As of May 20, 2025, the City of Richmond’s Department of Finance is actively working to distribute real estate tax bills to mortgage lenders. Once received, these lenders are expected to remit payment to the city within one business week.
For residents who typically receive their real estate tax bill by mail and have not yet paid, it is advised to pay by the June 16, 2025 due date. Those who have already paid need take no further action but may keep the bill for their records.
Residents who do not usually receive a mailed tax bill should note that if they haven’t paid yet, it might take some weeks for their lender to settle the bill on their behalf. They can verify this with their lender. If they have already paid and the lender also pays, a refund can be requested through calling 311 as the Department of Finance will credit their account.
Earlier in May, the Department issued “2025 Second Half Real Estate Tax Bills” which accurately reflect owed amounts. These bills are generally sent directly to lenders for taxpayers with mortgages so that taxes can be settled on behalf of homeowners. The city has not traditionally sent duplicate copies.
Errors in Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) led approximately 33,000 bills intended for lenders being sent instead to residents, causing confusion.
“I have directed the Department of Finance to revise its SOPs and am personally spending time with staff inside the Department of Finance to understand the breakdowns that occurred,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “In addition, I plan to bring in an expert to support change management and improve communication to prevent this type of issue from happening again. Taxpayers were confused and frustrated, and I am committed to finding and fixing the problems within City Hall.”
