North Carolina

What You Need to Know About Property Taxes in North Carolina

North Carolina does not levy a state property tax.
Property taxes are assessed and collected locally by counties and municipalities, along with school districts and special districts.

North Carolina’s average effective property tax rate is about 0.7% – 0.9%, among the lowest in the U.S.
Rates vary by county and municipality.
Revenue primarily funds public schools, county services, infrastructure, and safety services.

Property taxes = (Assessed Value – Exemptions) × Local Tax Rate.
Assessed Value is the market value determined by the county tax assessor.
North Carolina law requires counties to reappraise all property at least once every 8 years (many counties do it every 4 years).
Local governments set the annual tax rate based on their budgets.

Elderly or Disabled Homestead Exclusion: For homeowners 65+ or totally and permanently disabled with limited income. Excludes the greater of $25,000 or 50% of the appraised value from taxation.
Disabled Veteran Exclusion: Excludes up to $45,000 of the assessed value for qualifying veterans and surviving spouses.
Circuit Breaker Program: Limits property taxes for qualifying elderly or disabled homeowners based on income; taxes above 4–5% of income are deferred.

January 1: Property tax lien attaches; assessment is based on this date.
January 31: Deadline to list personal property (cars, boats, business equipment, etc.) with the county.
Spring/Summer: Notices of revaluation (in reappraisal years) and assessment notices mailed.
30 days from notice: Typical deadline to appeal an assessment to the county Board of Equalization and Review.
September: Counties typically mail property tax bills.
January 5 (following year): Property tax payment deadline. After this date, interest begins to accrue.

Homeowners can appeal their property’s assessed value if they believe it’s inaccurate.
Appeals go to the County Board of Equalization and Review.
Further appeals can be made to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission.
Evidence may include comparable sales, property condition, or errors in assessment.
Many homeowners rely on professionals like Icon Property Tax for help in navigating the appeal process.

Taxes are generally due once a year by January 5.
Late payments accrue 2% interest in the first month, plus 0.75% each additional month.
Some counties allow partial payments or prepayment throughout the year.

North Carolina operates on a calendar year system (Jan 1 – Dec 31).
Counties may only reappraise every few years, but tax rates are set annually.
Staying informed about revaluation years is key, as these can significantly affect your tax bill.

Search your property to view key assessment details and explore tax-saving opportunities.