Buying or selling in McLean and wondering whether the Tysons Service District affects your tax bill? You are not alone. Property taxes can feel murky, especially when a special district may add an extra levy on top of Fairfax County’s standard rate. This guide explains how county real estate taxes work, what the Tysons Service District is, how to verify if a McLean parcel is inside it, and how to estimate your total taxes with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Fairfax County real estate tax basics
Fairfax County assesses real property based on market value. Your assessed value is intended to reflect fair market value and is maintained by the county’s assessment division.
Each fiscal year, the Board of Supervisors adopts a countywide real estate tax rate through the budget process. Your basic county tax is calculated as assessed value divided by 100, multiplied by the adopted county rate for that year.
The county bills real estate taxes on its standard schedule and applies penalties and interest for late payment. To review assessment records and tax bill information, visit the county’s real estate tax pages on the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration.
Tysons Service District explained
The Tysons Service District is a special service district created by Fairfax County to help fund infrastructure and services that support redevelopment in Tysons. Projects can include transportation improvements, streetscapes, and pedestrian or bike facilities.
If a parcel is located inside the Tysons Service District boundary, an additional property tax levy applies. The county adopts this levy each fiscal year alongside the budget, and the rate can change year to year.
Inclusion is strictly geographic and parcel-specific. Some parcels in or near Tysons, including parts of McLean, fall inside the boundary. Not every McLean property is included. To understand the purpose and background of the district, review the county’s Tysons information pages and the adopted levies in the Fairfax County budget.
Check if a McLean parcel pays the TSD
Use the steps below to confirm whether a specific McLean property is subject to the Tysons Service District levy.
Step 1: Gather parcel details
Collect the street address and, if possible, the Parcel Identification Number (PIN or tax map number). You can usually find this in the listing, title work, or prior tax bill.
Step 2: Look up the parcel record
Use Fairfax County’s assessment and tax record tools to confirm the assessed value and basic tax details. Start on the county’s Real Estate Assessment pages and search by address or PIN. Review the parcel record for assessed value and any notes related to special districts.
Step 3: Map the service district boundary
Open Fairfax County’s GIS map tools and display the parcel boundary alongside service or taxing district layers. The county’s mapping hub is here: Fairfax County GIS and mapping. Check whether the Tysons Service District boundary includes the parcel. Some parcel records also show a field indicating service district inclusion.
Step 4: Confirm current rates
Check the currently adopted county real estate tax rate and the current Tysons Service District levy. Rates are adopted annually. You can find them on the Department of Tax Administration’s real estate pages and in the adopted county budget. Make note of the fiscal year for each rate.
Step 5: Calculate expected taxes
Use the assessed value and apply the formula below. If the parcel is inside the Tysons Service District, add the TSD levy to the county rate.
- Total tax = (Assessed value / 100) × (County rate + TSD rate [if applicable])
Illustrative example format only: Assessed value $X × county rate Y + TSD rate Z. Compare your calculation with any amounts listed on the parcel record or annual bill to confirm.
Step 6: Call the county if uncertain
If anything is unclear, contact the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration. Provide the parcel PIN and ask whether the Tysons Service District levy applies and for the current fiscal-year levy amount.
What this means for buyers
When you estimate your total housing cost, include both the county tax and any Tysons Service District levy. This affects monthly PITI, debt-to-income ratios, and potential lender escrow requirements.
Share the verified annual tax figure with your lender. Ask whether the TSD levy changes escrow targets or initial reserve requirements. If you are comparing several McLean homes, note that some may be inside the district while others are not, which can affect annual costs.
What this means for sellers
Confirm your parcel’s inclusion status and the current annual tax amount before you list. Accurate disclosure helps buyers budget and reduces questions during negotiations.
If the parcel is inside the Tysons Service District, be prepared to show the assessment record and current rates. If a buyer is sensitive to overall carrying costs, you can discuss prorations or price to reflect the total tax load. Your approach should align with your broader pricing and marketing strategy.
Closing, prorations, and escrows
Real estate taxes are typically prorated between buyer and seller at closing based on the county’s billing cycle. The presence of a Tysons Service District levy does not change standard proration practices.
Coordinate with your settlement agent to ensure the closing statement reflects year-to-date liabilities and any lender escrows. Verify that both the county tax and, if applicable, the TSD levy are included in the calculations.
Appeals and relief options
If you believe the assessed value is incorrect, you may appeal through Fairfax County’s established procedures. Start with the guidance on real estate assessment appeals and follow the deadlines.
Fairfax County also administers tax relief and exemption programs for eligible property owners. Review eligibility and application details on the county’s tax relief programs page. For statewide background on property taxation, consult the Virginia Department of Taxation.
Quick checklist
- Collect the address and parcel PIN.
- Search the parcel on the county’s assessment pages.
- View the parcel on Fairfax County GIS and toggle service district layers.
- Pull the current county rate and TSD levy from the county budget or DTA real estate pages.
- Calculate total taxes using the formula.
- Share the verified annual tax figure with your lender and settlement agent.
- Contact the county DTA with any questions and to confirm inclusion.
Work with a local guide
Getting this right is straightforward when you know where to look, and it can make a real difference in your monthly budget and negotiations. If you want a clear, low-stress path, I will help you verify parcel details, coordinate with your lender and settlement team, and position your purchase or sale for a smooth close.
Ready to run the numbers on a McLean home? Contact Unknown Company to get started.
FAQs
How do I check if my McLean home is in the Tysons Service District?
- Look up your parcel on the county’s assessment pages, then confirm on the Fairfax County GIS maps by toggling the service district boundary layer.
Does the Tysons Service District change closing prorations?
- No. Taxes are typically prorated as usual based on the county’s billing cycle. The TSD levy is included in the same proration framework.
How often can the Tysons Service District levy change?
- The levy is adopted annually as part of Fairfax County’s budget, so the rate can change from year to year. Always verify the current fiscal-year rate.
Will the TSD levy affect my mortgage escrow?
- It may. Lenders escrow based on total expected taxes, so an added levy can change monthly escrow amounts and initial reserves. Share verified figures with your lender.
Can I appeal inclusion in the Tysons Service District?
- If you believe your parcel is incorrectly shown within the boundary, contact the county for guidance. For value disputes, use the county’s assessment appeals process.
Where do I find current Fairfax County tax rates?
- Check the Department of Tax Administration’s real estate pages and the adopted county budget. Confirm the fiscal year for each rate.
