Where to pay Henrico County bills
Henrico County, Virginia offers bill payment through its official website at henrico.us, where you can pay property taxes, water and sewer bills, and other county charges. The county also accepts payments by mail, phone, and in person at county offices. Each payment method has different processing times and fees, so the fastest route depends on when your bill is due.
The online portal is the most direct option: you log in with your account number, enter payment details, and receive immediate confirmation. Payments made online typically post within one to two business days. If you prefer not to use the internet, you can mail a check to the county treasurer's office or call to pay by phone during business hours.
Key Takeaways
- Henrico County's online bill pay portal at henrico.us accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers, with most payments posting within one to two business days.
- Mailed checks should be sent to the Henrico County Treasurer's Office and take five to seven business days to post, so plan ahead if your due date is soon.
- Phone payments are available during business hours and may carry a convenience fee depending on the payment method you choose.
- Property tax bills, water and sewer bills, and other county charges all use the same payment system, so you can pay multiple bills in one session.
Paying online through the Henrico County portal
To pay online, visit henrico.us and locate the bill payment section, usually found under "Payments" or "Utilities." You will need your account number, which appears on your bill. Enter the amount you want to pay and choose your payment method: credit card, debit card, or electronic bank transfer.
Credit and debit card payments typically carry a convenience fee — the exact amount varies by card type and is shown before you confirm the payment. Bank transfers (ACH payments) usually have no fee or a lower fee than cards. Once you submit the payment, you receive a confirmation number immediately. The funds may take one to two business days to reach the county's account, so do not assume the bill is paid until you see it reflected in your account online.
If you set up an account on the portal, you can view your payment history, see upcoming due dates, and receive reminders. Some residents choose to set up recurring payments for regular bills like water and sewer, though you remain responsible for confirming each payment posts correctly.
Mailing a check or money order
If you prefer to pay by mail, write your account number on the check or money order and send it to the Henrico County Treasurer's Office. The mailing address appears on your bill. Include the payment stub from your bill if possible, as it helps the county match the payment to your account quickly.
Mailed payments take five to seven business days to arrive and be processed, so send your check at least one week before the due date. If your due date is within a few days, mailing is not a safe option — use online payment or call the county instead. Keep a record of when you mailed the payment in case there is a question later about whether it arrived on time.
Paying by phone
You can pay by phone by calling the Henrico County Treasurer's Office during business hours. Have your account number and payment method ready. Phone payments are processed the same day you call, though the funds may take one to two business days to post to your account.
Some payment methods over the phone carry a convenience fee. Ask the representative what the fee is before you provide your payment information. Phone payment is useful if you have questions about your bill or account balance, since you can speak to someone directly rather than navigating an online form.
In-person payment at county offices
You can pay in person at the Henrico County Treasurer's Office or other designated county payment locations. Bring your bill and a check, money order, or debit card. In-person payments are processed immediately, though the posting to your account may take one business day.
Office hours and locations are listed on henrico.us. Some offices may have limited hours or be closed on holidays, so check before you go. Paying in person is useful if you need a receipt on the spot or want to ask questions about your account in real time.
What happens if you miss a payment deadline
If your payment does not reach the county by the due date, late fees and interest charges begin to accrue. Property tax bills carry penalties that increase over time, and water and sewer bills may result in service disconnection if unpaid for an extended period. The exact penalties depend on the type of bill and are outlined in the bill itself or on the county website.
If you miss a deadline, contact the Treasurer's Office as soon as possible to discuss your options. Some situations allow for payment plans or temporary relief, though you will still owe the full amount plus any penalties that have already been assessed. The sooner you contact the county, the more options you may have.
Understanding convenience fees and payment costs
Henrico County does not charge a fee for payments made by bank transfer (ACH) or by check. Credit card and debit card payments carry a convenience fee set by the payment processor, not the county. This fee is typically a percentage of the amount paid and is disclosed before you complete the transaction.
If you are paying a large bill, the convenience fee can be significant. For example, a 2.5% fee on a $2,000 property tax payment equals $50. In those cases, paying by bank transfer or check may cost less, even though it takes longer. Compare the fee against the cost of paying late if your due date is soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my account number?
Your account number appears on your bill, usually at the top or in a highlighted section. If you cannot find your bill, call the Henrico County Treasurer's Office and provide your name and address. They can look up your account number and email or mail it to you.
Can I pay someone else's bill if I have their account number?
Yes, you can pay another person's bill online or by phone if you have their account number. The county does not require you to be the account holder to make a payment. However, the account holder should be aware that a payment has been made, since it will appear on their next statement.
What if my payment was rejected or failed?
If your online payment fails, you will see an error message explaining why — usually insufficient funds, incorrect card number, or an expired card. Try again with corrected information or use a different payment method. If the problem persists, call the Treasurer's Office for help.
Do I need to create an account to pay online?
No, you can make a one-time payment without creating an account. However, creating an account lets you view your balance, payment history, and due dates anytime. An account also allows you to set up recurring payments if you prefer automatic billing.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my bill?
Online payments typically post within one to two business days. If you pay on a Friday, the payment may not show until Tuesday. Check your account online or call the Treasurer's Office if a payment does not appear within three business days.