BoS cuts taxes for surviving spouses of military members who died in combat

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 24 voted to reduce the real estate tax rate for the surviving spouses of members of the armed forces who die in the line of duty.

The new tax rate for eligible military widows and widowers is one cent per $100 of assessed value. This rate is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2022. The current property tax rate in Fairfax County is $1.11 per $100.

The one-cent rate is the lowest allowed under Virginia law.

To be eligible, the surviving spouse must occupy the real property as their principal residence, and the late service member’s death cannot be the result of criminal conduct. Spouses are not eligible if they remarry. The U.S. Department of Defense would determine whether the death was in the line of duty.

Board of Supervisors Chair Jeffrey McKay explained why this is important: “There are approximately 80,000 veterans and their families who reside in Fairfax County, and we have provided a tremendous amount of support to our men and woman who serve. Those who have made the ultimate sacrifice leave behind loved ones that will forever be changed.”

County staff projects the reduced tax rate for surviving military spouses would result in a recurring revenue loss of $456,240.

For more information about how to apply, contact the Department of Tax Administration at 703-222-8234 or [email protected].