Estate Assessments contact: 703-228-3920
E-mail the Real Estate Assessment Office
