Henrico County offers bill payment through its online portal, by phone, by mail, and in person at county offices
Henrico County, Virginia residents can pay property taxes, utility bills, and other county charges through multiple channels. The county's online payment system is the fastest option and available 24/7. You can also pay by phone during business hours, mail a check to the county treasurer's office, or visit a payment location in person.
Each method has different processing times and fees. Online and phone payments typically post within one to two business days. Mail payments take longer — usually five to seven business days from the date the county receives your check. Knowing which method works best for your situation depends on when your bill is due and how quickly you need confirmation of payment.
Key Takeaways
- Henrico County's online payment portal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers, though credit and debit card payments include a convenience fee.
- Phone payments are processed the same day you call, but you must reach the county during business hours, typically Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Mailed checks should be sent to the Henrico County Treasurer's Office and take five to seven business days to clear after the county receives them.
- Property tax payments made after the due date trigger a penalty, so confirm your payment posted before the deadline if you are paying close to the due date.
Paying online through the Henrico County portal
The Henrico County online payment system is accessed through the county's website. You will need your bill account number, which appears on your property tax bill or utility notice. The portal accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards, as well as bank account transfers (ACH payments).
Credit and debit card payments include a convenience fee charged by the payment processor — this fee is separate from your bill amount and is added at checkout. Bank transfer payments (ACH) typically do not carry a convenience fee, though processing takes one to two business days. The county recommends submitting online payments at least two business days before your due date to ensure they post on time.
Once you submit payment online, you receive an immediate confirmation number. This confirmation is your proof of payment. Keep it in case you need to dispute a late fee or verify that payment was received.
Paying by phone or in person
To pay by phone, call the Henrico County Treasurer's Office during business hours. The phone line accepts credit cards and debit cards. Payments made by phone are typically processed the same day, though the funds may not appear in the county's system until the next business day.
In-person payments can be made at the Henrico County Treasurer's Office, located in downtown Richmond. The office accepts cash, checks, and cards. Hours vary by season and holiday, so confirm the office is open before you visit. In-person payments are processed immediately, and you receive a receipt on the spot.
Paying by mail
To pay by mail, write a check payable to "Henrico County" and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the Henrico County Treasurer's Office at the address listed on your bill. Do not send cash through the mail.
Mailed payments take five to seven business days to arrive and be processed. The county considers a payment on time if it is postmarked by the due date, not if it arrives by the due date. This distinction matters: a check postmarked on the due date but arriving five days later is still considered on time. However, if your check arrives after the due date and was postmarked after the due date, a late penalty applies.
Keep a copy of your cancelled check or a photo of the front and back as proof of payment. If a late fee appears on your account and you believe your payment was on time, you will need this proof to dispute it.
Understanding late fees and payment deadlines
Henrico County property tax bills carry a specific due date. If payment is not received by that date, a penalty is added to your account. The penalty amount varies depending on the type of bill — property taxes, utility charges, and other county fees may have different penalty structures.
If you miss a deadline, contact the Treasurer's Office immediately. Some penalties can be waived if you pay within a short grace period or if you have a valid reason for the delay. The sooner you contact the county, the more options you may have to reduce or remove the penalty.
For property taxes specifically, unpaid balances can eventually result in a tax lien on your property. This means the county has a legal claim against your home until the debt is paid. Avoiding this requires paying your property tax bill on time or contacting the county before the deadline if you cannot pay in full.
Setting up automatic or recurring payments
Some residents prefer to set up automatic payments so they do not have to remember each due date. Check whether Henrico County's online portal offers this option — many Virginia counties do, though the specific features vary. Automatic payments typically deduct from your bank account on a date you choose, usually a few days before the bill is due.
If automatic payments are available, review the terms carefully. Confirm that you can change or cancel the automatic payment if your circumstances change, and verify that the county will send you a notice if a payment fails. Some systems allow you to set up automatic payments for a single bill or for recurring monthly charges.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
If you know you cannot pay by the due date, contact the Henrico County Treasurer's Office before the deadline. Some counties offer payment plans for property taxes or allow you to request a brief extension. The county is more likely to work with you if you reach out before you miss the payment rather than after.
Explain your situation clearly — whether it is a temporary cash flow problem, a job loss, or a medical emergency. The county may not be able to waive the penalty, but they may be able to reduce it or set up a plan for you to pay the balance over time. Having this conversation in writing (by email if possible) creates a record of your request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to pay my Henrico County bill online?
Credit and debit card payments include a convenience fee set by the payment processor. Bank transfer (ACH) payments typically do not carry a fee. The convenience fee amount is shown before you confirm payment, so you can choose your payment method based on the total cost.
How do I know if my payment was received?
Online and phone payments provide immediate confirmation numbers. Mailed checks should be confirmed by keeping a copy or photo of the cancelled check. You can also log into your account online or call the Treasurer's Office to verify that payment posted.
What happens if I pay late?
A penalty is added to your account. For property taxes, an unpaid balance can eventually result in a tax lien on your property. Contact the Treasurer's Office immediately if you miss a deadline — some penalties can be reduced or waived depending on your circumstances.
Can I pay someone else's Henrico County bill?
Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. The payment will be applied to that account regardless of whose name appears on the payment method. Confirm the account number is correct before submitting to avoid paying the wrong bill.
What if my bill amount seems wrong?
Contact the Henrico County Treasurer's Office or the department that issued the bill to dispute the amount. Do not withhold payment while disputing — pay the amount you believe is correct and explain the discrepancy in writing. The county can adjust your account if an error is found.