Virginia § 58.1-3940 - Limitation on collection of local taxes
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 58.1-3940 — Limitation on collection of local taxes, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 58.1-3940. Limitation on collection of local taxes
A. Except as otherwise specifically provided, collection of local taxes shall only be enforceable for five years following December 31 of the year for which such taxes were assessed.
B. Real property taxes shall be enforceable by sale under Article 4 (§ 58.1-3965 et seq.) of the property on which such taxes were assessed and by other means permitted under this chapter for 20 years after December 31 of the year for which such taxes were assessed, provided that whenever taxes or portions of taxes that would otherwise be due have been deferred pursuant to an ordinance enacted in conformity with Article 2 (§ 58.1-3210 et seq.) or Article 2.1 (§ 58.1-3219 et seq.) of Chapter 32 of this title, the statute of limitations provided by this subsection shall be tolled with respect to taxes deferred during the pendency of such deferral.
C. The limitation periods provided in subsections A and B of this section shall not apply to taxes or other charges that have been reduced to judgment or a judgment lien resulting from a suit to collect taxes or other charges, which may be collected by any means provided in this chapter or any means provided by general law for the collection of judgments so long as the judgment or judgment lien remains enforceable pursuant to general law.
D. The statutes of limitations established by this section shall be tolled, with respect to any tax obligation or tax lien not discharged or otherwise relieved or rendered unenforceable pursuant to applicable law, for any period during which all or substantially all of the assets or estate of the taxpayer are subject to the control or custody of any court or receiver, including without limitation any United States Bankruptcy Court.
Code 1950, §§ 58-967, 58-1019, 58-1021; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 6; 1984, c. 675; 1994, c. 209; 1996, c. 323; 1998, c. 648; 2002, c. 64; 2003, c. 214.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 58.1-3940
What does Code of Virginia § 58.1-3940 cover?
Section 58.1-3940 ("Limitation on collection of local taxes") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 58.1-3940?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 58.1-3940" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 58.1-3940 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.