Homestead filing
The filing guidance for this county is: January 1–June 1, 2026 Use the official form or application channel, provide the residence and ownership documentation requested, and keep a copy of the submission.
Open homestead applicationTax relief and valuation review
Protect your exemption and appeal rights.
A homestead exemption, senior-relief program, or valuation protest can change the amount a homeowner owes—but only if the filing reaches the right local office in the correct window. Use the verified county guidance below as your working checklist, then confirm the current form and deadline with James City County Real Estate Assessments Division / Commissioner of the Revenue; Treasurer collects taxes.
Relief programs
What the local record says
Senior citizen tax relief
Age 65+ by July 1 or permanently disabled; income no more than $55,000 and net worth no more than $200,000 excluding the house and 10 acres; application period January 1–June 1; exemption is capped at the tax rate applied to the first $150,000 of value.
Valuation cap or growth limit
Biennial assessment at 100% fair-market value; no general local annual valuation cap verified. The 2026 assessment is effective for FY2027.
Appealing an assessment
Build the objection around evidence and the notice date.
01
Calendar the window
Use the valuation notice and the county’s published protest guidance to determine the last day to file. Do not assume the payment deadline controls the appeal.
02
Assemble support
Gather comparable sales, photographs, repair records, appraisal evidence, property characteristics, and any documentation that explains why the assessed value is incorrect.
03
File and preserve proof
Submit through the official channel, save the confirmation, and attend the board or review hearing if one is scheduled. An appraiser or attorney can help evaluate evidence when the value or stakes are substantial.
The verified protest guidance for this county is: April 30, 2026 (Board of Equalization); departmental review generally within 30 days after notice If the language is not a specific calendar date, contact the office promptly for the current notice and board-review schedule.