In March 2025, an administrative oversight caused around 8,300 of nearly 60,000 one-time property tax rebate checks to be issued to an incorrect payee, identified as “Hartshorn Community Council.” In response, Department of Finance Director Sheila White ceased the distribution of the checks and initiated an audit of the process.
During the following weeks, additional errors were identified: rebate checks meant for property owners who sold their property in 2024 were mistakenly sent to the current owners. Approximately 156 rebates were issued for parcels that did not exist in 2024, with the rebate program applying only to 2024 property taxes. Additionally, the original error led to some correctly issued checks being stopped.
The Department of Finance is currently validating the remaining checks. Once this process is complete, rebate checks will be issued according to the real estate tax rebate program.
Furthermore, the City’s Director of Revenue Administration, Jamie Atkinson, who managed the rebate program, resigned on April 21, 2025. Sheila White, as the Senior Director, will now oversee the process of issuing the remaining rebate checks.
Residents who incurred bank fees while attempting to cash a valid stopped check can request reimbursement via RVA311 by either calling 311 or submitting a ticket online at rva311.com. Impacted residents should submit their request by May 30, 2025. Detailed instructions are provided on the RVA311 website for submitting reimbursement requests.
