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- If I am over the age of 65 or disabled do I have to pay
property taxes?
- If my property is used for
farming do I receive a property tax reduction?
- When are property taxes due?
- Can I pay my taxes with a credit card?
- Am I required to list my property in January?
- I
received a tax bill for a vehicle I sold, what should I do?
- I
received a tax bill for property I sold earlier this year, what should I do?
- What
is the SWDF that is included on my tax bill?
North Carolina excludes from property taxes the greater of twenty thousand
dollars ($20,000) or fifty (50%) of the appraised value of a permanent residence
owned and occupied by a qualifying owner. A qualifying owner is an owner
who meets all of the following requirements as of January 1 preceding the
taxable year for which the benefit is claimed:
- Is at least 65 years of age or totally and permanently disabled.
- Has an income for the preceding calendar year of not more than eighteen
thousand dollars ($19,700).
- Is a North Carolina resident.
If you think you may qualify you must apply with the Tax
Assessor's office before June 1st to be considered for this
exemption.
There is a program called the use-value assessment program. This is a program which can result in lower property taxes for property which
qualifies. The program targets property which is in actual production of a
qualifying product. The three categories of use are Agriculture,
Horticulture and Forestry. Agricultural use can include such products as cattle,
hay and tobacco. Horticultural use can include such products as Christmas
trees, shrubbery, fruits and vegetables. Forestry use involves the
commercial production of timber. There are several qualifying factors
which must be looked at to determine if the property is eligible for this
program. Any property owner wishing to have his/her property considered
for this special assessment must apply with the County Assessor's office during
the month of January.
With the exception of registered motor vehicles,
property taxes are due September 1st of each year and are considered delinquent
if not paid by January 5th. Interest will be added January 6th at the rate
of 2% and an additional 3/4% each month thereafter until the amount is paid in
full. A 2% discount is given if payment is received prior to September
1st.
The due date for taxes on registered motor vehicles is determined by the
plate expiration date. A tax notice is usually prepared and mailed
approximately 3 months after the tag is renewed or a new tag is purchased.
Interest will be added on the 1st day of the second month following the date of
the notice at the rate of 5% the first month and 3/4% each month thereafter
until paid in full.
At this time we can not accept payment of taxes with a credit card or check
card.
In January of each year you are required to submit to the County Assessor's
office a listing of all applicable property you own as of January 1st.
You are not required to list real property with the County Assessor in
January. Real property would include land and buildings.
You are required to list any taxable personal property, except
registered motor vehicles, and report any
improvements you have made to your real property since the last listing period. Personal
property would include such items as mobile homes, farm equipment, and business
personal property. Failure to submit a timely listing will result in a 10%
penalty. You should contact the Assessor's office at 336-219-2554 if you
have any questions about listing.
When you sold your vehicle you
should have either transferred the tag to another vehicle or
surrendered the tag to DMV.
If you transferred the tag to
another vehicle you should pay the tax bill as it was sent to
you. If this bill is not paid you will not be able to renew
the tag when it expires.
If you surrendered the tag to DMV
they gave you a printout indicating that the tag was turned in and
is no longer valid. You should bring that document along with
the tax bill to the Tax Collector's office for a possible reduction
of the taxes. The reduction will be based on how many months were
left on the tag when it was surrendered to DMV.
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Tax bills are issued in the name of the person(s)
who owned the property as of January 1st of each year. If you
sell property after January 1st, you will still receive the tax bill
for the entire year. You are considered to be responsible for
the current year tax bill. Usually when property sells an
agreement is made between buyer and seller concerning property
taxes. You should look at you closing statement or contact the
Attorney who handled the closing to find out who agreed to pay the
taxes. If the taxes remain unpaid the tax lien will follow the
property but, as owner on January 1st, you will be held liable for
the taxes.
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What
is the SWDF that is included on my tax bill?
SWDF or solid waste disposal fee, is included on
each tax bill when there is an occupied dwelling included in the
bill. The money generated through this fee is used for the
operation of the landfill. The fee is $40 per dwelling and
entitles the property owner to dispose of household garbage at any
of the county convenience centers or at the county landfill.
You should visit the Environmental
Services site for information on hours of operation and
questions about disposal of garbage. You may make a request
for the $40 to be waived if the dwelling is vacant for the year of
the tax. Application forms are available at the Tax
Administrators office for this request.
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