Property taxes can feel confusing—but they don’t have to be. We have a full breakdown of property taxes for homeowners in North Carolina, but first, let’s cover a few basics.

Property taxes are assigned by local governments like cities, counties, school districts, and other special taxing units. In North Carolina, there’s no state property tax, so you’ll only pay property taxes on the local level in your immediate community. Funds from property taxes pay for public works like education and emergency services, and they are levied against what’s known as “real property,” which includes land, houses, and buildings.

The amount of property tax you pay in dollars is determined by the budget of the taxing unit (like a city budget), the tax rate, and the value of your home, and it can change from year to year. Let’s take a look at current tax rates in North Carolina.

The property tax rate is determined by the local government’s budget. Basically, the local government will analyze the community’s needs and evaluate how much money it needs to fulfill them. Then it determines what the required tax rate would be to meet that budget based on the properties in its jurisdiction. The current average effective tax rate in North Carolina is 0.70%—which is significantly lower than the national average of 0.99%.

Raleigh is in Wake County, which has an average effective tax rate of 0.96%. While this may seem high, it’s still lower than the national average rate. A benefit of higher property tax bills is greater investment in the local community. In Wake County, you can expect well-funded public services and impactful community programs.

Your specific property tax is determined by multiplying the tax rate by each $100 of the assessed value of your home. Start by dividing the assessed value of your home by 100. Then multiply that number by the tax rate (the 2022 Wake County rate was .6195). You’ll have to do this for the county, city, and any other taxing unit under which your address falls, and then add the results together. 

If your head is spinning, we feel you. Let’s take a look at an example. 

If the assessed value of your Raleigh home is $400,000, start by dividing it by 100. That gives you $4,000. Then multiply that by the county rate of .6195. That will give you $2,478.

Homes in Raleigh are also subject to the City of Raleigh’s municipal property tax, so you’ll have to do the process again. The municipal rate in Raleigh is .3930. Divide the assessed value of $400,000 by 100 to get $4,000. Then multiply that by the municipal rate to get $1,572.

If those are the only two jurisdictions where you owe property taxes, you’re done! Your total tax bill would be $4,050. Keep in mind that your property may also be subject to Fire District Tax, Special District Tax, and more—so take a look at your property tax bill to be sure. You may also qualify for property tax breaks depending on your situation.

Remember that the assessed value of your home is different than its market value, and it’s usually lower. But don’t worry—the assessor’s value of your home doesn’t change its fair market value. That number is only used for taxes.

In general, property taxes are used for public services. These usually include:

You can also see a town-by-town breakdown of where your property taxes go.

Your property tax payment options will vary from county to county. 

In Wake County, you can pay your property tax bill:

By mail to the following address:
Wake County Tax AdministrationP.O. Box  580084
Charlotte NC 28258-0084

Online via the following methods:
– Checking account (no fee)
– Visa/MasterCard debit card ($3.95 fee)
– Visa/MasterCard credit card (fee of 2.3% of the amount charged, minimum of $1)

Via your bank’s online bill pay system:
– Allow at least 5 days before your bill’s due date
– Be sure to include the property tax account number on your bill
– Be sure to indicate if you’re making an advanced payment
– Remit to:
Wake County Tax AdministrationP.O. Box  580084
Charlotte NC 28258-0084

In person at the following locations:
Tax Administration Main Office
301 S. McDowell St., 3rd Floor
Raleigh, NC, 27601
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Apex Town Hall
73 Hunter St.
Apex, NC, 27502
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Departure Drive HS Center
5809 Departure Dr.
Raleigh, NC, 27616
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Eastern Regional Center
1002 Dogwood Dr.
Zebulon, NC, 27529
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Garner Town Hall
900 Seventh Ave.
Garner, NC, 27529
8:15 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 4:45 PM

Holly Springs Town Hall
128 Main St.
Holly Springs, NC, 27540
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Knightdale Town Hall
950 Steeple Square Ct.
Knightdale, NC, 27545
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Northern Regional Center
350 E. Holding Ave.
Wake Forest, NC, 27587
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Rolesville Town Hall
502 Southtown Circle
Rolesville, NC, 27571
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Southern Regional Center
130 N. Judd Parkway NE
Fuquay-Varina, NC, 27526
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

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