Orange County Insight February 2026

Missed Paying Your Tax Bills? Don’t Delay! Contact the Treasurer’s Office to Establish a Payment Plan By: Orange County Communications Department

EXAMPLE FOR ILLUSTRATION ONLY *Amounts Rounded

Bills for personal property and the first half of real estate taxes were mailed in October, and payments for those bills were due December 5, 2025. Those that missed the deadline should be aware that unpaid bills are now considered late and will be assessed a 10% penalty on the balance. Notices regarding delinquent bills were mailed on January 15, 2026. While it is best to pay before the due date, it is important to promptly resolve unpaid bills to avoid further penalties. Interest is applied to a year’s unpaid bills beginning in January, and will reach 10% annually. By completing payment on those bills as soon as possible, those with outstanding tax balances can minimize the accrual of that interest. See the example chart for a demonstration of how taking care of unpaid bills quickly can reduce the impact of penalties. Furthermore, bills that remain unpaid may be turned over to collections or face other consequences such as liens or DMV stops.

Amount Added

Total Amount

Original Bill Amount

$1,000

+ Late Penalty (10%)

$100

$1,100

+ Interest (10% appliced to balance and initial late penalty), accrues monthly

$1,109.17 after first month

$9.17 monthly

+ Administrative Collective Fee (applied Feb. 1)

$25

$1,134.17

Total due after 12 months unpaid

$235

$1,235

Those that have outstanding tax bills are encouraged to contact the Treasurer’s Office at (540) 672- 2656. The Office can set up a payment plan to help ease the burden of catching up unpaid balances. A payment plan can also prevent some collection actions which can add additional fees to the unpaid tax bill.

Want to avoid the lump sum impact of tax bills? Remember that tax prepayments are accepted. Prepaying can help spread the cost over a longer timeframe. Contact the Treasurer’s Office for details.

The Treasurer’s Office is located on the first floor of the Gordon Building, 112 West Main Street, Orange, VA Payments can be completed in person, by mail, by phone, or by mail. Learn more or find payment options at orangecountyva.gov/taxpayments. Questions? Call (540) 672-2656.

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OCI February 2026

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