Fairfax Personal Property Tax: Pay, Lookup & Receipt 2026

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Fairfax County, Virginia · Car Tax · Payment · Receipt · VIN Lookup

Find Your Vehicle Tax, Pay It and Keep Proof of Payment

Fairfax County personal property tax is primarily a vehicle-tax task for residents who need to find a car-tax bill, verify the amount due, make a payment, confirm whether it posted, or recover proof that the payment was made.

This guide explains the actual lookup fields, 2026 rate and car-tax relief, October and February billing cycles, e-check and card payment differences, receipt workflow, late-payment escalation, sold or moved vehicles, valuation appeals, registration rules and the exact county office to contact when the online account does not look right.

Start tax lookup Find payment receipt Calculate 2026 tax
Fairfax County vs. City of Fairfax: this guide covers Fairfax County, Virginia. The independent City of Fairfax has its own tax administration. Check the jurisdiction printed on your tax bill before paying.

Quick answer: you can pay even if the paper bill is missing

Fairfax County’s vehicle-tax system offers two lookup paths. If you have the bill, use the property number + last four VIN digits. Without the bill, use the Virginia DMV customer number + last four VIN digits.

1 Identify vehicle Find the last four digits of the VIN.
2 Retrieve account Use property number or DMV customer number.
3 Verify balance Check tax, fee, penalty and amount paid.
4 Save confirmation Keep proof immediately after payment.
2026 rate $4.57 per $100 of assessed value.
2026 PPTRA 49% relief on the first $20,000 of qualifying personal-use value.
Main due date October 5, 2026.
DTA phone 703-222-8234.
Office hours Weekdays, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

After preparing the identifier above, open the official county vehicle-tax portal. Select the individual account option when paying a personally owned vehicle, retrieve the correct vehicle, verify the tax year and amount, and only then continue to payment.

Open official vehicle tax payment Open Fairfax vehicle tax guide

Choose what you need to do

This page is organized around the action that brought you here.

Vehicle tax inquiry

Use the correct Fairfax lookup path

I have the tax bill
  1. Find the Fairfax County property number.
  2. Find the vehicle VIN.
  3. Use only the last four VIN digits.
  4. Enter the property number exactly.
  5. Open the matching tax account.
OR
I do not have the bill
  1. Get your Virginia driver’s license or ID.
  2. Find the DMV customer number.
  3. Get the last four VIN digits.
  4. Choose the DMV customer-number lookup.
  5. Verify the vehicle before paying.

What each number means

Fairfax vehicle-tax lookup fields explained
Field
Where to find it
Why it matters
Property number
Fairfax County vehicle tax bill.
Unique county account identifier for that vehicle and tax year.
Last 4 VIN
Vehicle registration, insurance or vehicle itself.
Confirms which vehicle tax account is being retrieved.
DMV customer number
Virginia driver’s license or ID card.
Allows account retrieval when the county bill is unavailable.
Tax year
Displayed on the account.
Avoid accidentally paying an older delinquent balance while assuming it is the current bill.
Amount paid
Vehicle-tax inquiry account.
Shows payments already credited to that tax liability.
Amount due
Account summary.
Can include tax, penalty, interest, collection fee and DMV hold fee.
Seeing $0 due does not always mean the 2026 bill has been paid. The county payment system explains that a zero amount can also appear before the current-year tax has been billed. Check the tax year and billing status.
Open vehicle tax inquiry
Receipt and proof of payment

There are three levels of Fairfax payment proof

VehicleVerified
Tax year2026
PaymentSubmitted
ConfirmationSaved

Do not close the confirmation screen too quickly

Fairfax County’s payment system tells taxpayers to print and retain the payment confirmation. The confirmation’s payment date and time are important for determining whether the transaction was submitted by the deadline.

For longer-term history, MyFairfax lets an account holder view online payment history. A payment may still take up to two business days to appear in the tax inquiry system.

Which proof should you use?

Fairfax personal property tax receipt options
Need
Best evidence
Action
Just paid online
Payment confirmation screen/email.
Save PDF, print it or take a secure screenshot.
Past online payment
MyFairfax online payment history.
Sign in and open the vehicle account/payment history.
Payment not visible yet
Original confirmation plus bank/card transaction.
Allow posting time; online payments may take up to two business days.
Formal payment verification
DTA account verification.
Contact Revenue Collection at 703-222-8234.
Copy of the tax bill
MyFairfax PDF bill or DTA-provided copy.
Use MyFairfax or contact DTARCD@fairfaxcounty.gov.
No separate public “receipt lookup” is necessary for most users. Fairfax’s practical workflow is confirmation at payment time plus payment history through MyFairfax. For an official account-status question, contact DTA directly.
Open MyFairfax and payment options Payment help: 703-222-8234
2026 tax calculation

Fairfax car tax starts with assessed value × $4.57 per $100

Vehicle assessed value Fairfax generally uses the January edition of the J.D. Power Official Used Car Guide for cars and SUVs.
×
$4.57 ÷ 100 Standard 2026 tax rate for most Fairfax County personal property.
=
Gross vehicle tax Then subtract qualifying PPTRA relief and account for proration or additional fees.

Official-style example: $10,000 qualifying personal-use vehicle

Assessed value $10,000
$10,000 × $4.57 ÷ 100 $457.00
2026 PPTRA relief: $457 × 49% − $223.93
Vehicle property tax after relief $233.07

Official-style example: $30,000 qualifying personal-use vehicle

$30,000 × $4.57 ÷ 100 $1,371.00
49% relief applies only to tax on first $20,000 − $447.86
Vehicle property tax after PPTRA $923.14
This is not necessarily the final bill. Local vehicle registration fees, proration, prior balances, penalties, interest, collection costs or other account-specific items can change the amount due.
Personal Property Tax Relief Act

2026 car-tax relief can substantially reduce a qualifying personal-use bill

49% relief on the first $20,000 of qualifying value

Virginia’s Personal Property Tax Relief Act subsidizes part of the vehicle tax for qualifying personal-use vehicles. Fairfax County’s 2026 relief percentage is 49%.

The subsidy applies to the tax attributable to the first $20,000 of assessed value—not 49% of the entire bill when the vehicle is worth more than $20,000.

Vehicle assessed at $1,000 or less: Fairfax states that a qualifying vehicle at this value does not owe vehicle property tax, although the annual local vehicle registration fee can still apply.

A vehicle can lose personal-use PPTRA status

More than 50% of annual mileage is deducted as a business expense
More than 50% of the vehicle’s depreciation is deducted as a business expense
Vehicle cost is expensed under Internal Revenue Code Section 179
Vehicle is leased and the leasing company pays the tax without reimbursement by the individual

Before disputing a missing subsidy, review the vehicle’s personal-versus-business-use certification. Then contact the Personal Property Division if the classification is wrong.

Check official PPTRA rules Email vehicle tax staff
2026 deadline planner

Know which Fairfax vehicle-tax cycle applies to you

February 17, 2026 Late-entry prior-year vehicles

2026’s February 15 date fell on a Sunday and February 16 was a county holiday, so the deadline moved to February 17.

May 1 Vehicle/account changes

Important county deadline for ownership/address changes for renewals and filings for certain other personal property.

Main 2026 bill October 5, 2026

Due date for most existing vehicles and vehicles registered before July 1.

New after July 1, 2026 February 15, 2027

General payment cycle for a vehicle purchased or moved into Fairfax on or after July 1, 2026.

Do not reuse Fairfax’s special 2025 November extension. The November 5 extension published by the county applied to 2025 only. The current 2026 calendar lists October 5 for the normal vehicle-tax due date.
Check official due-date calendar
Payment options

Choose the cheapest or most convenient payment method

E
e-Check

No county processor service fee is listed for e-check.

Prepare routing and bank account numbers.

CARD
Credit / debit card

The current vehicle payment help page lists a 2.35% third-party processor fee.

☎
By phone

703-222-6740

Card payment line available 24 hours a day, seven days a week; service fees apply.

IN
Mail / in person

Checks payable to County of Fairfax.

Government Center, Suite 223.

Online payment micro-steps

Retrieve the correct vehicle Use property number + last four VIN digits or DMV customer number + last four VIN digits.
Read the entire amount-due line Check whether the total includes registration fee, penalty, interest, collection fee or DMV hold fee.
Choose payment method e-check avoids the card-processing fee; card payment provides another immediate electronic option.
Check payment amount Fairfax permits partial property-tax payments, but the account is not current until all required amounts are satisfied.
Submit before deadline cutoff Make sure the transaction is confirmed on or before the applicable due date.
Save the confirmation Print, save as PDF or securely retain the confirmation number and timestamp.
Recheck posting Online transactions may require up to two business days to appear on the account.

Mail or walk-in information

Mail payment
Department of Tax Administration
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 223
Fairfax, VA 22035

Do not mail cash.

Walk-in payment
12000 Government Center Parkway
Suite 223
Fairfax, VA 22035

Weekdays, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Mailed payment: Fairfax states that a payment postmarked on or before the due date is considered timely even when received later.
Returned check: Fairfax currently states that a returned payment adds a $50 charge and the original payment becomes void.
Review all payment options Pay by phone: 703-222-6740
Delinquent vehicle tax

A late Fairfax car-tax bill can escalate beyond the original tax

10% Initial late-payment penalty

Plus applicable interest.

25% More than 30 days late

County payment help states the penalty increases to 25% plus interest.

$30 Collection fee

Can appear on a delinquent account when applicable.

$25 DMV hold fee

May appear when delinquent local taxes affect DMV registration renewal.

DMV hold problem: paying only part of a delinquent bill does not necessarily release DMV restrictions. The county states that delinquent taxes generally must be paid in full to lift a DMV restriction.

What “Amount Due” may contain

Original vehicle property tax
Local registration fee
Late-payment penalty
Accrued interest
Collection fee
DMV hold fee
Oldest debt first: Fairfax explains that local payments are applied to the most delinquent account first under Virginia law. If you owe several tax years, do not assume a payment will automatically go to the newest bill.
Delinquent account call script “I am calling about vehicle property number [number], last four VIN [digits]. Please confirm the current payoff amount, every penalty or fee included, whether there is a DMV hold, and what amount must be received to make the account current.”
Call DTA: 703-222-8234 Email payment/refund staff
Sold, traded or moved vehicle

Do not keep paying a full-year bill without checking the vehicle dates

Fairfax County generally prorates personal property tax on cars, trucks, motorcycles and vans according to the portion of the year the vehicle was normally garaged in the county. DTA needs to know when a vehicle was sold or moved.

Vehicle sold Report the disposal date through the Vehicle Update Tool and keep sale/trade documentation.
Vehicle traded Update the old vehicle and verify the replacement vehicle appears correctly.
Moved outside Fairfax Report the new location and effective move date.
Moved elsewhere in Virginia Ask whether the receiving locality prorates; Fairfax says certain moves to non-prorating Virginia localities are not prorated.
Vehicle totaled Report the disposal and retain insurance documentation showing the date and disposition.
Bill still shows old vehicle Do not simply ignore it. Contact DTA and request correction.

Prepare proof before requesting an adjustment

VIN
Fairfax property number
Sale or trade date
Bill of sale or dealer trade paperwork
New registration or new jurisdiction information
Insurance total-loss documentation when applicable
Open vehicle filing/update page Call 703-222-8234
New residents and new vehicles

Virginia DMV registration and Fairfax tax filing now work together—but verify the result

Since January 1, 2023: Fairfax County automatically files personal property tax returns for motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers for residents who properly register those vehicles with the Virginia DMV within the required period.
Register with Virginia DMV promptly Fairfax notes that most vehicles must be registered with DMV within 30 days of purchase or establishment of Virginia residency.
Verify Fairfax received the vehicle Do not assume every dealer or DMV transaction created a perfect local tax record.
Confirm vehicle facts Check VIN, year, make, model, trim and garaging location.
Confirm personal/business use This can determine PPTRA eligibility.
Correct missing or wrong information Use Fairfax’s filing/update tool or contact DTA.
Late filing: the county states that applicable late vehicle filing can result in a penalty of 10% of tax or $10, whichever is greater.

Information to have ready

Complete VIN
Vehicle year
Make and model
Trim level
Number of cylinders
Vehicle weight
Vehicle cost
Purchase or Fairfax move-in date
Register or update vehicle
Vehicle assessment appeal

A high bill is not enough—show why the vehicle’s condition differs from the guide value

Fairfax generally values cars and SUVs from the January edition of the J.D. Power Official Used Car Guide. The county specifically identifies several vehicle conditions that can support an assessment review.

Excessive mileage

Document the odometer reading and why it is materially above typical mileage for the vehicle.

Body damage

Use current photographs, repair estimates or insurance documentation.

Rust / poor condition

Provide photographs and condition evidence showing why the standard guide value is inappropriate.

Build the appeal file

Vehicle Tax Appeal Form
VIN and property number
Current odometer photograph
Exterior/interior damage photographs
Repair estimates
Insurance or mechanical documentation
Normal depreciation is different from an appeal condition. Fairfax uses a legally required January 1 valuation date. A vehicle becoming less valuable later in the year does not by itself mean the January assessment was wrong.
Open vehicle tax forms Send valuation question
Local vehicle registration fee

The registration fee is separate from the value-based car tax

Common Fairfax County local vehicle registration fees
Vehicle type
Published fee
Important note
Motorcycle
$18
Separate annual local registration fee.
Most other vehicles, 4,000 lb or less
$33
Added separately from value-based vehicle property tax.
Most other vehicles, over 4,000 lb
$38
Weight affects the registration-fee category.
Certain taxi/hire vehicles
$23
County publishes an additional $5 when weight exceeds 4,000 lb.
No Fairfax windshield decal: the county no longer requires a local vehicle registration decal to be purchased or displayed. The annual registration fee can still be due.
Town residents: residents of Clifton, Herndon and Vienna may have town vehicle-registration obligations. Fairfax County collects applicable town registration fees on behalf of those towns.
Check current registration fees
Out-of-state plates

Out-of-state registration does not automatically remove Fairfax vehicle tax

A vehicle normally garaged or parked in Fairfax County can still be subject to local personal property tax even when it displays an out-of-state plate.

Potential extra cost: Fairfax states that a vehicle improperly displaying out-of-state plates beyond Virginia’s registration requirement can face a non-proratable $100 out-of-state plates tax plus a $250 penalty annually.

If your vehicle legitimately remains registered elsewhere because of military status, business use or another exception, contact DTA before assuming the out-of-state plate charge applies or does not apply.

Fairfax DTA contacts

Send payment problems and assessment problems to the right team

Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration contacts
Need help with
Phone / email
Use this contact for
Payment / refund
703-222-8234
DTARCD@fairfaxcounty.gov
Payments, refunds, posting, delinquent balances and payment plans.
Vehicle assessment
703-222-8234
DTAPPD@fairfaxcounty.gov
Vehicle value, mileage, damage, PPTRA status, registration and vehicle updates.
Phone card payment
703-222-6740
Automated card payment, 24/7; processor fees apply.
TTY
711
Accessible telephone service.
Department of Tax Administration
12000 Government Center Parkway
Suite 223
Fairfax, VA 22035
Public service hours

Monday–Friday

8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Phone and walk-in service.

Account correction call script “I am calling about Fairfax vehicle property number [number], last four VIN [digits], for tax year [year]. The account shows [balance/payment/vehicle/value problem]. Can you confirm the current status and tell me what documentation is needed to correct it?”
Before you leave this page

Use this final Fairfax car-tax checklist

Confirm Fairfax County is the correct jurisdiction
Find last four VIN digits
Find property number or DMV customer number
Verify the tax year
Check assessed value
Confirm PPTRA classification
Review registration fee
Check for prior-year balance
Check penalty or interest
Check DMV hold status
Choose e-check or card carefully
Save payment confirmation
Recheck posting after processing
Report sold or moved vehicles
Appeal documented condition errors
Keep receipt with vehicle tax records
10 practical answers

Fairfax personal property tax FAQs

How do I look up Fairfax County personal property tax?

Use Fairfax County’s official vehicle tax inquiry system. With a bill, search using the Fairfax County property number and the last four digits of the VIN. Without the bill, use the DMV customer number from a Virginia driver’s license or ID together with the last four digits of the VIN.

When is Fairfax County personal property tax due in 2026?

Most 2026 Fairfax County vehicle personal property tax bills are due October 5, 2026. A vehicle purchased or moved into Fairfax County on or after July 1, 2026 is generally billed for payment by February 15, 2027, subject to weekend and county-holiday rules.

What is the Fairfax County vehicle personal property tax rate for 2026?

The standard Fairfax County tax rate for most personal property vehicles is $4.57 for each $100 of assessed value.

How much Fairfax County car tax relief is available in 2026?

For qualifying personal-use vehicles, Fairfax County lists 2026 Personal Property Tax Relief at 49% of the tax attributable to the first $20,000 of assessed value. Business-use vehicles do not qualify for this subsidy.

How do I get a receipt for Fairfax County personal property tax?

Save or print the confirmation immediately after paying. MyFairfax can also be used to view online payment history. If formal payment verification is needed and the transaction has not appeared yet, contact the Department of Tax Administration.

Can I pay Fairfax County personal property tax without my bill?

Yes. The online vehicle-tax lookup can retrieve an account using the DMV customer number shown on a Virginia driver’s license or ID and the last four digits of the vehicle VIN.

What happens if Fairfax County vehicle tax is paid late?

The county payment system states that late personal property tax generally receives a 10% penalty plus interest, increasing to a 25% penalty plus interest when the payment is more than 30 days past due. Additional collection or DMV hold fees can also apply.

What should I do if I sold my vehicle or moved out of Fairfax County?

Notify the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration through the online vehicle update tool, by email, by phone or in person. Vehicle tax is generally prorated for cars, trucks, motorcycles and vans when the vehicle is sold or moved, except for certain moves to non-prorating Virginia localities.

Can I appeal a Fairfax County vehicle assessment?

Yes. Fairfax County specifically lists conditions such as body damage, rust and excessive mileage as possible reasons for an assessment adjustment. Submit the county vehicle tax appeal form with supporting documentation.

Does Fairfax County automatically register vehicles for personal property tax?

Since January 1, 2023, Fairfax County automatically files personal property tax returns for motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers when county residents properly register them with the Virginia DMV within the required period. Taxpayers should still verify that their county account is correct.

Information reviewed August 12, 2026: Fairfax County vehicle-tax lookup fields, 2026 tax rate and PPTRA percentage, due dates, payment methods, processing fees, online posting time, registration rules, late penalties, collection and DMV hold fees, sold/moved vehicle proration, vehicle assessment appeals, registration fees and DTA contact information were checked against current Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration resources.
Independent guide: this website is not Fairfax County, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles or the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration. Always verify the live vehicle, tax year, balance and payment status in the official county system before submitting money or relying on a receipt for DMV, lending, legal or registration purposes.
Ohio Auditor Tools · Tax Year 2026

10 Ohio Property Tax Calculators & Auditor Tools

Built specifically for Ohio's 35% assessment ratio, current DTE forms, and 2026 Homestead, Owner-Occupancy, CAUV, Conveyance Fee, and Board of Revision rules. Every number reflects verified Ohio Department of Taxation amounts.

Homestead: $29,000 Enhanced Vet: $58,000 OAGI limit: $41,000 Assessment: 35% of market BOR filing: Free · DTE 1

Annual Tax Bill Estimator

OHIO

Applies Ohio's 35% assessment ratio plus your county's effective millage tier — the actual math your auditor uses.

Pick a county tier and enter your market value.

Homestead Reduction Calculator

DTE 105A

2026 Ohio Homestead: $29,000 general or $58,000 enhanced (100% disabled vet, KIA spouse). OAGI under $41,000 required for non-veteran applicants.

Pick your situation and enter your home value.

Owner-Occupancy & Non-Business Credits

DTE 105C

Every Ohio owner-occupied home qualifies for the 2.5% Owner-Occupancy Credit plus the automatic 10% Non-Business Credit. Most owners don't realize these stack.

Enter your annual tax to see both credit amounts.

Conveyance Fee Calculator

ORC 322

When you sell or transfer Ohio property, the auditor collects $1 state + up to $3 county per $1,000, plus $0.50 per parcel. Counties choose their rate.

Enter sale price and pick your county rate.

CAUV Agricultural Savings

DTE 109

Ohio's Current Agricultural Use Value cuts taxable value dramatically for farmland (10+ acres, or smaller with $2,500+ annual gross income).

Enter both market and CAUV values to see savings.

Mill Rate Converter

Ohio tax rates appear three ways on auditor sites: mills, percent, or dollars per $1,000. Convert between them instantly.

Enter a rate to see all three forms.

Parcel Number Cleaner

Ohio's 88 counties each format parcels differently — Franklin uses 010-123456-00, Cuyahoga uses 001-23-456, Hamilton uses 100-0001-0001-00. Auto-detects.

Paste any Ohio county parcel to format it.

35% Ratio Sanity Check

Ohio law sets taxable value at 35% of market value. If yours is significantly higher, you're a strong BOR appeal candidate.

Enter both values to compare against Ohio's 35% target.

BOR Appeal Savings

DTE 1

A successful Board of Revision complaint typically cuts your value 10–20%. Filing is free and stays in effect until the next reappraisal.

Enter your tax bill and reduction estimate.

BOR Deadline Countdown

MAR 31

Ohio's statutory Board of Revision filing deadline is March 31 for the prior tax year. Miss it and you wait until next year — no extensions.

Set your deadline to start the countdown.

Verify with the official Ohio source

These calculators use the verified 2026 Ohio Department of Taxation amounts and statutory rules. For your exact bill, exemption status, and county-specific deadlines, always confirm with your county auditor and the Ohio Revised Code:

Ohio Dept. of Taxation — Real Property DTE Forms (105A, 105C, 1, 109) ORC 5715 — Board of Revision ORC 5713 — Taxable Real Property ORC 322.02 — Conveyance Fee ORC 319.54(F)(3) — State Fee ORC 5713.30 — CAUV tax.ohio.gov — Main Portal

Estimates use Ohio's 35% statutory assessment ratio and effective tax rate tiers averaged across major Ohio counties. Your actual bill depends on local school levies, voted millage, inside vs. outside millage splits, House Bill 920 reduction factors (HB 920), and special assessments. The 2026 Homestead general amount ($29,000) and enhanced amount ($58,000) reflect HB 187 inflation indexing — your county auditor's office may show slightly different transitional figures. Nothing here is legal or tax advice. CountyAuditors.org is an independent informational directory, not affiliated with any county government.

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