Goochland County reminds residents first half taxes are due June 5

Goochland County residents who owe first-half real estate or personal property taxes need to pay by June 5 to avoid a 10% penalty that starts the first day after the deadline. Interest then begins to accrue at 10% per year on overdue balances starting July 1 for the first half of the year.

The quickest options are online or by phone through Official Payments using jurisdiction code 1031, or in person at the Goochland County Treasurer’s Office, 1800 Sandy Hook Road, Suite 210, Goochland, VA 23063. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except official holidays. Payments also can be mailed to P.O. Box 188, Goochland, VA 23063-0188 or left in the secure drop box on the Rt. 522 side of the Administration Building near the Voter Registrar’s Office.

County officials said tax bills must be mailed at least 15 days before the due date under state law, and the office aims to send them about 30 days ahead when possible. Residents who have not received a bill are being told to call the Treasurer’s Office at 804-556-5806 before June 5, since not getting a bill does not erase the late charge.

Goochland bills real estate and personal property taxes twice a year, with the second half due Dec. 5. If June 5 or Dec. 5 falls on a weekend, the deadline moves to the following Monday. The county said late real estate and personal property payments can lead to DMV stops, liens, collection agency referral, court judgment, seizure or sale of property, withholding of state income tax refunds and circuit court action to sell property for taxes due and costs.

For personal property, Goochland prorates taxes on motor vehicles, trailers and semitrailers based on the portion of the year the vehicle is legally located in the county. Mobile homes, boats and boat motors, business equipment, and machinery and tools are not prorated. Vehicle assessments use Jan. 1 J.D. Power Official Used Car Guide and Official Older Car Guide values, with the Clean Trade-In value used for most listings. If a vehicle is not listed, the county may use a percentage of original cost to reflect fair market value.

Taxpayers are being told to report purchases, trades, moves, sales, donations, stolen vehicles or totaled vehicles within 30 days. Mortgage companies must make a written request for each billing cycle to receive real estate tax bills, and owners who sell property should contact the Treasurer’s Office so the bill can be forwarded to the new owner.