What are property taxes in Bedford County, VA?

Bedford County’s real estate tax rate is $0.41 per $100 of assessed value. On a $400,000 home, that’s $1,640 a year, paid in halves due June 5 and December 5. If your home is inside the Town of Bedford, you also pay the town’s $0.28 rate, for a combined $0.69 per $100. Vehicles and other personal property are taxed at $2.35 per $100, due December 5.

When we Googled “What are property taxes in Bedford County, VA?” on Nov. 8, 2026, Google’s AI Overview answered: “The real estate tax rate in Bedford County, Virginia, is $0.41 per $100 of assessed property value. If your property is located within the Town of Bedford, an additional town rate of $0.28 per $100 applies, making the combined rate $0.69 per $100.” It also listed “Tangible Personal Property Tax: $2.35 per $100 of assessed value (covers cars, trucks, trailers, motorcycles, boats, and airplanes; $1.06 per $100 inside the Town of Bedford).”

That’s correct, and I checked each number against the county’s and town’s own pages. I’m Daniel Keeton, Broker and Founder of Keeton & Co. Our Lynchburg-area office is at 15115 Forest Rd in Forest, which is in Bedford County, so our agents work with Bedford County buyers and sellers every week. Here’s what the rate means for your real bill.

How much are property taxes on a Bedford County home?

The math: assessed value ÷ 100 × the rate.

Assessed value	Bedford County ($0.41)	Inside Town of Bedford ($0.69 combined)
$250,000	$1,025	$1,725
$300,000	$1,230	$2,070
$400,000	$1,640	$2,760
$500,000	$2,050	$3,450
$650,000	$2,665	$4,485

Rates: Bedford County Real Estate Tax and Pay Taxes pages; Town of Bedford Taxes page, accessed Nov. 8, 2026.

Most of Bedford County, including Forest, Moneta, Goode and Huddleston, is outside the town limits, so most owners pay only the county’s $0.41. But don’t assume from a mailing address. A “Bedford” address isn’t always inside the town. Look up the parcel on the county’s GIS or ask the Commissioner of the Revenue.

Your assessment and your purchase price aren’t the same number. When you buy, ask your lender to escrow based on what you paid, not the seller’s old bill, so you don’t get an escrow shortage notice in year two.

How does Bedford County compare with Lynchburg and nearby counties?

Locality	Real estate rate per $100	Tax on a $400,000 home
Bedford County	$0.41	$1,640
Amherst County	$0.61	$2,440
Town of Bedford (town + county)	$0.69	$2,760
City of Lynchburg	$0.84	$3,360

Rates from the Town of Bedford’s FY 2026–2027 adopted budget, tax rate comparison table; Lynchburg rate also matches our Lynchburg property tax guide. Same $400,000 value used for comparison only.

Bedford County’s rate is the lowest in that table by a wide margin. It’s one reason buyers look at Forest and the Smith Mountain Lake side of the county. But a low rate isn’t the only cost. Rural homes may have wells, septic systems and longer drives, and some lake homes carry much higher assessments. Read is Forest, VA a good place to live for the lifestyle side.

When are Bedford County property taxes due?

Tax	Due date	Notes
Real estate, first half	June 5	Bills typically mailed in April with both stubs
Real estate, second half	December 5	Same bill as the first half
Personal property (vehicles, boats, etc.)	December 5	Bills mailed in October, per the AI Overview
Machinery and tools	December 5	$1.20 per $100
Business furniture, fixtures and equipment	December 5	$1.70 per $100

Source: Bedford County Pay Taxes and Real Estate Tax pages, accessed Nov. 8, 2026.

Town of Bedford residents pay the town’s share separately, at the Town Municipal Building, also due June 5 and December 5. The town says no reminders are mailed before due dates.

If you just bought in Bedford County this year, check whether your closing covered the December 5 half. Taxes are prorated at closing, but who pays the bill depends on your escrow setup.

What is the Bedford County car tax?

Personal property, including cars, trucks, trailers, motorcycles, boats and airplanes, is taxed at $2.35 per $100 of assessed value countywide. Inside the Town of Bedford, add the town’s $1.06, for $3.41 total. Lynchburg’s vehicle rate is $3.80. The county also lets owners of high-mileage vehicles apply for a reduction through the Commissioner of the Revenue.

Can I get Bedford County property tax relief?

Yes, if you qualify. Bedford County’s real estate tax relief for the elderly and disabled publishes these rules:

Requirement	Bedford County rule
Age or disability	Over 65, or permanently and totally disabled
Household income	Less than $50,000
Net worth	Less than $150,000
Benefit	100% exemption if tax due is $500 or less; 85% if tax due is $500–$1,000
Applies to	Primary residence
When to apply	Every year, Jan. 2 to Feb. 28, in person at the Commissioner of the Revenue (122 East Main St., Bedford)

Source: Bedford County Real Estate Tax page and Feb. 5, 2026 county notice, accessed Nov. 8, 2026. Commissioner of the Revenue: 540-586-7621.

The county also offers real estate and personal property exemptions for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability, and that can extend to an unremarried surviving spouse.

What should buyers and sellers in Bedford County know about taxes?

Situation	What to do
Buying	Confirm whether the parcel is in the Town of Bedford before you estimate taxes
Buying at Smith Mountain Lake	Ask for the current assessment; waterfront values swing the bill
Selling	Taxes are prorated at closing, so you’ll get credit for any prepaid months
65 or older / disabled	Apply between Jan. 2 and Feb. 28
Moving from Lynchburg	Expect a lower real estate rate but plan for rural costs like well and septic

Pros and cons of Bedford County’s tax picture

Pros	Cons
$0.41 rate is well below Amherst County and Lynchburg	Town of Bedford residents pay $0.69 combined
Simple June 5 / December 5 schedule	Relief limits ($50,000 income, $150,000 net worth) are tight
Lower car tax than Lynchburg	Rural services and longer drives add cost in other ways

The bottom line

At $0.41 per $100, Bedford County’s real estate rate is less than half of Lynchburg’s $0.84. Just confirm whether your parcel is inside the Town of Bedford. If you’re selling, get a free home value estimate. If you’re buying, start a home search, see the Lynchburg market report, visit our Lynchburg office, or contact us. Call 804-373-2223.

Tax information from the Bedford County Real Estate Tax and Pay Taxes pages, the Town of Bedford Taxes page and the Town of Bedford FY 2026–2027 adopted budget, accessed Nov. 8, 2026. Confirm your bill with the Bedford County Treasurer (540-586-7670). Google AI Overview quoted as captured Nov. 8, 2026. This is general information, not tax advice. Written by Daniel Keeton, Broker & Founder. Updated Nov. 8, 2026.