[Archived] City of Alexandria Mails 2020 Second Half Real Estate Tax Bills; Offers COVID-19 Hardship Extension for Eligible Taxpayers

For Immediate Release: October 30, 2020

The City of Alexandria has mailed bills to all property owners and/or mortgage companies for the second half 2020 real estate tax, refuse fee and stormwater utility fee, which are due by Monday, November 16. The 2020 real estate tax rate is $1.130 per $100 of assessed value, the annual refuse fee rate is $460 and the annual stormwater utility fee varies depending on the impervious surface area of each property.

Late payment penalties and interest will be assessed on all real estate taxes and refuse fees that are not paid or postmarked by the due date. The late payment penalty is 5% of the tax if paid by November 30, 2020, and 10% of the tax or $10, whichever is greater, if paid later. The late payment penalty for the refuse fee is 10% of the fee.

Interest on tax and late payment penalties accrues at an annual rate of 10% for the first year and 5% for each year thereafter, beginning November 17, 2020, and continues until the entire outstanding balance is paid. Interest accrues on unpaid refuse fees at an annual rate of 10% and stormwater utility fees at an annual rate of 6%, beginning November 17, 2020. 

COVID-19 Hardship Extension

While the COVID-19 pandemic has affected our entire community, the City recognizes that the financial impact on some taxpayers may be particularly substantial. If a taxpayer’s ability to pay the full amount of the 2020 second installment of real estate tax due by November 16 has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, they should email covid19realpropertytax@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4800 to discuss their circumstances and learn about payment options.

Property owners who do not receive a real estate tax bill in the mail and do not have their real estate taxes paid by their mortgage companies should contact the City’s Treasury Division at payments@alexandriava.gov, or call 703.746.4800, to request a bill before November 16. Taxes and fees are due on time regardless of whether a bill is received. Detailed real estate tax balances and payment history are available 24 hours a day on the City’s website at alexandriava.gov/RealEstate. Property owners who changed their mailing address, but did not previously report the changes to the City, can update their addresses by contacting the Office of Real Estate Assessment at realestate@alexandriava.gov to ensure that future bills and correspondence are mailed to the correct addresses. Taxpayers who tax bills are paid through escrow should also contact their escrow provider if any changes are needed.

Many Ways to Pay

There are many easy ways to pay taxes and fees. Pay by credit card or eCheck on the City’s website at alexandriava.gov/Payments. Payments can also be mailed to City of Alexandria, P.O. Box 34750, Alexandria, VA 22334-0750.

Pay in person at the Treasury Division, City Hall, 301 King Street, Room 1510, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The drop box on the Royal Street side of City Hall, available 24 hours a day, is recommended for in-person payments to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Payments must be in the drop box by midnight on November 16, 2020, to be considered on time.

Visit alexandriava.gov/RealEstateTax for general information about the real estate tax, refuse fee and stormwater utility fee. 

Visit alexandriava.gov/RealEstate for information about real estate assessments, appeals or updating the property owner’s mailing address. 

Information about payments, late payment penalty and interest can be obtained by visiting the alexandriava.gov/TaxGuide or by contacting the Treasury Division at 703.746.746.4800. 

Si necesita ayuda en Español, llame al 703.746.4800.