What is the City's Real Estate Tax Abatement program?

Some home renovations or additions may qualify for a real estate tax exemption. The requirements to qualify for the program are as follows:

  • Structure must be at least 25 years old.
  • Total assessment cannot exceed $506,000.
  • Must be owner-occupied, single-family residential (attached/detached accessory apt. allowed as defined by Neighborhood Development Services).
  • Additions and/or renovations must add at least 15% in value to the property’s improvements as determined by the City Assessor’s Office.
  • Must have filed for a building permit prior to the abatement application.
  • The application must be filed before any demolition or construction begins.
  • At the time of application, the Assessor’s Office must inspect the property before and after construction.
  • Improvements must comply with all building and zoning regulations.
  • If approved, tax exemption will run for a period of seven years, or as long as the property is owner-occupied, whichever is less.
  • If a property is sold, abatement is transferable as long as the above requirements are maintained.
  • The applicant pays a nonrefundable filing fee of $50.

Applications are available from the City Assessor’s Office.

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1. Why are assessments determined annually?
2. Why does Charlottesville assess at fair market value?
3. What is fair market value?
4. How does the Assessor's Office obtain information on properties?
5. How are property values determined?
6. What if there are no recent sales on a certain street or block?
7. Why do assessments change from year to year?
8. Why are some properties assessed higher or lower than what they sell for?
9. How does a property owner appeal an assessment?
10. How is the tax rate determined?
11. What is the City's Real Estate Tax Abatement program?
12. Does the City offer any other programs for financial assistance?
13. What is the stormwater utility fee?