Tax Relief

Call the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office at 365-6218 to set up an appointment. Applications are taken by appointment only. The application process usually takes less than thirty minutes to complete and involves the applicant supplying documentation about his/her income and resources. The applicant must sign an affidavit confirming the accuracy of all information.  Click here to download the application.

Yes. All information is strictly confidential and not open to public inspection.

Yes. Tax relief is granted on an annual basis and a new application must be filed each year.

To be eligible for the real estate tax relief program, you must apply each year between January 1st and June 30th. If you are eligible, relief will be applied to your real estate tax bills due on December 5th and June 5th of the following fiscal year.

Yes. The applicant seeking relief must own and occupy the property. An exception is allowed for persons living in nursing homes, hospitals, or convalescent homes for physical or mental care so long as their property is not being used by or rented to others for monetary consideration.

The owner whose name appears on the tax bill must be at least 65 years of age on or before June 30 of the immediately preceding taxable year in which the application is made. The spouse can be under the age of 65.

No. If a person who is permanently and totally disabled owns real estate, there is no minimum age requirement.

Certification is required from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Railroad Retirement Board, or the Social Security Administration. If an applicant is not eligible for certification by any of these agencies, there must be sworn affidavits by two medical doctors licensed to practice medicine in Virginia. One of these affidavits must be based upon a physical examination.

The gross combined income of the owner(s) during the calendar year preceding the taxable year cannot exceed $56,300 per year. Income from relatives living in the dwelling (excluding up to $6,500 per person) is included in computing gross income.

Wages, Social Security, annuities, pensions, disability income, interest, dividends, business income, farm income, income from rental property, and income from roomers or boarders.

The applicant’s net worth, not counting the value of the applicant’s home, cannot exceed $235,896.

Real estate other than one (1) acre and the residence thereon, bank accounts, trusts, certificates of deposit, stocks, bonds, cash value of life insurance policies, and value of personal property such as automobiles.

Heirs do not have to repay the amount of taxes relieved.

Isle of Wight operates an EXEMPTION program.

Senior citizens and permanently and totally disabled persons who meet the eligibility criteria are granted relief from all or part of their real estate taxes.  No repayment of the taxes, which are exempted, is ever required by you or your heirs.

No. If there is a mortgage on the property, you are still eligible to apply for real estate tax relief.

Yes. Mobile homes qualify if owned by the applicant, whether or not the land is owned by the applicant. For purposes of this program, mobile homes are eligible for tax relief as real estate, and the same qualifications apply.