COVID-19 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Relief Program Application Deadline Extended to Oct. 31

October 1, 2020

Due to steady interest and ongoing community need, the Department of Human Services will continue to accept applications for the COVID-19 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Relief Program through Oct. 31. The program provides direct relief for households where an occupant has lost their employment, had their work hours reduced or has been furloughed due to COVID-19. Financial relief comes in the form of a check for the approved relief amount to the named recipient."As the ongoing economic impacts of the pandemic are felt in our community, we recognize that there are many families and individuals who may be in a different employment situation now than at the beginning of the pandemic," said DHS Financial Assistance Division Administrator Deidria Bolden. "Anyone who has experienced a job loss or reduction of hours for any length of time since March 1 of this year due to COVID-19 is encouraged to apply."A maximum relief of $500 for residential real estate taxes and $250 for personal property tax has been established for eligible households. The amount of relief will be the billed total, or the benefit maximum, whichever is lower. Each household could potentially receive both benefits for a maximum relief amount of $750. Only one application may be filed per household. Any impacted household, whether they have paid their tax bill or not, is encouraged to apply if they meet the eligibility requirements. Self-employed individuals or gig workers may be eligible if they are able to provide sufficient documentation of loss of work.To be eligible for consideration, potential beneficiaries must:Provide proof of eligibility criteriaHave established Virginia Beach residency as of March 1, 2020Be unemployed, furloughed, or reduced in hours at any time after March 1, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemicProvide a copy of their 2020 real estate and/or personal property tax billsPotential beneficiaries may only claim their primary residence for relief – no rental or second properties are eligible. Applications will be processed as they are received. Please note that any accrued late fees, penalties or interest are the responsibility of the bill holder and are not eligible for relief.Additional information, including necessary documents for proof of eligibility and applications, can be found online at VBgov.com/COVID19TaxRelief. For questions about eligibility or accepted documentation, please email VBTaxRelief@vbgov.com. For the latest information, please visit emergency.vbgov.com/coronavirus and follow us on facebook.com/CityofVaBeach, twitter.com/CityofVaBeach and instagram.com/cityofvabeach.# # #