Tax Delinquency Virginia: What You Need to Know About Unpaid Property Taxes

When property taxes go unpaid in Virginia, a state where property taxes are paid in arrears and penalties accrue quickly. Also known as tax delinquency, this isn’t just a late fee—it’s a legal risk that can lead to liens, auctions, or even loss of your home. Unlike some states, Virginia doesn’t give you years to catch up. Once taxes are past due, the county can place a lien on your property within weeks, and if it stays unpaid, the property can be sold at a tax sale.

Many people think tax delinquency only affects people who are behind on payments because they’re struggling financially. But it also happens to absentee landlords, out-of-state owners, and even those who simply missed the mail. A property tax lien, a legal claim against a property for unpaid taxes. Also known as tax lien, it attaches to the title and must be cleared before you can sell or refinance. In Virginia, interest on unpaid taxes is 10% per year, compounded annually. That means a $2,000 tax bill can become $2,400 in just two years—not including fees.

And here’s the catch: even if you’re not living in the property, you’re still responsible. A non-resident landlord, someone who owns rental property in Virginia but lives elsewhere. Also known as out-of-state property owner, it must still pay taxes on time. Miss a payment, and the county can send notices to the wrong address, freeze bank accounts, or block the sale of the property until the debt is cleared. There’s no grace period for being out of state.

Some owners try to ignore it, hoping it’ll go away. But in Virginia, tax delinquency doesn’t disappear. Counties actively pursue unpaid taxes. In 2023, over 12,000 properties in Virginia were sold at tax sales—many for pennies on the dollar. Buyers at these auctions don’t care if you’re a retiree, a student, or a foreign investor. They just want the lien cleared. If you don’t act fast, you lose everything.

It’s not just about money. Unpaid taxes can wreck your credit, block future loans, and make it impossible to sell your home. Even if you’ve already moved out, the debt follows the property. That’s why knowing your rights and deadlines matters more than ever.

Below, you’ll find real guides from people who’ve dealt with Virginia’s tax system—how to read your tax bill, what to do if you get a notice, how to set up a payment plan, and when to call a lawyer. You’ll also see how rent increases, lease terminations, and property ownership rules tie into this. Because tax delinquency doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s connected to everything else in real estate.