Personal property tax payments, commonly referred to as car taxes, are due in Fairfax County on Monday, October 6. Tax bills were mailed out during the summer, and several payment options are available for residents.
Online payment is encouraged by county officials as a quick and cost-free method when using e-check. Scheduling future payments from bank accounts is also possible with this option. However, those who choose to pay online by credit or debit card should note that a third-party service fee applies.
Payments can also be made by phone at 703-222-6740 (TTY 711), which operates 24/7 and incurs a service fee. Mail-in payments are accepted using the envelope included with the bill, addressed to the Department of Tax Administration at 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 223, Fairfax, VA 22035. Checks or money orders should be made payable to “County of Fairfax.” Payments postmarked on or before October 6 will be considered timely.
For those preferring physical drop-off, secure red drop boxes are available at the Fairfax County Government Center and designated book drops at Burke Centre, Dolley Madison, George Mason Regional, Oakton Community, and Sherwood Regional libraries from September 17 through October 6.
In-person payments can be made at the government center’s Suite 223 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on weekdays; hours extend to 6 p.m. from September 29 through October 3 and on October 6 for both counter service and phone support. New in-person payment options now include tap-to-pay with credit cards or Apple Pay as well as debit card PIN entry.
Explaining how vehicle assessments are determined for tax purposes in Virginia, the county noted that state law requires use of values established as of January 1 each year based on a recognized pricing guide—specifically J.D. Power Official Used Car Guide—regardless of value changes later in the year such as declining electric vehicle prices.
Each bill includes a local registration fee for vehicles primarily kept within Fairfax County limits; residents of Clifton, Herndon or Vienna will see their locality’s own registration fee included on their county bill. The local registration fee is separate from any state registration paid to the Virginia DMV.
Residents with questions about their bills may contact the Department of Tax Administration by calling 703-222-8234 (English or Español), TTY 711 during regular weekday business hours—with extended evening hours available around the deadline—or by visiting in person or sending an email.
The MyFairfax web portal provides secure online access for reviewing account information related to personal property taxes (including car tax), business personal property taxes and real estate accounts. The system was recently upgraded to allow sign-in using Google Services or PassKey credentials.
Through MyFairfax accounts residents can view balances, track posted payments, print PDF versions of bills, register new vehicles or update records if cars have been sold or moved elsewhere; real estate assessment histories are also accessible via this platform.
Tax relief programs exist for seniors age sixty-five and older as well as individuals who are permanently or totally disabled—provided they meet income and asset eligibility criteria; more information is available online or by calling county offices directly.
The county reports that recent upgrades have improved its tax systems’ speed and convenience across all channels—including faster average transaction times online (with reductions up to seventy percent under normal usage conditions) and significant improvements during peak periods—as part of ongoing modernization efforts intended to provide more flexible options for residents.
