FAQs • King William County, VA • CivicEngage

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2021 Reassessment

1. What is a reassessment?: Reassessment is the process of re-determining the value of property or land for tax purposes.

Periodic reassessments are required by law and are to insure that each property is valued fairly. The purpose of property tax reassessment is to realign the values of real property that are determined with values of other kinds of property that are assessed annually, such as personal property, utilities, and mobile homes.

As required by the Code of Virginia, King William County is conducting a general reassessment to be effective for January 1, 2021. King William County is required to reassess all real property at least every 4 years.

The Code of Virginia requires that all property be assessed at market value. This is the value used to calculate property taxes, which are the product of the assessed value and the tax rate.

3. What should I expect from reassessment?: A reassessment will result in a new value being established for your property. This new value will replace the value currently on your property and will be the basis used for taxing property. Please remember that an increase/decrease in property value does not automatically mean an increase/decrease in your property taxes.

4. When was the last reassessment?: The last reassessment took place between 2014 and 2015. Those results went into effect on January 1, 2015. The 2015 reassessment encompassed over 11,000 parcels with a total value of more than $1.5 billion.

5. What is the reassessment process?

The County is divided into smaller neighborhoods for purpose of market comparison.
Each property is visited by a field inspector who verifies data and collects additional data. The field review is done with the homeowner if they are at home.
Data collection is entered into mass appraisal system and accuracy validated.
Neighborhood sales, land values, yearly appreciation trends and other data are analyzed throughout the process.
When reassessment is complete in late 2020, property owners will be notified. Hearings with the appraisers will be held if requested.
Property owners who continue to disagree with the reassessment results may appeal to a Board of Equalization appointed by the Circuit Court.

6. Who is conducting the reassessment?: The professional appraisal firm, BrightMinds of Roanoke, Virginia has been retained by King William County to do new real estate value assessments of every property in the County.

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Board of Equalization

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1. From Where Does the BOE Receive Its Authority?: The King William County Board of Equalization (BOE) acts under the authority and powers conferred upon it by provisions of Article 14 (§ 58.1-3370 et seq.) of Chapter 32 of Title 58.1 of the Code of Virginia, as amended. The BOE is an independent body, separate and apart from the Board of Supervisors and any department/division of the King William County government.

2. Who Are The Members of the BOE?: The five (5) volunteer members of the BOE are all King William County residents, a majority of whom are landowners, and who are recommended by the Board of Supervisors of King William County.

3. What Does The BOE Do?: The BOE’s purpose is to hear and review evidence and/or testimony from property owners who believe their annual real estate assessment does not reflect a correct, fair and equal valuation. After hearing such evidence and testimony, the BOE will either affirm, decrease or increase the tax assessed value of that property for the year the appeal is heard.

4. Who Can Appeal?: The owner of the property or his/her/their authorized representative, acting under the authority of the property owner.

5. When Can I File My Appeal?: In 2021, any time between January 1 and midnight, April 1. NOTE: If the statutory filing deadline (January 1) falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or County holiday, the deadline is the following business day.

6. What Form Do I Use To File My Appeal?: Forms will be made available on this page after the initial appeals process with BRIGHTMINDS, LLC is complete.

7. Is A Hearing Like A Court Hearing?

In some ways – yes. While not as formal as a court hearing, all persons testifying before the Board will be sworn before giving oral testimony. Unlike a court hearing, there is no cross-examination by either party to the appeal. Shown below is the typical order of procedure for the hearing.

a) Swearing-in of appellant(s), witnesses and BRIGHTMINDS, LCC. All persons who intend to testify shall be duly sworn by taking an oath or affirmation:
b) Presentation of the appellant’s case, including testimony of witnesses.
c) Presentation by BRIGHTMINDS, LCC.
d) Questions from the appellant(s), witnesses or representatives of BRIGHTMINDS, LLC are addressed to the Board.
e) Questions from members of the Board.
f) After hearing all testimony, the Board may consider all presented evidence and render a decision to maintain, reduce or increase the assessment.
g) Furthermore, the decision reached by the Board will set the assessment for the tax appeal year and is binding on all parties thereto.

8. Do I Have To Pay Taxes Before My Appeal is Heard?: Yes. All taxes due and payable on the property are the responsibility of the taxpayer and must be paid during the appeal process on the dates due. If the BOE determines that an assessment should be reduced, it will issue a Form 907 with copies to the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue and County Treasurer directing those offices to make the changes in the record books and an exoneration will be provided. If the BOE determines that an assessment should be increased, the order directs the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue and County Treasurer to make the appropriate changes and collect additional taxes from the taxpayer.

9. Do I Have To Appear At My Hearing?

No. Property owners have two choices.

(a) You can submit a notarized application for appeal. This means that the BOE will review your application and supporting evidence as well as the information submitted by BRIGHTMINDS, LLC and render its decision without you being present. Not appearing at your hearing has NO negative effect on the decision of the BOE. Please note, that should you choose to submit a notarized appeal, you waive your rights to appear; (b) you can appoint an agent (real estate professional, appraiser, attorney, family member, etc) to appear at your hearing in your stead.

10. I Was Not The Owner Of Record on 1 January. Can I Still File An Appeal?: Yes. In fact, as the owner of the record on the day you filed the appeal, you are the only person with standing to file an appeal and be heard by the BOE.

11. I Was The Owner of Record on 1 January, But Subsequently Sold The Property. Can I Still File An Appeal?

No. Only the owner of record on the date the appeal is filed will be heard by the BOE.

Cautionary Note: If you file an appeal and subsequently sell the property, your appeal is considered to have terminated with the transfer of ownership and your appeal will not be heard. The new owner of record can file an appeal as long as the deadline has not passed.

12. Do I Have To File An Appeal With BRIGHTMINDS, LLC BEFORE I Appeal to the BOE?: No. However, we encourage you to request a review (appeal) from BRIGHTMINDS, LLC to see if you can resolve any issues regarding your property assessment. If not satisfied with that review, you may proceed directly with your appeal to the BOE. As with your rights to appeal directly to the Circuit Court of King William County instead of the BOE, you may bypass BRIGHTMIND, LLC’s review process and appeal directly to the BOE.

13. What If I Appeal to BRIGHTMINDS, LLC and the BOE, Yet Reach A Settlement With BRIGHTMINDS, LLC Before My Appeal With The BOE?

If you reach a settlement with BRIGHTMINDS, LLC regarding your assessment, you are required to notify the BOE of that settlement at least three (3) business days prior to your scheduled hearing with the BOE.

Cautionary Note: Please understand that should you fail to appear for your hearing and the BOE has not been notified of your settlement, then the BOE shall proceed with your hearing as scheduled in the same manner as if no one appeared on behalf of the property owner.

14. May I Withdraw My Appeal Application?

Yes. Your withdrawal must be received by the BOE at least five (5) business days prior to the scheduled hearing. Your request must be in writing and have the signature of the owner of record or his/her authorized representative.

Cautionary Note: Please understand that should you fail to appear for your hearing and the BOE has not been notified of your withdrawal, then the BOE shall proceed with your hearing as scheduled in the same manner as if no one appeared on behalf of the property owner.

15. What If I’m Unable To Attend The Scheduled Hearing?

Please indicate on your application for appeal any dates that you will be unable to attend a hearing due to vacation, business travel, etc. The BOE’s Administrative Assistant will make every effort to accommodate such requests when indicated in advance on the form.

Note: Please understand that due to the ever increasing number of appeals, rescheduling of hearings will generally NOT be given, and in your absence the BOE may proceed to hear the appeal in the same manner as if no one appeared on behalf of the property owner.

16. How Will I Know When My Hearing Is Scheduled?: Once your appeal has been scheduled for a hearing you will be immediately notified by email of the date and time. Residential property owners submitting a paper application without an email address will be notified of the scheduled hearing date by U.S. mail as soon as practical.

17. How Soon Will My Hearing Be Scheduled?: Property owners who file an appeal online will generally be scheduled first. Mailed-in and hand delivered appeals will generally be scheduled last.

18. What Are The Potential Outcomes of An Appeal to the BOE?

When you appeal your tax assessment to the BOE, there are three (3) possible outcomes if the appeal is heard. Your tax assessment can be affirmed (no change), increased (increasing the tax liability to the property owner) or decreased (decreasing the tax liability to the property owner). If the assessment is affirmed, there is no change to your tax liability. If the assessment is increased, then you will receive a tax bill for the increased taxes due. If the assessment is decreased, an exoneration will be provided.

Please understand, in all cases, you are liable to pay all taxes due and owing on the property until the BOE has heard your appeal and the appropriate county departments have processed the BOE’s Order.

19. What If I Don’t Agree With The Decision of The BOE?: If you are not satisfied with the decision of the BOE, you have the right to appeal your assessment directly to the Circuit Court of King William County, Virginia.

20. Can I Bring Any Documents/Evidence to My Hearing?: All written materials, maps, photographs and other documentary evidence which the appellant intends to present during a hearing must be filed with the BOE not later than fifteen (15) business days prior to the scheduled hearing. BRIGHTMINDS, LLC must file all evidence no later than fifteen (15) days prior to the scheduled hearing date. However, at the sole discretion of the BOE, other written materials, maps, photographs, and other documentary evidence may be admitted into evidence at any time, either from the appellant, or BRIGHTMINDS, LLC. If additional documentary evidence is admitted, the BOE has the discretion to decide a continuance.

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General District Court

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1. Can I continue my traffic case?: You are allowed one continuance, which is granted by the Clerk. Your case will be continued to the officers next available court date. The presiding Judge grants any further continuances.

2. What time is my court case?: Please visit the Virginia Judicial System website at and click on General District Court Case Information. Court starts promptly at the scheduled time, please be on time to avoid further fines.

3. Where are you located?: The General District Court Clerk’s Office is located in the new Courts and Public Safety Building at 351 Courthouse Lane.

4. What are your hours?: The clerks office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, except on legal holidays.

5. What is the latest I can pay a ticket?: All prepayments must be received in this office at least one day prior to your court date. No payments will be accepted on court day before court.

6. Can I prepay my speeding ticket?: Yes, prepayments can be paid online with Visa or MasterCard. Click on “Pay Traffic Tickets” and follow the instructions to prepay. There is a 4% convenience fee for this service.

7. Is there a fee for being tried in my absence?: Yes, if you fail to appear, you will be tried in your absence and billed for the fine and costs at the address listed on the summons issued to you by the officer.

8. How long after court do I have to pay my bill?: You have 30 calendar days from the date of conviction to pay the amount due before the suspension date.

9. Can I appeal the courts decision?: Yes, You have 10 days from the conviction date to appear in the Clerks office to note your appeal.

10. Who do I make my check/money order payable to?: All payments are payable to the General District Court.

11. How do I figure my ticket amount?: All speeding violations can be prepaid. The fine is computed at $6 per mile over the posted speed limit, except speeding in a school zone or speeding in a highway work zone which are computed at $7 per mile over the posted speed limit. Add the court-processing fee of $61. If you received more than one summons at the same time add the $61 processing fee to the first summons and $10 for each additional summons with the exception of a seat belt violation.

12. How much is a seat belt violation?: A seat belt violation for a driver or a passenger over the age of 18 years old is a $25 civil penalty with no additional cost or processing fee.

13. What is the mailing address?: The General District Court mailing address is:
King William General District Court
351 Courthouse Lane
Suite 201
King William, VA 23086

14. What payments do you accept?

You may pay by personal check, money order, cashiers check, VISA or MasterCard. To pay by Visa or MasterCard, fill in the credit card authorization information on the reverse side of the prepayable information sheet given to you by the officer. Mail your payment payable to the General District Court or your credit card authorization information to the court at:
351 Courthouse Lane, Suite 201
King William, VA 23086

There is a 4% convenience fee for this service.

15. How can I pay by credit card if I do not have the credit card authorization form?: You may pay by credit card by fax. You will need to fax us an authorization letter with the credit card information, expiration date, and total of the ticket(s) along with the cardholders signature. If you are paying for another person please note their name and include a phone number where you can be reached in case there is a problem. The fax number is 804-769-4971. There is a 4% convenience fee for this service.

16. May I prepay a reckless driving violation?: You may not prepay a reckless driving charge.

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Social Services

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1. How do I apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?

You may apply for SNAP by submitting an application form to the King William County Department of Social Services, either in person, through an authorized representative or by mail, fax or online.
You have the right to file an application on the same day you contact the Department. Your application may be submitted any time during office hours.
You may come to the office to pick up an application any time during office hours, or we can mail you an application on the same day you request it.
If your resources and income are very low ($100 in resources and $150 in income), or you are a migrant or seasonal farm worker, or your combined gross monthly income and resources are less than your family’s shelter expenses, you may be eligible for expedited service. This means that if you are eligible, you are entitled to receive SNAP within seven days following the date your application is filed with our Department.
Your application will be reviewed on the day it is received for possible eligibility for expedited service.
You have the right to file an application even if you appear to be ineligible for the program.
You or a designated authorized representative may file an incomplete application as long as it contains a name, address and signature of a responsible household member or properly designated authorized representative. Social Services has 30 days to process your application (seven days, if expedited). The 30-day (or 7-day, if expedited) processing time begins the day after we receive the application. Additionally, your SNAP benefits for the month of application will be prorated from the date of application if you are found eligible.
If your case is approved, you must receive your benefits within 30 days following the date of application (or seven days, if expedited).
As part of the SNAP application process, you will be required to have an in-office interview before being certified, but the interview is not necessary before filing an application. Under certain hardship conditions, you may request the office interview be waived and replaced, for example, by a telephone interview.
You are encouraged to apply for SNAP the same day you contact us for assistance.
The SNAP program is administered without regard to:
- Color
- Disability
- National origin
- Political beliefs
- Race
- Religious creed
- Sex
- Age

2. How do I report suspected child abuse or neglect?

Anyone may report suspected child abuse or neglect. Between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, call our office at 804-769-4905 and ask for a child protective services worker. At all other times, call the Child Protective Services Hotline at 800-552-7096. If your call is an emergency, a local worker will be dispatched. Your name, if you choose to give it, will only be released if ordered by a Judge.

Valid reports will be investigated or a family assessment will be completed to determine if services are needed for the family.

3. How do I get information about social security?: The Department of Social Services does not administer Social Security Programs. You can get information about those programs from the Social Security Administration website.

4. What is the King William Outreach Program?

The King William Outreach Program is a group of volunteer individuals and organizations as well as state and local agencies who provide services to the citizens of King William County. The group meets every month on the 4th Thursday at 2 pm in the L.T. McAllister Human Services Building at 172 Courthouse Lane in the community room. The Outreach Program is open to all organizations in the county who provide services to individuals and families. Please contact Anne Mitchell by email, or call 804-769-4913 to find out how to get your group involved in this information sharing group.