The 2025 Real Estate & Vehicle Tax Relief Application for Seniors and People with Disabilities, listed by the county as 2025 Applications for Tax Relief, is issued by the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration (DTA) and is one of the Fairfax County property tax forms. Residents who are at least 65 or permanently and totally disabled use it to apply for real estate tax relief, vehicle (personal property) tax relief, or both, and relief must be renewed every year. On this page you can fill out the form online on FillingPDF and download or print the completed PDF; the county publishes the original and receives applications by email, mail, fax or in person.
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What is 2025 Applications for Tax Relief – Fairfax County, VA?
The 2025 Applications for Tax Relief form, titled 2025 Real Estate & Vehicle Tax Relief Application for Seniors and People with Disabilities, is the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration application for real estate and vehicle tax relief.
It belongs to the county's Tax Relief Program for Seniors and People with Disabilities, which offers relief for real estate taxes, personal property (vehicle) taxes, and tax relief for renters. Relief is granted on an annual basis, so a renewal application must be filed each year. The Tax Relief and Exemptions Office receives the applications.
The 8-page PDF is organized as follows:
- General information, instructions and the qualifications for real estate tax relief, real estate tax deferral (effective January 1, 2023) and personal property tax relief.
- Applicant information, the real estate questions and the vehicle or mobile home questions.
- Total combined gross income (lines 1 to 18) and net financial worth (lines 1 to 23, Parts 1 to 5).
- Appointment of representative and the sworn affidavit.
The form is not the deferral request itself: applicants interested in deferring remaining tax liability contact the office for a Real Estate Deferral Form. The county's forms page also lists a separate Non-Homeowner's Application for 2026 and separate online exemption forms for disabled veterans. Tax relief is not available to the executor of an estate or heirs of an applicant.
Who needs to file 2025 Applications for Tax Relief – Fairfax County, VA?
Residents of Fairfax County who are at least 65 years of age or permanently and totally disabled, and who want real estate tax relief, vehicle tax relief, or both, use this application.
Real estate tax relief requires:
- Age 65 or permanent and total disability as of December 31, 2024. Applicants who turn 65 or are certified disabled during 2025 may apply for prorated relief.
- Ownership and year-round occupancy of the home as the sole dwelling, with an exception for a temporary stay in a hospital or nursing home. The home may not be used by or leased to others for consideration.
- Total combined income of no more than $90,000 and net combined financial worth of no more than $400,000, excluding the home.
Vehicle tax relief requires:
- Owners who are at least 65 or permanently and totally disabled as of January 1, 2025, holding title on that date.
- One vehicle or mobile home only, garaged and registered for personal use in Fairfax County. Leased and business vehicles do not qualify.
- Income of no more than $22,000 ($29,500 if permanently and totally disabled) and net combined financial worth of no more than $75,000.
Tax relief is not available to the executor of an estate or heirs of an applicant. You may appoint a representative in the form's optional appointment section.
When to file 2025 Applications for Tax Relief – Fairfax County, VA
Returning applicants must file the 2025 application no later than May 1, 2025; it must be postmarked by that date. First-time applicants, and applicants whose hardship conditions prevented filing through no fault of their own, may have the due date extended to December 31, 2026. A letter of hardship explaining the late filing must accompany every application from a returning applicant submitted after May 1.
Relief is granted annually, so a renewal application is due every year. The county mails a letter confirming receipt within three weeks of receiving your application. Until Fairfax County officially notifies you that you are no longer liable, you must keep paying your taxes. The county's forms page also lists applications for 2026, so check it for the current year.
Documents you need
- For first-time applicants who are permanently and totally disabled, and any disabled relative in the home: certification and disability start date from the Veterans Administration or Railroad Retirement Board.
- Alternatively, Social Security Administration certification stating the date the applicant or relative was deemed disabled (SSA Notice of Award).
- Alternatively, an affidavit signed by two separate doctors, each licensed to practice medicine in Virginia or an active-duty military officer practicing with the U.S. Armed Forces; the Tax Relief Office provides the affidavit forms on request.
- A complete copy of your 2024 Federal and State Income Tax Returns with all schedules, to verify gross income from the preceding year.
- If you are not required to file income tax returns: the documentation listed on the form for each income source, such as W-2, 1099, SSA-1099 or RRB-1099-R forms, or a 2024 VA benefit notice.
- Copies of statements as of 12/31/2024 for checking, savings, CDs and financial accounts, plus a copy of any note, balance sheet for a business, copy of a trust and the value of foreign assets, as listed in Net Financial Worth Part 3.
- A copy of the death certificate for any deceased property co-owner, unless supplied with a prior application.
- If divorced: a copy of the Divorce Decree and Settlement Agreement; if you receive alimony or child support, the Divorce Decree or court order.
- A signed letter from a licensed Virginia medical doctor, only if a relative lives in the home for bona fide caregiving services to an owner and you want that relative's income excluded.
- A letter of hardship explaining the late filing, for returning applicants submitting after the May 1 deadline.
How to fill out 2025 Applications for Tax Relief – Fairfax County, VA
Confirm which relief you are applying for
Read the qualifications on pages 3 and 4 for real estate tax relief, real estate tax deferral and personal property tax relief. You must meet all eligibility criteria to apply.
Enter applicant and spouse information
Check your marital status as of December 31, 2024. Enter your name, birth date (MM/DD/YYYY), Social Security Number, home address, phones and email, and the same details for your spouse if you have one.
Answer the filing and deadline questions
Check Yes or No on whether you and your spouse are required to file federal income tax returns. Returning applicants only: say whether you are applying before the May 1st deadline or after it with a letter of hardship.
Complete the real estate questions
Answer questions 1 to 3 on year-round occupancy as your sole dwelling, a mortgage (with the monthly payment and any assistance) and a reverse mortgage. List everyone else living in your home with relationship and birth date (MM/DD/YYYY).
Complete the vehicle or mobile home section
For personal property tax relief, answer whether you were a Fairfax County resident and the owner as of January 1, 2025, whether there is a lien, and whether you receive financial assistance for it. Enter the year, make and model.
Report total combined gross income
For each of lines 1 to 16, enter 2024 gross income in the applicant, spouse and co-owner or relative columns, using the documentation shown for each source. Add line 17 for each column and enter the total on line 18.
List real estate and personal property
Part 1: list real estate other than your residence, inside and outside the U.S., with market value as of December 2024. Part 2: list motor vehicles, motorcycles, boats and trailers with year, make, model and 2024 assessed value.
Enter the cash value of other assets
Part 3, lines 6 to 16: enter values as of December 31, 2024 for the applicant, spouse and other owners in the home. Add them on line 17 and attach the documentation shown for each line.
Complete liabilities only if required
Part 4 is only for applicants whose total assets exceeded $400,000: identify debts on line 18, mortgages other than your residence on line 19, then complete lines 20 to 22. Leave Part 5 (line 23) blank; it is for office use.
Appoint a representative if you wish
The appointment of representative is not required. If you want one, enter the name, phone, address and email, which also gives Tax Administration staff consent to discuss the application with that person.
Review, sign and download the PDF
Print your full name in the affidavit and sign and date it; the spouse or second owner also signs and dates. Confirm all parts and documents are complete, then download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF and keep copies.
How to submit 2025 Applications for Tax Relief – Fairfax County, VA
You can submit the application by email, mail, fax or in person. Send copies of your supporting documents with it; incomplete applications are not accepted and delay the process.
- Email: [email protected]
- Mail: Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration, Tax Relief and Exemptions Office, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 243, Fairfax, Virginia 22035. Postmark it by the deadline.
- Fax: 703-802-7595
- In person: Tax Relief and Exemptions Office at the same address, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
For questions call 703-222-8234 (TTY 711). More information is at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/relief. The county mails a letter confirming receipt within three weeks. Keep copies of all records: the application is subject to audit for up to three years after the year filed, and corrections may change exemption amounts for prior years. FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the channels above.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting an incomplete application or leaving out supporting documents; the instructions say incomplete applications will not be accepted and will delay the process.
- Filing as a returning applicant after May 1 without a letter of hardship explaining the late filing.
- Applying as permanently and totally disabled for the first time without certification from the VA or Railroad Retirement Board, an SSA Notice of Award, or an affidavit signed by two doctors.
- Sending only part of the 2024 tax returns instead of a complete copy of the Federal and State returns with all schedules.
- Leaving household members off the residents list; income of all relatives who live in the home counts toward total combined income.
- Stopping tax payments after applying; you must keep paying until Fairfax County officially notifies you that you are no longer liable.
- Claiming vehicle relief for a leased or business vehicle, or for more than one vehicle or mobile home.
- Having an executor or heir file; tax relief is not available to the executor of an estate or heirs of an applicant.
- Mailing the application to the general forms address instead of the Tax Relief and Exemptions Office, Suite 243, printed on the form.
- Omitting the death certificate of a deceased co-owner, or the divorce decree when divorced or receiving alimony or child support.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Fairfax County 2025 tax relief application for seniors?
It is the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration application for real estate and vehicle tax relief under the Tax Relief Program for Seniors and People with Disabilities. Applicants must be Fairfax County residents who are at least 65 or permanently and totally disabled.
What is the deadline for the 2025 Fairfax County tax relief application?
Returning applicants must file by May 1, 2025, postmarked by that date. First-time applicants and applicants with hardship conditions may have the due date extended to December 31, 2026. Returning applicants filing after May 1 must include a letter of hardship.
Who qualifies for Fairfax County real estate tax relief?
Owners who are at least 65 or permanently and totally disabled as of December 31, 2024, who own and occupy the home year-round as their sole dwelling, with combined income up to $90,000 and net worth up to $400,000 excluding the home. Relief covers the home and up to one acre.
Can I email or fax the Fairfax County tax relief application?
Yes. The form says you may submit it by email, mail, fax or in person. Email [email protected], fax 703-802-7595, or mail or deliver it to the Tax Relief and Exemptions Office, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 243, Fairfax, Virginia 22035.
What documents do I need with the tax relief application?
Copies of supporting income and asset documentation, including complete 2024 Federal and State tax returns with all schedules. First-time disabled applicants also need VA, Railroad Retirement Board or SSA certification, or a two-doctor affidavit. Other items depend on your situation.
Do I have to renew Fairfax County tax relief every year?
Yes. Tax relief is granted on an annual basis and a renewal application must be filed each year. Returning applicants who already provided disability documentation in a previous year do not have to resubmit that verification.
Can I stop paying my taxes once I apply for tax relief?
No. You must pay your taxes until Fairfax County officially notifies you that you are no longer liable. The county mails a letter confirming it received your application within three weeks, but that letter is not the notice of approval.
Is this the application for renters?
This 2025 form covers real estate and vehicle relief for homeowners. The county's forms page lists a separate Non-Homeowner's Application for 2026, and the program also offers tax relief for renters. Call 703-222-8234 (TTY 711) to confirm which form fits you.
Can I fill out the Fairfax County tax relief application online?
You can fill out the PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it. FillingPDF is an independent service, is not connected to Fairfax County and does not submit the application; you send it to the county by email, mail, fax or in person.
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