Appraisal Process

All real property in Roanoke County is subject to taxation, except those properties that are specifically tax exempt. Certain properties owned by the County, State, or Federal governments, or properties determined to be used for religious, charitable, educational purposes, and some cultural or recreational uses are considered non-taxable.

Roanoke County appraises more than 44,500 parcels, with notices mailed during the 1st week of January. The Code of Virginia requires that real estate assessments be at 100% of fair market value. The tax rate is determined in March of each year by the Board of Supervisors after careful review of the County's budgetary needs and after public hearings have been held.

The appraisal staff is responsible for identifying, locating, and estimating the value of all properties within the County for tax purposes. The appraiser does not create the value. Citizens establish the value by buying and selling real estate in the open market. The appraiser has the responsibility to evaluate those transactions and appraise your property equitably with similar surrounding properties. The appraisers consider three approaches to arrive at an indication of value. The three approaches are:

Sales approach
Cost approach
Income approach

Differences exist between individual properties and between neighborhoods. The sales in one area may indicate a substantial increase in value during a given period of time while another neighborhood may experience no change in value, or even a decrease in value.There may be different styles of properties within the same neighborhood which may experience different market demand. For example, colonial style homes may be in more demand than contemporary style homes. Additions, alterations, and demolitions may result in a change of value as well.

The appraiser is not responsible for the amount of taxes collected. The appraiser's primary responsibility is to estimate the market value of your property that ensures taxpayers pay only their fair share.