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

Supervisors consider a meals tax

The Board of Supervisors approved a motion May 21 calling for county staff to consider a proposal for a tax on restaurant meals of 1 to 6 percent. The measure passed on a 9-1 vote. Supervisor Pat Herrity (Springfield), the only Republican on the board, voted against it. Supervisor Dalia Palchik (Providence) presented a joint … Continued

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

Mason District residents complain about rising assessments at budget town hall

Mason District residents complained about soaring real estate assessments at Mason Supervisor Penny Gross’ Budget Town Hall on March 9. While the county’s budget proposal for FY 2024 says the average property tax bill would increase by about $520 from last year, some Mason residents are seeing an increase of $1,000 or more. Real estate … 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

Board cuts tax rate by 3 cents

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a marked-up budget for fiscal year 2023 that cuts the property tax rate by 3 cents from the county executive’s initial proposal. Under the budget markup, the tax rate would be $1.11 per $100 of assessed value. However, due to rising home values, the average taxpayer bill would see … Continued