Have you looked at the Arlington or Fairfax County tax records to see who owns a home or property? It’s easy to type in an address and see the records pop up displaying all public information… including the owner’s name as permitted under the Virginia State Code (law).
Well, there is an easy way to “hide” your name on the County websites.
Recently in Vienna, a client asked a Settlement Attorney as she was signing papers if her (their) names could be hidden on the Fairfax County website. He explained that the request has to come from the homeowner and, once her Deed was Recorded at the Fairfax Courthouse, she would have to walk in to make the request.
Hmmm… I thought.
Name Withheld by Request
Realistically, our identities are out there on the web and we’ll never fully reign them in. But most of us still want a little privacy from prying eyes who have access to a smartphone.
The whole idea was to provide more transparent government, but it has become an easy way for marketers to see information about you, especially where you live, and then Google you for more results.
Yes, it’s creepy.
Here you go… let’s be proactive!
How to hide your name from the Fairfax County tax website
Fairfax County: 4 steps to get the ball rolling
- Search your home address on the Fairfax County real estate tax site
- Copy your “MAP #: ” for your request
- Using this Fairfax County form, they use DocuSign for added security.
- You will receive an email acknowledging your request.
Once you have a confirmation email, they will let you know that completing the task will happen in a few days.
By next week, you’ll see that your name has been taken off their site and replaced with “Name Withheld by Request”.
How to mask your name from the Arlington County tax website
Arlington County has streamlined this process, so click the link and see the last form.
Real Estate Public Forms – Official Website of Arlington County Virginia Government (arlingtonva.us)
Get started!
