Fairfax County vehicle owners owe personal property taxes on Monday, Oct. 5, and this year's bills include 10% tax relief, according to the county.

Bills were mailed this summer. Vehicle values are trending down: 97% of vehicles declined in value or stayed flat, and values dropped 9.8% on average. Values remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, however.

By state law, the county must assess each vehicle's value as of Jan. 1 using a recognized third-party pricing guide. The county cannot readjust assessed values after that date.

How to pay

The cheapest route is paying online by e-check, which is free. Credit and debit card payments are accepted online but carry a third-party service fee. Both options let residents schedule when the money leaves their bank account.

Other options:

  • Phone: Call 703-222-6740 (TTY 711), available 24/7. A service fee applies.
  • Mail: Send a check or money order payable to "County of Fairfax" to the Department of Tax Administration, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 223, Fairfax, VA 22035. Do not send cash. Payments postmarked by Oct. 5 count as on time.
  • Drop box: A secure red drop box at the Fairfax County Government Center accepts checks and money orders.
  • Library drop boxes: Starting Saturday, Sept. 19, through Oct. 5, residents can drop check or money order payments in book drops at six county libraries.
  • Self-service kiosks: Four self-service kiosks at county government buildings accept cash, checks and credit cards. Locations include the Government Center in Fairfax, Gerry Hyland Government Center in Alexandria, North County Government Center in Reston and Mason District Government Center in Annandale. The Reston and Annandale kiosks are open 24 hours.

Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman promoted the kiosks on X on Aug. 27:

@supvbierman: "Paying your car tax just got simpler. Fairfax County's new self-service kiosks accept cash, checks and cards — and let you check balances and print receipts on the spot."

Extended hours and contact info

In-person service at the Government Center (Suite 223) runs weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Starting Tuesday, Sept. 29, through Oct. 5, hours extend to 6 p.m. Phone service extends to 6 p.m. during that same window.

The tax bill also includes a local vehicle registration fee, separate from the state fee paid to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Residents in Clifton, Herndon and Vienna have their own local registration fees folded into the county bill.

Senior and disability relief

Residents who are at least 65 or permanently and totally disabled may qualify for additional tax relief if they meet income and asset requirements. The Department of Tax Administration can be reached at 703-222-8234 (English) or 703-324-3855 (Español), TTY 711, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., extended to 6 p.m. from Sept. 29 through Oct. 5.

Residents can manage their accounts, register new vehicles, update sold vehicles and view past assessments through the MyFairfax web portal.