Phone: (804) 646-7000
Online: RVA311.com
Please submit all inquiries using
the City's RVA 311 system
Address:
Department of Finance
900 E. Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Tax Assistance
On this page you will find tax assistance programs for the City of Richmond's Department of Finance. Below are categories of assistance which can potentially limit tax payments for real estate and personal property for those who qualify. Each section is complete with information and necessary forms to apply for assistance or adjustment.
Personal Property Tax Relief
The City of Richmond has two exemption options in addition to the Commonwealth's Personal Property Tax Relief Act (PPTRA) which can be granted for motor vehicles:
- Condition and Mileage Adjustments
- Disabled Veteran Exemptions
Below you will find the forms you need to receive property tax relief for your vehicle as well as frequently asked questions about the individual programs.
Personal Property Tax Relief Key Resources
- Request for Motor Vehicle Reassessment Based on Condition
- Request for Motor Vehicle Reassessment Based on High Mileage
- Disabled Veteran Motor Vehicle Exemption Certification
Personal Property Tax Relief Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Personal Property Tax Relief Act (PPTRA) FAQs
I’ve heard something about a “Personal Property Tax Relief”. What is it and how does it affect the tax amount due on my vehicle?
The Personal Property Tax Relief Act (PPTRA) was first adopted by the Virginia General Assembly in 1998 and subsequently amended in 2005. In short, the PPTRA provides tax relief to owners of personal use vehicles based on the assessed value of the vehicle. The owners of vehicles that qualify for property tax relief (PPTR) receive a full or partial exemption on the first $20,000 of assessed value of the vehicle. Qualifying vehicles with an assessed value of $1,000 or less receive a full exemption from the personal property tax. Qualifying vehicles with an assessed value greater than $1,000 receive a partial exemption on the first $20,000 of assessed value. The amount, or percentage, of the partial exemption is authorized each tax year by Richmond City Council.
Below is a table that illustrates how the PPTRA would apply to vehicles of varying assessed values based on the calculated 2024 PPTRA percentage of 22.0%.
| Vehicle Use | Assessed Value | Total Tax Amount | Tax Relief | Tax Balance Due |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Use | $20,000 | $740.00 | None | $740.00 |
| Personal Use | $1,000 | $37.00 | $37.00 | $0.00 |
| $10,000 | $370.00 | $81.40 | $288.60 | |
| $20,000 | $740.00 | $162.80 | $577.20 | |
| $50,000 | $1,850.00 | $162.80 | $1,687.20 |
What vehicles are not eligible for property tax relief?
Vehicles that are used predominantly, e.g. more than 50%, for business purposes, vehicles for which depreciation and other expenses have been claimed on the federal income tax return of a business or individual, vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 lbs. and personal use trailers that are used to transport boats, etc. If any of the following questions can be answered yes, the motor vehicle is considered to be used for business purposes under Virginia law and not eligible for property tax relief:
- Is more than 50% of the mileage for the year used as a business expense for Federal Income Tax purposes or reimbursed by an employer?
- Is more than 50% of the depreciation associated with the vehicle deducted as a business expense for Federal Income Tax purposes?
- Is the cost of the vehicle expensed pursuant to Section 179 of the Internal Revenue Service Code?
- Is the vehicle leased by an individual and the leasing company pays the tax without reimbursement from the individual?
Condition and Mileage Adjustments FAQs
Can the assessment of my vehicle be adjusted due to high mileage or condition of the vehicle?
You may submit a form to the Department of Finance to have the mileage or condition of your vehicle evaluated. Click here to obtain a copy of the form regarding high mileage and here to obtain a copy of the form regarding the condition of your vehicle.
Important note: The mileage or condition information must be the mileage or condition of the vehicle on the tax date, January 1.Upon receipt of either of these forms, Revenue Administration personnel will review the information on the form and notify you of our decision regarding the value of your vehicle. In high mileage situations, we use the information provided by N.A.D.A. to (1) determine if the vehicle qualifies as a high-mileage vehicle and (2) what to deduct from the assessment based on the mileage.
Disabled Veteran Motor Vehicle Exemption Certification FAQs
How can I prove I am eligible to receive the tax relief?
Attach your letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs stating that you have a 100 percent service connected, permanent, and total disability which includes the date this was determined to your completed Disabled Veteran Motor Vehicle Exemption Certification form and submit.
Do I have to complete the Certification every year?
Yes, per the Code of Virginia §58.1-3668. Motor vehicle of a disabled veteran.
What is the deadline date to file for the exemption?
There is no immediate deadline date to file. The exemption shall be applicable beginning on the date the motor vehicle is acquired or January 1 of the tax year, whichever is later, and shall not be applicable for any period prior to January 1 of the tax year.
How many vehicles does the Disabled Veteran Motor Vehicle Exemption cover?
Only one motor vehicle owned and primarily used by or for he disabled veteran shall be exempt.
Can my spouse continue to receive the tax relief exemption after I am deceased?
The exemption shall expire on the date of the disabled veteran's death and shall not be available for the surviving spouse.
Other Useful Sources of Information Regarding Personal Property Tax Relief
The Real Estate Relief Program for the Elderly and Disabled has been rebranded as the Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities (OAPD) Real Estate Tax Relief Program. Please see our new webpage for more information!
The City of Richmond offers real estate tax assessment exemptions for disabled veterans. However, as it is an assessment based assistance program, it is administered by the City Assessor's Office. For more information please see the City Assessor's Application for Exemption from Real Estate Taxation page or head straight to the Veteran Exemption Application Form.
The Department of Finance is unable to answer questions regarding this program. Please direct all inquiries to the City Assessor's Office at asktheassessor@rva.gov or by calling (804) 646-7500.