In March 2025, the Richmond Department of Finance encountered an administrative error involving property tax rebate checks. Approximately 8,300 out of nearly 60,000 rebate checks were sent to an incorrect payee, “Hartshorn Community Council.” Department of Finance Director Sheila White halted check distribution and initiated an audit to address the issue.
During this audit, several additional errors were discovered. Checks were sent to current property owners for properties sold in 2024, and around 156 rebates were issued for non-existent parcels from that year. Some correctly issued checks were also mistakenly stopped due to the initial error. The Department is validating the remaining checks, planning to reissue them according to the real estate tax rebate program.
The City’s Director of Revenue Administration, Jamie Atkinson, overseeing the rebate program, resigned on April 21, 2025. Sheila White will now directly manage the issuance of the remaining checks.
Residents affected by bank fees incurred while cashing stopped checks can request reimbursement. To do so, they should use the RVA311 service by either calling 311 or visiting rva311.com. Once on the website, the process involves creating a new request under “Real Estate Taxes,” providing the necessary information, including a photo of the bank fee, and submitting the request. The deadline for submissions is May 30, 2025.
