Real Estate Assessment

Jason Hughes – Director

The Real Estate Assessment Division maintains the County Land Book and performs assessments for tax purposes of all real estate in the County. The Division is utilizing a Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal system (CAMA) to accomplish this. The Division’s primary functions include:

Administer laws pertaining to the real estate assessment process.
Conduct an annual review/reassessment of all real property.
Provide administrative support to the County Board of Real Estate Review and Equalization.
Certify an annual assessment report to the State Department of Taxation.
Administer the Land Use Program.

Real Estate Assessments

Title 58.1-3201 of the Code of Virginia provides for the assessment of real property at 100% of fair market value. Fair market value is the probable amount a property would sell for today if exposed to the market for a reasonable period. Henrico County employs an annual reassessment program to ensure that property is assessed uniformly and at its market value. The Real Estate Assessment Division is part of the Department of Finance and is charged with the review and reassessment of all real property effective January 1 of each year.

How Assessments are Determined

Real estate assessments are based on the typical selling price of comparable properties and reflect the actions of buyers and sellers in the local market. The Real Estate Assessment Division is responsible for reviewing market transactions and using the data to assess each property accordingly. Each year staff analyzes thousands of real estate transfers, of which the majority are residential properties. Additionally, transactions for previous years are examined. Sales information is gathered from recorded deeds, buyers, sellers, real estate professionals, and the selling prices are compared to the assessed values to determine an assessment/sales ratio. A neighborhood is selected for reassessment when its assessment/sales ratio is significantly below or above 100 percent. Once it is determined that an area must be reassessed, three valuation approaches, i.e., sales comparison, cost, or income are considered. Typically, the sales comparison approach is chosen for residential properties. Comparable sales information is used as a basis for the assessment of individual properties after the transactions are carefully analyzed to consider differences in size, quality, condition, location, and other amenities.

Due to the limited number of local commercial property transactions, regional and national information must be collected for analysis. In addition to replacement cost data and market data, commercial properties are selected for reassessment based on potential rental income, occupancy levels, and investor demand.

Notice of Assessment

Beginning in February of each year, all property owners are mailed a notice of assessment. The mortgage company should be notified if there is a change in the assessment. Title 58.1-3330 of the Code of Virginia requires that any person other than the owner who receives this notice, shall transmit it to the owner at the last known address immediately upon receipt.

“Land Use” value on the notice represents the use value assessment (qualifying and non-qualifying acreage) of property enrolled in the Land Use program. The sum of “Land Use” value and “Building Value” is the total taxable assessment for participating properties. “Land” value represents market value of the land.

Real Estate Assessment Appeal

Formal reconsideration of an assessment is warranted if the property owner believes the assessed value is in excess of or below fair market value, is based on incorrect property information, or is inequitable when compared to similar properties. Upon application and request, staff will complete an inspection and review of the assessment for a property. Once the analysis is complete, the property owner is notified and a recommended assessment is forwarded to the Board of Real Estate Review and Equalization (BOE) for consideration. Any property owner who disagrees with the County’s decision will be given an opportunity to appear before the BOE. By law, assessment appeals must be filed no later than April 1 of the current year. For additional information, call 804-501-4300 or the property owner may request an appeal form by emailing [email protected]. Please include a phone number in your email for any additional questions.

See Real Estate Assessment Appeal for more information.

Other Related Services

The County offers a Partial Tax Exemption program for certain residential, multi-family, commercial/industrial, and hotel/motel properties. The structure (building) for multi-family and commercial/industrial properties must be at least 26 years old. Qualification also includes other criteria. For additional information, call 804-501-4300.

The County offers a partial tax exemption for demolished or renovated buildings that have been determined by the Building Official to be derelict. For additional information, call 804-501-4300.

The County maintains a Land Use program that provides for the assessment of qualifying land based on its agricultural, horticultural, forestry, or open-space use rather than market value. Forest land eligibility includes a 20 acre minimum, and the other classifications require a 5 acre minimum. Applications are due by November 1. For additional information, call 804-501-4306.

The County offers an exemption of taxation of real property of qualified disabled veterans and surviving spouses. For additional information, call 804-501-4306.

The County offers an exemption of taxation of real property of a surviving spouse of a military service member who was killed in action as determined by the United States Department of Defense. For additional information, call 804-501-4306.

The County has a Real Estate Advantage program (REAP) for property owners, who meet certain criteria, are age 65 or older, or who may be disabled. The filing deadline is April 1. For additional information, call 804-501-4263.

Real Estate Tax Due Dates

Real estate taxes are billed semi-annually with the first half payment due on June 5 and the second half payment due on December 5. Reassessment notices are mailed to the property owner, however, the tax bills are typically sent directly to the mortgage company.

Additional Information

In addition to the online Real Estate data, Real Estate data may be obtained by calling 804-501-4300, 8:00am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday.

E-Mail inquiries to Jason Hughes at [email protected].

Board of Equalization

Board of Real Estate Review and Equalization includes information, meeting minutes and agendas.