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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Chatham County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Chatham 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
Base rate varies by district due to fire districts and municipal service areas
Exemptions
3+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Chatham County, North Carolina operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for essential county services including schools, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and county administration. Property taxes in Chatham County are assessed annually based on the market value of real property as of January 1st each year. The county's tax assessment system follows North Carolina state guidelines, with properties typically reassessed every eight years to ensure fair market valuations.

The effective property tax rate in Chatham County varies by location within the county due to special taxing districts, fire districts, and municipal service districts that may impose additional levies. Property owners should be aware that their total tax bill may include charges from multiple taxing authorities beyond the base county rate. The county maintains a decentralized approach to property tax collection, working closely with municipalities and special districts to provide comprehensive property tax services to residents.

Tax bills are calculated by applying the applicable tax rate to the assessed value of the property, minus any applicable tax credits or exemptions for which the property owner has applied. Most property tax relief programs require annual application and are not automatically applied to tax bills.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Rate$0.6000 per $100FY 2025 general county operations, schools, and services
Fire DistrictVariesAdditional levy for fire protection services (varies by district)
Municipal Service DistrictVariesAdditional services in unincorporated areas (if applicable)
Total Effective Rate~$0.60-0.80 per $100Combined rate depending on location and special districts

Note: Rates shown are for FY 2025 levy year. Actual rates may vary by specific location within Chatham County due to special taxing districts, fire districts, and municipal service areas. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate by consulting their tax bill or contacting the Chatham County Tax Administration office.

Special districts within Chatham County may impose additional assessments for services such as fire protection, water/sewer, or enhanced municipal services. These supplemental rates are added to the base county rate to determine the total property tax liability.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Chatham 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 property taxes in Chatham County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or corrections to the tax roll during the current tax year. Common triggers for supplemental taxes include new construction completion, property splits or combinations, discovery of previously unlisted property, or corrections to property classification (such as removal from Present Use Value agricultural classification).

When supplemental taxes are issued, they are calculated based on the current year's tax rate applied to the change in assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year affected. For example, if a home addition is completed in July, the supplemental tax would cover July through December of that tax year. The supplemental bill is separate from the regular annual tax bill and has its own due date.

Property owners receiving supplemental tax bills should review them carefully and contact the Chatham County Tax Administration office if they have questions about the assessment or calculation. Supplemental taxes are due within 30 days of the bill date and are subject to the same penalty structure as regular property taxes if paid late.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$50,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,000
  • Tax Rate: $0.60 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $1,500
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $125

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Senior/Disabled Credit Applied: -$25,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $575,000
  • Tax Rate: $0.65 per $100 (includes fire district)
  • Annual Tax: $3,738
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $311

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • No Credits Applied: $1,000,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: $0.70 per $100 (includes special districts)
  • Annual Tax: $7,000
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $583

Note: Tax credits shown require annual application and income/age qualification. Credits are not automatic and must be applied for by the specified deadline. Actual tax rates vary by location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Chatham County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or those who choose this option for convenience. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12th of the estimated annual property tax bill, plus homeowner's insurance premiums. These funds are held in a separate escrow account and used to pay property taxes when due.

Property tax bills in Chatham County are typically mailed in late summer/early fall and are due by January 5th annually. Lenders usually pay the tax bill in December to ensure timely payment and avoid penalties. Property owners with escrowed taxes should verify that their lender received and paid their tax bill by checking with the Chatham County Tax Administration office or reviewing their mortgage statement.

Escrow accounts are analyzed annually, and lenders may adjust monthly payments if tax bills increase or decrease significantly. Property owners should review their escrow analysis statements and contact their lender if they have questions about escrow calculations or payments. Those paying taxes directly (not through escrow) are responsible for ensuring timely payment to avoid penalties and potential tax lien issues.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Chatham County? A: Property taxes for FY 2025 are due by January 5, 2026. Personal property must be listed by January 31st annually. Payments postmarked by the due date are considered timely.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Chatham County offers homestead tax credits, senior/disabled person credits, and veteran credits. All require annual application through the Tax Administration office. Applications are typically due by June 1st. Contact the office for specific eligibility requirements and application forms.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Qualified homeowners must apply annually, and the credit caps how much their home's assessed value can increase year-over-year, providing tax bill stability.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Chatham County conducts county-wide property revaluations approximately every eight years. Between revaluations, properties may be individually reviewed for improvements, damage, or other changes affecting value.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur interest charges of 2% for the first month and additional fees thereafter. Properties with delinquent taxes may be subject to tax liens and eventual foreclosure proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Chatham County offers online payment options through their official website. Credit card, debit card, and electronic check payments are typically accepted, though convenience fees may apply.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Properties located within fire districts, municipal service districts, or other special taxing districts pay additional rates beyond the base county rate. Your tax bill will show all applicable districts and their respective rates.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who disagree with their assessment can file an appeal with the Chatham County Board of Equalization and Review during the designated appeal period, typically in the spring following reassessment notices.

Q: What if I receive a supplemental tax bill? A: Supplemental bills are issued for mid-year changes like new construction or property reclassification. These are separate from your annual bill and typically due within 30 days of issuance.

Q: Are there property tax relief programs for low-income residents? A: Yes, Chatham County offers various relief programs based on income, age, and disability status. Contact the Tax Administration office to learn about available programs and application requirements.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Chatham County Newschathamcountync.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
County
Property Tax Relief | Chatham County, NCchathamcountync.gov
05
County
Tax Foreclosure Sales* | Chatham County, NCchathamcountync.gov
06
County
Listing Division | Chatham County, NCchathamcountync.gov
07
County
Chatham County Property Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov
08
County
Homeowner Resources | Chatham County, NCchathamcountync.gov
09
Homestead Exemptionsboa.chathamcountyga.gov
10
County
Chatham County Property Record Cardgisservices.chathamcountync.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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