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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Chowan County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Chowan 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
0.695% effective rate for 2025, varies by location within county due to special districts
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Chowan County, North Carolina operates on a property tax system that serves as a primary funding mechanism for essential county services, including schools, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and local government operations. Property taxes are assessed based on the fair market value of real property and certain types of personal property, with the Tax Office responsible for ensuring uniform and equitable assessments across all property owners throughout the county.

The effective property tax rate in Chowan County is 0.695% for the 2025 tax year, though actual rates may vary depending on your specific location within the county due to special taxing districts, municipal taxes, and additional assessments for services like fire protection or water districts. Property owners receive their annual tax bills between July and August, with taxes due by September 1st. The county conducts periodic revaluations to maintain current market assessments, and property owners have appeal rights if they disagree with their assessed values.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Levy0.695%General county services for FY 2025
School DistrictVariesIncluded in base rate, funds local schools
Fire DistrictsVaries by locationAdditional assessment for fire protection services
Municipal TaxesVaries by municipalityAdditional taxes if property located within city limits
Special AssessmentsVariesMay include water/sewer districts or other special services

Note: The 0.695% rate applies to the 2025 levy year. Actual total rates vary by specific location within Chowan County due to special taxing districts. Contact the Chowan County Tax Office at (252) 482-1528 for rates specific to your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Chowan 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 Chowan County are triggered when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements made to existing properties during the tax year. These supplemental assessments ensure that new property value is captured for the current tax year rather than waiting until the next regular assessment cycle.

Common triggers include: property sales that result in updated assessments, completion of new construction projects, additions or major improvements to existing structures, and subdivision of land. The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a $100,000 home improvement is completed in January, the additional tax would be approximately $695 ($100,000 × 0.695%) for the full year, but if completed in July, it would be prorated for the remaining months.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Available Credits Applied: $0 (assuming no applications filed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: 0.695%
  • Annual Tax: $2,085
  • Monthly Escrow: $174

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Limits assessment increases (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000 (first year, no benefit)
  • Tax Rate: 0.695%
  • Annual Tax: $4,170
  • Monthly Escrow: $348

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home with Senior/Disabled Exclusion

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Senior/Disabled Exclusion: Up to $50,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $950,000
  • Tax Rate: 0.695%
  • Annual Tax: $6,603
  • Monthly Escrow: $550

Note: All credits and exclusions require separate applications and qualification verification. Credits are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Chowan County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12 of the estimated annual tax bill, plus a cushion amount typically not exceeding two months of payments. These funds are held in a separate account and used to pay property taxes when they become due on September 1st.

Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing all deposits, payments, and account balances. If your property taxes increase due to assessment changes or rate increases, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Property owners can verify that their taxes have been paid by checking with the Chowan County Tax Office or reviewing their account online. If you pay off your mortgage or no longer have an escrow requirement, you become responsible for making direct payments to the county by the September 1st deadline.

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 Chowan County? A: Property taxes are due by September 1st for the current fiscal year. Late payments are accepted until January 5th, but no interest applies only if paid by the September 1st deadline.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Available credits include the Homestead Exclusion for elderly or disabled persons (General Statute 105-277.1), veteran disability exclusions, and certain agricultural use-value assessments. All credits require separate applications filed with the Tax Office and must be renewed periodically.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead Exclusion doesn't reduce your property's market value but limits annual assessment increases for qualified elderly or disabled property owners. You must file an application with income and age/disability documentation. This is not automatic and requires annual verification.

Q: When does the county reassess properties? A: Chowan County conducts periodic countywide revaluations. Property owners receive notice of new assessments and have appeal rights. The next scheduled revaluation date can be confirmed with the Tax Office.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest begins accruing after September 1st. Properties become subject to tax lien procedures if taxes remain unpaid after January 5th. Contact the Tax Office at (252) 482-1528 for specific penalty amounts.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Chowan County Tax Office to inquire about available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: Property owners may appeal assessments during specified appeal periods. Appeals are first heard by the County Board of Equalization and Review, with further appeal rights to state level if necessary.

Q: Are there special district taxes in addition to county taxes? A: Yes, additional taxes may apply for fire districts, municipal services (if within city limits), water/sewer districts, and other special assessments depending on your property's location within Chowan County.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Next County 2024-25 2023-24 2022-23 2021-22 2020-21ncdor.gov
02
County
Next County 2025-26 2024-25 2023-24 2022-23 2021-22 ...ncdor.gov
03
County
2025-2026 County Tax Rates Final.xlsxncdor.gov
04
County
PROPERTY TAXES - Welcome to Chowan County, N.C.chowancounty-nc.gov
05
Tax Doc
When are my taxes due?chowancounty-nc.gov
06
Tax Doc
Appeal Real Property Tax Valuationchowancounty-nc.gov
07
County
COUNTY OF CHOWANchowancounty-nc.gov
08
Notice of Appeal and Application for Hearingchowancounty-nc.gov
09
Tax Doc
2023 Tax Listing Formchowancounty-nc.gov
10
County
FORMS - Welcome to Chowan County, N.C.chowancounty-nc.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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