Frequently Asked Questions

When you call the police or fire department, play in a park, send your children to public school, check out a book at the library, you are using services paid for by your property taxes. Property taxes are the largest source of revenue to fund these services that you count on every day. Additional information regarding the services provided by the county, as well as the county's budget, can be found at our website: Financial Information | Shenandoah County, VA

Article X, Section 1 of the Constitution of Virginia states that all property shall be taxed, except as otherwise provided. Section 4 segregates real estate, among other things, for local taxation.

According to 58.1-3201 of the Code of Virginia, and in accordance with Article X, Section 4 of the Constitution of Virginia, assessments shall be made at 100 percent of fair market value. This means that real estate is taxed based on how much the property would be worth on the open market. Real estate is taxed at a given rate (set annually by the county Board of Supervisors) per $100 of fair market value.

To calculate real estate tax, divide the total assessed value of the property in question by $100, then multiply by the tax rate (you can find this year's real estate tax rate here: Current & Former Tax Rates | Shenandoah County, VA) to find the total amount of taxes to be assessed on that property for the year. Real estate taxes are billed semiannually, half being due in June and half being due in December.

You can find the current real estate tax rate, as well as tax rates for personal property and business-related taxes by visiting our tax rates page here: Current & Former Tax Rates | Shenandoah County, VA

The definition of “market value” provided by USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, 1997 ed (Washington, D.C.: Appraisal Foundation 1997), p155):

“The most probable price that a property should bring in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, the buyer and seller each acting prudently and knowledgeably, and assuming the price is not affected by undue stimulus. Implicit in this definition is the consummation of a sale as of a specified date and the passing of title from seller to buyer under conditions whereby:

1. The buyer and seller are typically motivated,
2. Both parties are well informed or well advised, and acting in what they consider their best interests,
3. A reasonable time is allowed for exposure in the open market,
4. Payment is made in terms of cash in United States dollars or in terms of financial arrangements comparable thereto,
5. The price represents the normal consideration for the property sold unaffected by special or creative financing or sales concessions granted by anyone associated with the sale.”

Assessed values of all property in Shenandoah County can be found within the county’s Real Estate Tax Book here: Tax Books | Shenandoah County, VA. In addition, they can be found via the county’s online real property database system, hosted by actDataScout here: Shenandoah County, Virginia Real Property Search - actDataScout. Public information regarding land and property improvements for each property in the county can also be found in this database.

According to 58.1-3291 of the Code of Virginia, “new buildings shall be assessed, whether entirely finished or not, at their actual value at the time of assessment.” New construction that is not fit for occupancy is assessed at its value reflecting the percentage of completion (10%, 50%, 80%, etc.).

Outbuildings such as sheds, barns, detached garages, etc. add functionality and utility to your property, thereby adding value. Assessed value is the sum of the values of all things that add value to your property.