Covering Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads, Lincolnia, and Seven Corners in Fairfax County, Virginia

Proposed county budget would raise taxes

County Executive Bryan Hill presented a budget proposal for FY 2025 to the Board of Supervisors Feb. 20 that calls for a 4-cent increase in the property tax rate, partially funds an increase for public schools, and raises employee compensation. “This would be the first real estate rate increase in six years, and it is … Continued

Tax bills likely to rise

Real estate assessments for 2024 are up an average of 2.86 percent, the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration announced Feb. 20. County Executive Bryan Hill’s proposed budget for the county, presented to the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 20, calls for a 4-cent increase in the tax rate, or $1.135 per $100 of assessed … Continued

Free tax help at Mason Government Center

The AARP Foundation is providing free tax preparation at the Mason Government Center. The Tax-Aide program is available on a walk-in basis at 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale or by appointment. Call 703-249-9961 to reserve a spot. Operating hours are 1-8 p.m. Monday and Thursday; 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday; and 9 … Continued

Sales tax holiday underway

Virginia’s sales tax holiday started today at 12:01 a.m. and ends on Sunday, Oct. 22, at 11:59 p.m. During this period, Fairfax County consumers won’t be charged the 6 percent sales tax for eligible clothing, footwear, school supplies, emergency preparedness items, and energy and water-saving appliances. The three-day sales tax holiday usually occurs on the … Continued

Real estate assessments rise again

Fairfax County real estate assessments for 2023 are up an average of 6.79 percent, the Department of Tax Administration announced on Feb. 21. More than 357,000 updated 2023 assessment notices are being mailed to all property owners. You can also look up your assessment here. Due to rising property values, the average annual tax bill … Continued

State tax on groceries eliminated

As of Jan. 1, Virginian’s grocery costs were slightly reduced, as the elimination of the 1.5 percent state sales tax on groceries took effect. Localities are still collecting a 1 percent tax on groceries, however. The grocery tax cut will reduce state revenue by some $7 million – a small portion of the roughly $4.9 … Continued

Another sticker shock – soaring personal property taxes

Faced with “unprecedented increases” in personal property taxes, Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill has proposed lowering the assessment ratio for the 2022 tax year. Mason Supervisor Penny Gross discussed that issue, along with other highlights of the advertised budget for FY 2023 at a community meeting March 10. “Most vehicles typically depreciate annually,” Hill wrote … Continued

Free tax help available in Mason District

Need some help with your taxes? The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program is in full swing at the Mason Government Center. This year, Tax-Aide volunteers are providing free tax help by appointment only. Walk-ins won’t be served. The service is free. Taxpayers must obtain an information packet before calling for their appointment. The information packet can … Continued