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1. My online banking payments always seem to arrive late. Why is that?

When you set up a bill payment due to the Treasurer's Office using your bank's online bill pay, there are many factors that could slow the delivery of your payment to this office:                                                                                                                                                                                                     1.  The bank creates a paper check to mail to us.  The Treasurer does not receive an electronic payment file.                                                                 2.  The bank holds the checks for several days to combine multiple check payments from our customers using the same bank to cut down on their            mailing costs.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   3.  The USPS announced that first class mail that used to take 3 days for delivery would now be a minimum 5 day delivery.  We are finding that it is         even longer than that.  

We recommend an alternate payment method if you are close to a tax due date to avoid penalties or a utility due date to prevent your water service from being disconnected.                 

   

2. Where is the Treasurer’s Office located?

We are located in City Hall in the main lobby to the right. City Hall is on the corner of Princess Anne and Hanover streets at 715 Princess Anne St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 City Hall

3. Will I receive my tax bills at the proper address if I notify DMV and/or the USPS of an address change?

Not necessarily. When you move, do not expect other governmental entities to notify us of your move. It is the taxpayers responsibility to contact the Commissioner of the Revenue, (540) 372-1004, to make a change of address regarding personal property and/or real estate taxes. In not doing so, your bills may not reach you. Not receiving a bill because you fail to change an address does not excuse you from the tax or any subsequent penalties. Commissioner of the Revenue

4. Who do I make checks payable to and where do I mail my payment?

All checks should be made payable to the City of Fredericksburg. Checks, with remittance coupon, should be mailed to Treasurer, City of Fredericksburg, PO Box 967, Fredericksburg VA 22404. If you are paying by online banking, instruct the bank to mail the check to PO Box 267, Fredericksburg VA 22404.

5. When I pay my bills with online banking, why does it take so long for payments to reach the Treasurer’s Office?

The City of Fredericksburg does not receive your payment electronically. It is received in the form of a paper check. Per the banking industry, when you authorize the bank to pay your bill your account is debited immediately for the funds, but it may take up to 7 days before the bank mails the check to us. Also, please consider the time it takes for the USPS to deliver the check and allow yourself ample time for it to reach us when setting your payment up. It is not unusual to allow 10 - 14 days from the time you authorize your payment online to the time it is RECEIVED by our office.

6. I mailed my payment in before the due date. Why have I incurred late fees?

Payment must be RECEIVED by the Treasurer’s Office no later than the due date indicated on your bill to avoid late fees. Please allow ample time for the USPS to deliver your payment to us. Mail we receive from the USPS is processed and posted to your account the day it is received.

7. Why does printing a receipt from my online payment seem so “user unfriendly”?

You should be able to print a receipt using the print option on your computer. However, an electronic version is emailed to you each time you complete a payment transaction. If you correctly enter your email address at the beginning of your transaction, you will immediately receive an electronic receipt by your internet service provider.

8. How often does the City bill for annual personal property taxes?

Annual personal property taxes are billed twice a year due on May 15 and November 15, or the following business day.  Effective April 5, 2022, City Council eliminated the previously charged $25.00 vehicle license fee.    

9. For real estate taxes, why does the City function on a Fiscal Year basis instead of a calendar year?

Real estate taxes are assessed on our Fiscal Year of July 1 through June 30. The first half taxes cover the calendar year period of July 1 through December 31 and are due November 15th. The second half taxes cover the calendar year period of January 1 through June 30 and are due May 15th. The decision to bill in a Fiscal Year fashion was a decision made years ago by the City Council to coincide with our budget year.

10. Why do I need a PIN to pay my personal property taxes online?

Use of a PIN replaced the search option of using your Social Security Number (SSN) to locate your account. Internet fraud and identity theft by means of the SSN influenced us to protect your personal information by asking you to create a PIN to access your account. You are not required to do so as there are two additional options of accessing your account for payment. However, without the bill in front of you, you are not likely to know the information requested. A PIN allows you easy access from any computer or smart phone.

11. How can I reset my PIN for online payments if I forget it?

To maintain your PIN, go online to the Personal Property Payment option and select “To create a PIN or access other PIN options, click here”. This opens several options for PIN maintenance. Select “Forgotten PIN” then enter the email address the current PIN was created under plus your social security number (customer service number). You will be sent an email notification at that address. If your attempt to reset your PIN is not successful, please contact the Treasurer’s Office at (540)372-1001.

12. Why am I receiving another personal property tax bill mid-year?

The city is a pro-rating locality. As vehicles are moved into the city, the Commissioner of the Revenue assesses personal property taxes based on the number of remaining months in that tax year and the Treasurer bills accordingly. Supplemental personal property tax bills are mailed each month to taxpayers new to the city or those who have acquired a new vehicle.  Supplemental personal property tax bills are billed and due in one installment.