Privacy Policy – Loudoun County Property Appraiser

Privacy Policy mandates how the Loudoun County property appraiser privacy policy manages sensitive owner details. This property data privacy Loudoun County framework ensures clear rules for every resident. The Loudoun County appraisal office privacy notice defines what facts stay private during valuation. We maintain Loudoun County property records confidentiality to prevent unauthorized access to home values or owner names. These privacy practices Loudoun County assessor staff follow keep your home details safe. Our Loudoun County real estate data protection plan shields your home identity from misuse. Every Loudoun County personal information policy update clarifies how we handle your private details. These data privacy guidelines Loudoun County property office experts use keep your digital footprint secure. Following Loudoun County property appraisal confidentiality rules helps prevent identity theft. We prioritize Loudoun County property tax data privacy to keep your financial obligations away from public scrutiny. This property information privacy Loudoun County approach balances transparency with your right to stay hidden. We want you to feel secure about your home investment. Our team keeps your sensitive data away from commercial lists. We work hard to keep your living situation private and secure.

Privacy Policy standards for the Loudoun County assessor office data protection focus on keeping your home life private. This privacy statement Loudoun County property appraiser document explains your rights as a homeowner. We follow the Loudoun County public records privacy policy to distinguish between public facts and private identities. Maintaining real estate records confidentiality Loudoun County requires strict rules for digital access. Our Loudoun County property database privacy practices stop bad actors from harvesting your home value. We apply Loudoun County appraisal services privacy standards to every site visit and valuation. The Loudoun County GIS & parcel data privacy systems hide specific owner names from map searches. Our data handling policy Loudoun County property office team uses keeps your mailing address off public lists. We secure Loudoun County property tax information privacy to stop scammers from seeing your tax bills. You deserve to know how your home facts stay safe. We stay transparent about our digital security. Your home is your sanctuary and we respect that boundary. We update our safety protocols to keep your family safe from prying eyes. Our staff stays alert to new digital threats daily.

Information We Collect

Our office gathers specific facts to value your home fairly. We look at house size, age, and location. We also look at recent sales in your neighborhood. This helps us set a fair tax rate for everyone. We collect names of owners to keep records right. We collect mailing addresses so we can send you tax bills. Some of this data comes from you. Some comes from public deeds filed at the courthouse. We make sure every piece of data is correct before we use it. If we find a mistake, we fix it fast. Accuracy helps keep your taxes fair and your data safe.

Data You Provide Voluntarily

You share facts with us when you file for tax breaks. This includes senior citizen tax relief or veteran exemptions. You might give us your phone number or email for quick updates. We keep these details in a secure spot. Only a few staff members can see them. You might also send us photos of your home for an appeal. We use these photos only for valuation work. We do not share them with the public. When you call our office, we might take notes on your talk. This helps us help you better next time. You choose what to share beyond the basic property facts.

  • Full legal names of all property owners
  • Primary and secondary mailing addresses
  • Phone numbers for contact purposes
  • Email addresses for electronic billing
  • Social Security numbers (only for specific tax relief forms)
  • Income proof for senior tax freeze programs
  • Disability status for specialized exemptions
  • Photos of property interior or exterior for appeals

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, our server logs some facts. It sees your IP address and the type of web browser you use. It tracks which pages you look at and for how long. This helps us see what info people need most. We use cookies to make the site work better for you. These cookies do not tell us who you are. They just remember your search settings. We also see the site you came from before visiting us. This helps us improve our online services. We do not track you after you leave our site. Your web path stays private.

Data CategoryWhat is TrackedReason for Tracking
Device InfoBrowser type, OS versionEnsures site displays correctly
Usage DataPages visited, time spentImproves navigation and speed
LocationGeneral IP-based cityHelps filter local search results
ReferralPrevious site visitedMeasures marketing success

How We Use Your Information

We use your data to run the county property tax system. This is our main job. We calculate what each home is worth based on market trends. We use your address to send out official notices. We use your payment history to keep tax records current. Our office also uses data to plan for county growth. We look at where new homes are built. This helps the county build schools and roads where they are needed. Your data helps make Loudoun County a better place to live. We use it for the public good while keeping you safe.

For Service Improvements

We look at search trends on our GIS map. If many people search for one area, we make that map faster. We use feedback from your emails to fix site bugs. If a form is hard to fill out, we change it. Our goal is to make our digital tools easy for everyone. We test new features with small groups first. This ensures they work well before a full launch. We listen to your ideas on how to show property facts. Better service means less stress for you during tax season. We strive for a smooth user experience.

  1. Analyzing website traffic to boost server speed
  2. Updating GIS map layers for better accuracy
  3. Simplifying online tax appeal forms
  4. Adding more search filters for property lookups
  5. Improving mobile phone access to records

Communication & Notifications

We send you mail about your property value every year. These are official assessment notices. We might also email you if there is a change in your tax status. If you sign up for alerts, we text you about deadlines. These messages keep you from paying late fees. We only send info that matters to your property. We do not send ads or spam. Our messages are short and clear. We want you to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. You can choose how we talk to you in your account settings.

Legal and Compliance Purposes

Virginia law says some property info must be public. We follow the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This means we show home values and owner names to anyone who asks. However, we hide sensitive facts like phone numbers. We also follow laws that protect certain people. For example, law enforcement officers can ask to hide their home address. We comply with all court orders for data. If a judge asks for records, we must provide them. We stay within the law to protect the county and you. Our legal team checks every request for data.

Data Protection and Security Measures

We use strong digital locks to keep your data safe. Our servers sit behind firewalls that block attacks. We update our software every week to fix security holes. Our team monitors the system 24 hours a day. If we see a threat, we act fast to stop it. We also use physical security at our office. Only workers with badges can enter the server room. We take your privacy very seriously. Protecting your data is a top priority for our tech team. We use the same tech as big banks to keep your facts safe.

Encryption and Secure Access

When you send us data, we encrypt it. This turns your info into a secret code. Even if someone steals the data, they cannot read it. We use SSL tech for our entire website. You can see the lock icon in your browser bar. This means your connection is safe. We also encrypt our backup tapes. If a tape is lost, the data is still hidden. We use the latest encryption standards to stay ahead of hackers. Your private facts are scrambled and safe with us. We never send sensitive data in plain text emails.

Internal Access Restrictions

Not every county worker can see your data. We use a “need to know” rule. A clerk might see your address but not your income. Only senior managers see sensitive tax relief forms. Every worker has a unique login. We track who looks at what data and when. If someone looks at data they don’t need, they get in trouble. This stops nosy people from looking at your files. We train our staff on privacy every year. They know that keeping your data safe is part of their job. Security starts with our people.

Additional Security Practices

We run “stress tests” on our system to find weak spots. We hire outside experts to try and hack us. If they find a way in, we fix it immediately. We also keep multiple backups of all data. If one server fails, another takes over. This keeps our records from being lost in a fire or flood. We use multi-factor login for our staff. This means they need a password and a code from their phone. It makes it very hard for outsiders to steal a worker’s account. We stay alert so you don’t have to worry.

  • Weekly security patches for all servers
  • Monthly audits of data access logs
  • Annual privacy training for all employees
  • Biometric locks on high-security data rooms
  • Redundant power supplies for 100% uptime

Opt-Out Preferences

You have choices about your data. While some facts must stay public, others are optional. You can choose to stop receiving marketing-style mail from other county offices. You can also ask us to remove your email from our list. We make it easy to say “no” to extra data sharing. You can change your mind at any time. Just let us know your choice. We respect your right to limit who sees your details. Our office wants you to feel in control of your personal info. Your privacy is your choice where the law allows.

How to Limit the Use of Your Data

To limit your data, you can fill out a simple form. You can ask to hide your name from the online GIS map. This is often done for safety reasons. You can also opt out of “courtesy” mailings. This includes newsletters or event invites. If you want to be very private, you can use a P.O. Box for your mailing address. This keeps your home address off many public lists. We can help you set this up. Just call our office and ask about privacy options. We are here to help you stay as hidden as you want to be.

Privacy OptionWhat it DoesHow to Apply
GIS Name SuppressionRemoves name from online mapWritten request to Assessor
Email UnsubscribeStops non-essential emailsClick link in any email
Confidentiality ProgramHides address for at-risk peopleSubmit legal proof of risk
Paperless BillingStops physical mail tax billsUpdate online profile

Sharing & Third-Party Services

We do not sell your data to private companies. We only share it when the law says we must. Sometimes we work with other government groups. For example, we share data with the Treasurer’s office to collect taxes. We also share with the state of Virginia for tax audits. These groups must follow the same strict privacy rules we do. We check their security before we share anything. Your data stays within a trusted circle of government offices. We act as the gatekeeper for your property facts. We keep the wrong people out.

When and Why We Share Information

We share data to keep the county running. The school board needs to know how many houses are in an area. This helps them plan for new students. The fire department needs to know the size of buildings. This helps them bring the right trucks to a fire. We share sales data with real estate agents. This keeps the housing market fair for buyers and sellers. We only share the facts needed for the job. We never share your personal phone number or private notes. Sharing is done with care and a clear purpose.

  1. Sharing with the Treasurer for tax billing
  2. Providing data to the Commissioner of the Revenue
  3. Sending parcel updates to the GIS department
  4. Coordinating with the Planning and Zoning office
  5. Reporting to the Virginia Department of Taxation

Third-Party Tools and Services

We use some outside tools to make our site better. For example, we use Google Maps to show your property lines. These tools might see your IP address when you use the map. We also use a payment portal for tax bills. This portal is run by a secure bank. They handle your credit card info so we don’t have to. This is safer for you. We only use tools from big, trusted companies. We read their privacy rules to make sure they protect you. If a tool is not safe, we do not use it on our site.

Your Rights & Data Control Options

You own your data. You have the right to see what we have on file for your home. You can ask for a copy of your property record at any time. Most of this is free to see online. If you find an error, you have the right to ask for a fix. We want our records to be perfect. You also have the right to know who has asked for your data. We keep a log of FOIA requests for this reason. You are a partner in keeping your data right. We listen to your concerns and act on them fast.

Requesting Data Access or Deletion

You can ask to see your full file by visiting our office. You will need to show an ID to see private parts of the file. Because of state law, we cannot delete property records. We must keep them for historical and tax reasons. However, we can correct wrong info. If we have the wrong square footage, we will fix it. If the owner name is spelled wrong, we will change it. We keep records for as long as the law requires. Usually, this is many years. We make sure these old records stay just as safe as new ones.

Updating Your Personal Information

It is easy to update your info. You can do it online, by mail, or in person. If you move, tell us your new mailing address right away. This ensures you get your tax bill on time. If you change your name, send us the legal papers. We will update our database within a few days. Keeping your info current helps us serve you better. It also prevents your mail from going to the wrong person. A quick update can save you a lot of trouble later. We make the process fast and simple for you.

  • Change of mailing address form
  • Name change request (with deed or court order)
  • Email and phone number updates via web portal
  • Correction of property features (beds/baths)
  • Update of business ownership details

Changes to This Privacy Policy

The digital world moves fast. New threats appear every day. Because of this, we update our privacy rules often. We want to use the best tech to keep you safe. When we change a rule, we post it here. We don’t hide changes in small print. We want you to know exactly how we handle your data. You should check this page once a year. This helps you stay informed about your rights. We are committed to being open about our security. Your safety is a journey we take together.

Notification of Updates

If we make a big change, we will put a notice on our homepage. We might also include a note in your next tax bill. For very important changes, we send an email to everyone on our list. We want to make sure you don’t miss any news. We explain why the change happened and how it helps you. Usually, changes are made to meet new state laws. Sometimes they are made to add new security features. We value your time and keep these notices short. We want you to feel confident in our office.

Date of Last Revision

We track every version of this policy. This helps us see how our rules have grown over time. The current version was last updated on October 24, 2023. We review the rules every six months. If no changes are needed, the date stays the same. If we find a way to make things better, we update it. This date tells you that you are looking at the newest info. We keep old versions in an archive. If you need to see a past rule, you can ask us for it. We stay organized for your benefit.

Contact Us for Privacy Concerns

If you have a question about your data, call us. We have a team ready to help you. You can also come to our office in Leesburg. We can show you your records on a screen. If you see something that looks wrong, tell us. We will look into it immediately. We take every privacy concern seriously. You can also email our privacy officer. They are an expert in data laws. They can explain the rules in plain English. We are here to serve you and keep your home data safe.

How to Reach the Loudoun County Property Appraiser’s Office

Our office is open Monday through Friday. We are closed on all government holidays. You do not need an appointment to talk to a clerk. However, an appointment helps for complex tax issues. You can find us near the historic courthouse. There is free parking for visitors. We also have a drop box for papers after hours. This box is checked every morning. We make it easy to reach us in the way that works best for you. Your peace of mind is our goal.

Office Address: 1 Harrison St. SE, Leesburg, VA 20175
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7000, Leesburg, VA 20177
Phone Number: 703-777-0260
Email: assessor@loudoun.gov
Office Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday – Friday)
Official Website: www.loudoun.gov/assessor

Frequently Asked Questions

Privacy Policy rules protect your personal facts from misuse. These standards keep your home details safe while letting the public see tax values. You can trust that the county follows state laws to hide your private files. This keeps your family safe and prevents scams. Knowing these rules helps you manage your digital footprint in the county records.

What does the Loudoun County property appraiser privacy policy cover?

The Loudoun County property appraiser privacy policy covers your name, home address, and tax history. It keeps your phone numbers and private emails away from public search tools. The policy limits who can see your bank facts during a tax appeal. It stops outside groups from taking your data for sales calls. You get clear rules about which facts stay on the county website. This helps you feel safe when you pay taxes. The office updates these rules every year to meet new safety laws. So your records stay safe from hackers and prying eyes.

How does property data privacy Loudoun County protect homeowners?

Property data privacy Loudoun County keeps your private life hidden from strangers. It masks your personal contact details on the main search site. Only basic home facts like year built or square footage stay visible to everyone. This stops telemarketers from finding your house or phone. You can ask the office to hide your name if you work in law enforcement. This safety step prevents people from tracking your home location. The county uses strong digital walls to block thieves from stealing tax files. These steps keep your family secure and your home records private.

Where can I find the Loudoun County appraisal office privacy notice?

Find the Loudoun County appraisal office privacy notice on the official county web page. Look under the real estate assessment tab to see the full list of rules. This notice lists your rights as a taxpayer in the county. It shows how the office shares data with other state groups. You can see how long they keep your files in their system. If you find a mistake in your data, the notice tells you how to fix it. This helps you keep your records right. You can visit the Leesburg office to get a paper copy of these rules too.

What rules govern Loudoun County property records confidentiality?

Loudoun County property records confidentiality follows Virginia state code. These rules say that some files must stay secret from the public. For example, your income papers used for valuation appeals are never shared. The office cannot sell your email list to private marketing businesses. They only share data if a judge sends a direct order. This keeps your financial secrets away from neighbors or business rivals. You can trust that your sensitive bank facts stay in locked digital vaults. These rules build trust between you and the local government. So your private data stays safe.

How does the Loudoun County assessor office data protection stop identity theft?

Loudoun County assessor office data protection uses encryption to stop digital thieves. They mask your social security number on all public tax forms. This prevents criminals from using your home files to open fake credit cards. The office trains staff to handle your paperwork with great care. They shred old physical files that have your signatures on them. If a data leak happens, the office tells you right away. This quick action helps you freeze your credit fast. You stay safe since the county treats your home data like a bank treats your cash.

Can I change my Loudoun County public records privacy policy settings?

You can change how the Loudoun County public records privacy policy treats your name. Some people qualify for a high-privacy status. This group includes judges, police, and victims of crimes. You fill out a form to hide your name from the online map tools. This means people see the house but not the owner name. You must renew this request every few years to keep it active. This gives you control over your digital footprint. It keeps your location hidden from the general public while you still follow local tax laws.