By Joseph T Ellington Jr – Licensed Residential Appraiser, Capital Valuations. Updated September 2026.
Will a private appraisal raise your property taxes?
Ordering a private appraisal does not itself change the assessment on the local tax roll. In Virginia Beach, the City Real Estate Assessor determines taxable assessed value, while an independent appraisal answers a client’s value question for its stated date and intended use. Those values can differ because the dates, available property information, and purpose differ. If you submit your appraisal as evidence in an assessment review, the city evaluates the evidence; the private appraiser does not set your tax bill.
Three different numbers homeowners often confuse
| Number | Set by | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Private appraisal opinion | Licensed appraiser engaged by a client | Specific assignment, effective date and intended use |
| Real estate assessment | City or county assessor | Local property-tax administration |
| Tax bill | Locality’s assessment and adopted tax rate, subject to applicable rules | Amount due from the owner |
What actually affects a Virginia Beach assessment?
The Virginia Beach Real Estate Assessor explains its annual assessment process. According to the city, assessments take effect July 1 and use sales and data available through the preceding calendar year. Property characteristics, neighborhood sales and corrected public records can matter. A private appraisal kept for estate planning or a pre-listing decision is a separate report and is not automatically an assessor reassessment.
If you believe the assessment is wrong
- Review the public property record for incorrect living area, features, or condition.
- Compare relevant sales and assessments from the correct time period, rather than a current listing price alone.
- Read the city’s Request for Reappraisal instructions and deadlines. The city lists an April 30 internal-appeal deadline; verify the current year’s dates before filing.
- If needed, read the Board of Equalization process. The burden to show an error is on the taxpayer, and taxes remain due while an appeal is pending.
An independent appraisal may be evidence if its effective date and scope fit the issue, but no appeal result is guaranteed. Ask the assessor what it will accept, and consult a tax professional about tax advice.
When a private appraisal may still make sense
Owners may commission one for pre-listing, estate, divorce, or another personal decision. Set the intended use before the appraisal is ordered. See our pre-listing guide and estate appraisal overview. For a Virginia Beach appraisal, contact Capital Valuations with your question and relevant date.
