Mathews County, Virginia 2027 reassessment information

Clear answers about property assessments and informal appeals.

Use this page to understand reassessment notices, market value, ratio studies, assessment reviews, and the documents available to property owners.

Review appeal options Review property records online View helpful documents

2027: Reassessment year
100%: Fair market value target
Mar. 19: Appeal filing deadline

Appeal filing deadlineMarch 19, 2027Submit appeal requests and supporting information by the Mathews County filing deadline.

Hearing windowMarch 15-26, 2027Informal review appointments are scheduled during the Mathews County hearing period.

Property lookupOnline assessment recordsReview property data before asking for a review.General questions(540) 391-0779You do not need to file an appeal just to ask a general question.

FAQ

Common property owner questions

These answers summarize the archived public guidance and keep the focus on value, records, and the review process.

Reassessment Basics

Why did I receive a notice in the mail?

Counties and cities in Virginia are required by the state to reassess real estate periodically. The required frequency is based on population, and localities may choose to reassess more often. When a property's assessed value changes during a reassessment, written notices are mailed to property owners. The notice explains the change and provides information about reviewing your property record, submitting information, and using the informal appeal process.

Why did my property value increase?

Property values can rise because of market trends, recent verified sales, renovations, additions, acreage changes, rezonings, and corrected property data. A reassessment updates assessed values to reflect current market conditions.

Does a higher assessment automatically mean higher taxes?

Not necessarily. The assessment is one part of the tax calculation. The final tax bill also depends on the tax rate adopted by the local governing body after it reviews the tax base, budget needs, and public concerns.

How often are reassessments conducted?

Mathews County conducts general reassessments every 6 years. The current project is for the 2027 reassessment cycle.

Value and Assessment Terms

What is the difference between market value and assessed value?

Market value is the likely sale price in an open and competitive market. Assessed value is the value assigned for local tax purposes. In Virginia, most real estate assessments are intended to reflect fair market value.

What is the difference between a sale price, an appraisal, and an assessment?

A sale price is what a buyer paid for one property. A fee appraisal is a detailed single-property valuation for a purpose such as lending, sale, estate planning, or litigation. An assessment is a mass appraisal value developed for many properties for tax purposes.

Are all properties assessed the same way?

Most properties are assessed at fair market value, but exceptions can apply. Examples include land-use properties, public service properties, exempt properties, historic properties, and some affordable housing properties.

Review and Data Questions

Should I file an appeal if I only have a general question?

No. General questions can be answered by phone or email. Filing an appeal is most useful when you believe the value or property data needs formal review.

What if my property description is wrong?

Review the online property record first. If you see a data issue such as square footage, bathroom count, condition, or other physical characteristics, contact the assessment office with the specific concern.

Can I receive individual comparable sales for my property?

The reassessment is based on broad market analysis and many verified sales. Individual comparable sales are not selected for each property in the same way a fee appraisal would select them.

Assessment process

How mass appraisal works

A reassessment is a systematic update of property values. It relies on property records, verified sales, market analysis, valuation models, and review checks for fairness and consistency.

Data collection

Mass appraisal depends on accurate property and market data. Assessors review physical characteristics, land features, use, occupancy, permits, aerial imagery, and owner-provided information.

Physical characteristics such as size, age, quality, condition, and construction type.
Land characteristics such as lot size, topography, zoning, and location.
Use and occupancy such as residential, commercial, agricultural, or exempt use.

Market analysis and valuation

Verified sales and local market evidence are used to develop valuation models. Many properties are valued using the cost approach, with land value estimated separately and depreciation applied where appropriate.

Sales are reviewed to identify local market trends.
Replacement cost, depreciation, and land value are considered.
Income and expense information may be reviewed for property types where that information is relevant.

Ratio studies

Ratio studies compare assessed values to sale prices to evaluate accuracy and equity. They help determine whether assessments are close to fair market value and whether values are applied uniformly.

The assessment-to-sale ratio compares assessed value with sale price.
The median ratio shows the typical assessment level.
COD and PRD statistics help measure horizontal and vertical equity.

Final review

Before values are finalized, data and values are reviewed for completeness, reasonableness, and equity across neighborhoods, property types, and value ranges.

Check property records for completeness and accuracy.
Compare values across similar properties.
Use public review and appeal information to correct specific problems when supported by evidence.

Informal appeals

When you believe a value or property record should be reviewed

You are not required to schedule an appointment just to have a concern reviewed. A clear written explanation with useful supporting information is often the best first step.

Use the informal review process for value or data concerns

An informal review lets a property owner provide information before values move into the next stage. Supporting documents, property data corrections, recent appraisals, photographs, or market evidence are most useful.

Put supporting information in writing when possible

Written information gives the assessor time to review the issue carefully. If you call, be ready with your property identification, contact information, and a clear explanation of the concern.

Stay focused on property value and property characteristics

The assessor's role is to estimate property value from market data and property characteristics. Tax rates, budgets, ability to pay, and unrelated local government issues are handled by other offices or boards.

Possible outcomes

After review, the value may stay the same, decrease, or increase. A property inspection may be requested if the concern involves condition, damage, missing improvements, or other property-specific facts.

Appeal etiquette

Prepare for a focused, productive review

We strive to make the assessment process as fair and transparent as possible. While informal appeals are not required by state code, they are offered as a courtesy so property owners have an opportunity to review and discuss their property's assessed value. To make the most of your informal appeal appointment, please observe the following guidelines.

Appointment Time Limit

Each taxpayer's appointment is limited to 15 to 20 minutes. To ensure every property owner has a fair opportunity to be heard, please arrive prepared and keep the discussion focused on the property and its assessed value.

Submit Information in Writing

We strongly encourage submitting supporting documentation before your appointment. Providing sales data, recent appraisals, photographs, or information about changes to your property in advance allows the assessor's office to conduct a more thorough review before your meeting.

Review Your Property Data Online

Before requesting a review, please review your property data online. This can help identify specific discrepancies or concerns and make your appeal more focused and effective.

Review property records online

Review the Assessment Process

The Assessment Process section answers many general questions about how reassessments, market analysis, valuation models, and ratio studies work.

Review assessment process

Stay on Topic

Please keep the discussion limited to your property's characteristics and market value. Avoid unrelated topics such as ability to pay, political concerns, the county budget, or the tax rate. The assessor's role is to determine property values based on market data and property characteristics, not to address broader county government or tax policy issues.

Respect the Process

Bringing up issues outside the scope of property valuation can waste appointment time and slow the appeals process for others. Staying focused on market value and property characteristics helps produce the most useful review.

We appreciate your cooperation. By working together, we can help ensure a smooth and productive appeals process for all property owners.

Helpful documents

Assessment resources for property owners

The International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) is a professional organization for assessing and mass appraisal officials. The IAAO Property Owner FAQ and Understanding Assessment documents are good resources for gaining a better understanding of assessments.

PDFIAAO Property Owner FAQGeneral property owner guidance from the International Association of Assessing Officers.PDFUnderstanding AssessmentBackground material explaining assessment concepts for property owners.PDFInformal Appeal FormPDF form for submitting informal appeal information.PDFPaper Appeal FormAlternate public appeal form preserved from the archived site.PDFRatio Study SummaryPublished summary of reassessment ratio study results.PDFYear-End Residential UpdateMarket and assessment context for residential property owners.XLSXFinal Ratio Study WorkbookSpreadsheet containing published ratio study material.XLSXActive, Pending, and Recently Sold WorkbookSpreadsheet with active listings, pending sales, and recent sales context.

Contact

Questions about your assessment?

Start by reviewing the FAQ and online property data. For property-specific concerns, have your parcel or account information ready when you call or email.

jason@professionalassessor.com (540) 391-077910644 Buckley Hall Road, Mathews, VA 23109