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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Caldwell County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Caldwell County, NC. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$0.637 per $100 assessed value (varies by municipality - higher in Lenoir, Granite Falls, Hudson)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Caldwell County, North Carolina operates a property tax system that funds essential local services including public schools, emergency services, infrastructure maintenance, and county government operations. Property taxes are assessed annually based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property within the county. The current tax rate for Caldwell County is $0.637 per $100 of assessed value for the 2025 tax year, which has remained consistent over recent years.

Property tax rates in Caldwell County can vary depending on your location within the county due to additional special taxing districts, including municipalities like Granite Falls, Lenoir, and Hudson. Property owners within municipal limits pay both county and municipal taxes, while those in unincorporated areas pay only the county rate. The effective tax rate across the county typically ranges from 0.6% to over 1.0% depending on these local municipal assessments and any applicable tax credits or special district levies.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Caldwell County Base$0.637County services, schools, infrastructure
Town of Granite Falls$0.4485Municipal services (for residents within town limits)
Other MunicipalitiesVariesLenoir, Hudson, and other incorporated areas have separate rates
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, water/sewer districts where applicable

Rates shown are for Levy Year 2025. Municipal and special district rates are in addition to the county base rate and apply only to properties within those specific jurisdictions. Contact the Caldwell County Tax Assessor's office to determine the exact rate for your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Caldwell County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Caldwell County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the county calculates the difference between the current tax liability and what would have been owed based on the new assessment, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March and your property is reassessed, you would owe supplemental taxes on the increased assessed value from March through the end of the tax year in June. The supplemental bill would calculate the additional tax owed on that $50,000 increase ($50,000 ÷ 100 × $0.637 × 4/12 months = approximately $84.93 for the partial year).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home (County only)

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: None
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 ÷ 100 × $0.637 = $1,911
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $159.25

Example 2: $600,000 Home (with Homestead Credit)

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Limits assessment increases (application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000 (assuming no increase cap triggered)
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 ÷ 100 × $0.637 = $3,822
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $318.50

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home (in Granite Falls)

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Combined Tax Rate: $0.637 (county) + $0.4485 (town) = $1.0855 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 ÷ 100 × $1.0855 = $10,855
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $904.58

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Contact the assessor's office for eligibility requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Caldwell County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly tax payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds in escrow until tax bills are due. Lenders typically pay your property taxes directly to the county by the January 5th deadline to avoid late penalties.

Each year, your lender will conduct an escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected based on current tax assessments. If taxes increase due to reappraisal or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may increase. You should receive an annual escrow statement showing all deposits, payments, and account balances. Property owners are responsible for verifying that their lender pays taxes on time, as the property owner remains ultimately liable for any unpaid taxes or penalties.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Caldwell County? A: Property taxes are due January 5th each year for the current tax year. Bills are typically mailed in September, and you can pay without interest through the January 5th deadline.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: Available tax credits include Homestead Credits for elderly/disabled property owners, Disabled Veteran Credits, and Circuit Breaker Credits. All credits require annual applications using Form AV-9 and are NOT automatically applied.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing your property's market value. Eligible seniors and disabled property owners must apply annually, and the credit caps how much your assessed value can increase each year.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Caldwell County? A: Caldwell County conducts countywide reappraisals periodically. The most recent reappraisal was completed for the 2021-2022 tax year. Property owners can appeal assessments during designated appeal periods following reappraisals.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest and penalties accrue on unpaid taxes after the January 5th deadline. Contact the Caldwell County Tax Collector's office for current penalty rates and payment arrangements.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Caldwell County offers online payment options through their official website. You can also pay by mail, in person, or through authorized payment centers.

Q: Do I pay different rates if I live in a town within Caldwell County? A: Yes, residents within municipal limits pay both county taxes and additional municipal taxes. For example, Granite Falls residents pay an additional $0.4485 per $100 on top of the county rate.

Q: What should I do if I disagree with my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal assessments during designated appeal periods. Contact the Caldwell County Tax Assessor's office for appeal procedures, deadlines, and required documentation to support your case.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
Tax Doc
Property Tax Rate - OSBMlinc.osbm.nc.gov
02
County
Next County 2024-25 2023-24 2022-23 2021-22 2020-21ncdor.gov
03
County
Next County 2023-24 2022-23 2021-22 2020-21 2019-20 ...ncdor.gov
04
Tax Doc
Tax Billing and Collectiongranitefallsnc.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax - Formsncdor.gov
06
EDI Technical Specifications Form Year 2025ncdor.gov
07
Tax Doc
Veterans Property Tax Relief | DMVAmilvets.nc.gov
08
Rogers Road: - Mapping our Community's Futureengage.chapelhillnc.gov
09
Tax Doc
Elderly & Disabled Exclusion Tax Relief Programiredellcountync.gov
10
annual reportgranitefallsnc.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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