During the past session of the General Assembly, Hampton Roads residents lobbied for more parity in state-owned lands, particularly the Port of Virginia which has terminals in three area cities. This year the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission has made tax reform its main focus. The Hampton Roads Mayors and Chairs Caucus, an organization of all municipal leaders, has joined with counterparts in Richmond and Northern Virginia in advocating for change in Virginia's tax structure. A 13-member state commission is studying the state and local tax structure and will present its findings before the 2001 legislative session. In the meantime, Virginia taxpayers have only one local taxing authority since they live in either a city or county, but not in both.
Localities handle their own real estate, tangible personal property and utility taxes.
Some areas also have a boat tax. All Virginia localities charge a 1 percent local sales tax in addition to the 3.5 percent tax imposed by the commonwealth. Some cities also tax meals, entertainment and motels. Use of this website is subject to certain terms and conditions . We may collect personal information on this site, as described in our privacy policy.