Fairfax County car tax

Q: What is the car tax rate in Fairfax County, VA?

$4.57 per $100 · 49% relief for 2026.

Q: How is car tax calculated in Fairfax County?

Assessed value: $25,000 → Gross tax: $25,000 × $4.57 per $100 = $1,142.50 → State car tax relief (PPTRA 49% on the first $20,000): −$447.86 → Local fees: Vehicle registration fee (<=4,000 lb) $33

Q: When is car tax due in Fairfax County?

October 5 (vehicles registered before July 1); February 15 for vehicles added on/after July 1 of prior year

Q: How is Virginia car tax calculated?

Value × the local rate per $100. For a qualifying personal car, the PPTRA relief % is then subtracted from the tax on the first $20,000 of value.

Q: What is PPTRA car tax relief?

State-funded relief on the first $20,000 of value of a personal-use car. Each locality sets the % from its fixed share of state money.

A car worth $25,000 in Fairfax County, VA pays about $728 a year in personal property tax ($4.57 per $100 · 49% relief).

Fairfax County car tax calculator

Car's value$

Yearly car tax$728≈ $61/month

Assessed value: $25,000
Gross tax: $25,000 × $4.57 per $100 = $1,142.50
State car tax relief (PPTRA 49% on the first $20,000): −$447.86
Local fees: Vehicle registration fee (<=4,000 lb) $33

Towns value cars from pricing guides (J.D. Power), not what you paid. Your bill may be prorated for months you owned the car.

Car tax in Fairfax County by car value

Yearly tax by car value. The dot follows the calculator.

Car value	Yearly tax	Per month
$10,000	$266	$22
$15,000	$383	$32
$20,000	$499	$42
$25,000	$728	$61
$30,000	$956	$80
$40,000	$1,413	$118
$50,000	$1,870	$156
$75,000	$3,013	$251

Buying a car in Virginia: one-time tax

Virginia motor vehicle sales and use tax — 4.15%. Trade-ins don't reduce the tax.

Price$

Tax$1,4534.15%

The minimum is $75. The tax is on the gross price with no deduction for a trade-in (§58.1-2401).

Cut what your car costs in Fairfax County

Car tax is set by your town, but your loan and insurance aren't. Refinancing a car loan at a lower rate often saves more each year than the tax itself.

Check refinance rates →

Other counties in Virginia

Yearly tax on a $25,000 car.

Questions

What is the car tax rate in Fairfax County, VA?

$4.57 per $100 · 49% relief for 2026.

How is car tax calculated in Fairfax County?

Assessed value: $25,000 → Gross tax: $25,000 × $4.57 per $100 = $1,142.50 → State car tax relief (PPTRA 49% on the first $20,000): −$447.86 → Local fees: Vehicle registration fee (<=4,000 lb) $33

How much is car tax on a $30,000 car in Fairfax County?

About $956 a year.

When is car tax due in Fairfax County?

October 5 (vehicles registered before July 1); February 15 for vehicles added on/after July 1 of prior year

How is Virginia car tax calculated?

Value × the local rate per $100. For a qualifying personal car, the PPTRA relief % is then subtracted from the tax on the first $20,000 of value.

What is PPTRA car tax relief?

State-funded relief on the first $20,000 of value of a personal-use car. Each locality sets the % from its fixed share of state money.

Sources

Last checked October 14, 2026. Rates are for passenger cars owned by individuals; leased, business and specialty vehicles can differ. Confirm with your tax collector or commissioner of the revenue.