Even though local governments raise revenues under authority granted by state government, there are many differences in the taxes, fees, and charges that localities impose.

Each year the University of Virginia's Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service conducts a comprehensive survey on the tax rates of all cities, counties and incorporated towns in Virginia and provides the results in its annual book, Virginia Local Tax Rates. This publication allows you to compare local government tax policies across Virginia and provides detailed background information on local taxes rates.

All cities and counties participated in the latest 2015 survey, as did 35 large towns and 103 smaller towns. The survey's results, plus additional information from other sources, provide a comprehensive picture of local tax policies in the state. The text includes descriptions of authorizing state statutes, the various tax categories, and statewide statistics including ranges and averages.

Anyone involved with local governments in Virginia, either as a taxpayer, elected official, administrator, business leader, or researcher, will find this an indispensable resource.