Community Notice from
Dranesville Supervisor John Foust  

  
Dear Neighbor,

To assist taxpayers during  the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, today  the Board of Supervisors  approved one-month extensions for filing vehicle and business personal property taxes and paying the first installment of real estate taxes. T he County also announced additional facility closures. I've included more details on these developments below as well as several websites I hope you will find helpful as residents are asked to primarily conduct County business online, by phone, and through the mail.

Vehicle and Business Tax Filing Deadline Extended to June 1

Residents now have until Monday, June 1 to  report any changes in vehicle ownership and location, among other changes.  Normally, residents must file these changes with the County by May 1 or incur a 10% penalty.

The 60-day deadline to register any new vehicles with the County, whether newly purchased or moved into the County after June 1, remains the same. Vehicle owners can  register online.

Businesses now have until June 1 to file their  personal property with the County. This includes vehicles, furniture and fixtures, machinery and tools, and computer equipment that are located in Fairfax County as of January 1.

New businesses still must file for a Business, Professional and Occupational License within 75 days of the date on which the business began. Register for a  BPOL license online or complete the  paper application.

First Real Estate Tax Payment Deadline Extended to August 28

The deadline to pay the first installment of  real estate taxes has been extended until Friday, August 28.  Normally, the first installment is due by July 28.

The extension will help homeowners who pay their real estate taxes directly to the County. Many homeowners pay these taxes as part of a monthly mortgage payment. The mortgage company then sends the taxes directly to Fairfax County. Homeowners should contact their mortgage company if they have questions.

The County began mailing  real estate tax assessments last month. However, the assessment notice is not a bill.

In addition to these measures, the deadline for seniors and people with disabilities to apply for County tax relief has been  postponed to June 1.

For more information about vehicle and business tax filings or real estate taxes, contact the  Department of Tax Administration at 703-222-8234, TTY 711.

Fairfax County Park Authority Closures

Effective Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at 11:59 p.m., all Fairfax County Park Authority parks and amenities will be closed to the public until further notice. This change is in response to Virginia Governor Northam's order to close public access to recreational facilities, effective 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Park Authority closures include parking lots, athletic fields, sport courts, restrooms, nature centers, visitor centers, golf courses, historic sites, picnic areas, playgrounds, amusements, boat launches, skate parks, off-leash dog areas, outdoor fitness equipment and any areas for open recreation. While all parks and amenities are closed, trails will remain open for individual use, but not group use. All social distancing recommendations are in effect. 
  
All Park Authority programs and events through April 14 have been canceled. All programs taking place at Fairfax County Public Schools locations are canceled through June 15.

Fairfax County Government Closures 

To help limit the spread of the coronavirus, Fairfax County will close all  government buildings and facilities  to the public starting Friday, March 27, at 5:00 p.m., until further notice. The County government remains open for business online, by phone, and through the mail.  

A full list of online service can be found on the County's Assistance from a Distance webpage. This online portal includes: 

Some specific public services may continue to be provided in-person as determined necessary by County agencies and employees will continue to be able to access these facilities. Nonprofit organizations located in County facilities will receive operational guidance from their partner agencies.  

County buildings will remain open for in-person meetings by the Board of Supervisors and other County Boards, Authorities, and Commissions as required by state law.   

The Office of Elections will remain open for business during its regular office hours as required for voter registration and by-mail absentee application and ballot processing. Voter registration applications and absentee ballot requests will continue to be processed by the County's Office of Elections staff. In-person absentee voting for the Towns of Vienna and Clifton May 5 elections is available, curbside only, at the Fairfax County Government Center. Voters should call 703-222-0776 upon arriving and materials will be brought out. For more information on voting absentee in the Towns of Vienna and Clifton May 5 elections, visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/. 

Stay Informed

Fairfax County is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving coronavirus situation to determine when facilities can be re-opened to the public. Residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for coronavirus text alerts and to visit the frequently updated websites listed below. 
Please share this information with your friends and neighbors and do not hesitate to contact my office if we can be of assistance; email Dranesville@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-356-0551. 

Thank you,

John
  
John W. Foust
Dranesville District Supervisor
1437 Balls Hill Road
McLean, VA  22101
Phone:  703-356-0551
Fax: 703-821-4275