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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Columbus County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.805% base rate ($0.805 per $100 assessed value), varies by district with additional assessments
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Columbus County, North Carolina operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for essential county services including education, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and local government operations. Property taxes in Columbus County are assessed annually based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property within the county boundaries.

For the 2025 tax year, Columbus County has established a base property tax rate of 0.805% (or $0.805 per $100 of assessed value). However, property owners should note that actual tax rates can vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and additional assessments for services like fire districts, water districts, or school bonds. The effective tax rate range typically falls between 0.805% and 1.2% depending on these local district assessments.

Property assessments in Columbus County are conducted periodically through county-wide revaluations to ensure assessed values reflect current market conditions. All property taxes are collected by the Columbus County Tax Collector's office, and payment schedules follow North Carolina state guidelines with specific due dates established annually by the county commissioners.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Columbus County Base Rate$0.805FY 2025-2026 base county services levy
Fire DistrictsVaries by districtAdditional assessment for fire protection services
Water/Sewer DistrictsVaries by districtSpecial assessment for water and sewer infrastructure
Municipal RatesVaries by cityAdditional city taxes for incorporated areas
School BondsVaries by districtDebt service for educational facility improvements

Note: The rates shown apply to Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Total effective rates range from the base 0.805% up to approximately 1.2% depending on your property's location and applicable special districts. Property owners should verify their specific rate by checking their tax bill or contacting the Columbus County Tax Assessor's office, as rates can vary significantly within different areas of the county.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Columbus 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 Columbus County are additional tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction during the tax year. These supplemental bills ensure that property taxes are properly allocated based on current ownership and property conditions rather than waiting for the next annual assessment cycle.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: purchase or sale of property (change of ownership), completion of new construction or major renovations, addition of structures like pools or accessory buildings, and corrections to previous assessments. The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in Columbus County in January that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now has a market value of $250,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the $50,000 difference in assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate (0.805% base rate plus any special districts) for the remaining months of the fiscal year. This supplemental amount would be due in addition to the regular annual property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market/Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$25,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $275,000
  • Tax Rate: 0.90% (base + fire district)
  • Annual Tax: $2,475
  • Monthly Escrow: $206.25

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market/Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Senior Citizen Credit Applied: -$50,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $550,000
  • Tax Rate: 0.85% (base + water district)
  • Annual Tax: $4,675
  • Monthly Escrow: $389.58

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market/Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Disabled Veteran Credit Applied: -$45,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $955,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.05% (base + multiple districts)
  • Annual Tax: $10,027.50
  • Monthly Escrow: $835.63

Note: All tax credits shown require annual application and qualification verification. Credits are not automatic and must be applied for by the specified deadline.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Columbus County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or upon borrower request. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, then pays your property taxes directly to Columbus County when they become due. The monthly escrow amount is calculated by dividing your annual property tax bill by 12 months, often with a small cushion to account for potential tax increases.

Columbus County property taxes are due in two installments: the first installment is due by April 1st, and the second installment is due by October 1st for the current fiscal year. Lenders typically receive tax bills directly from the county and make payments before the due dates to avoid penalties. Property owners should verify that their lender has current contact information and that escrow payments are adequate to cover the full tax liability.

If you have an escrow account, you'll receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing how your taxes were paid and any adjustments needed for the coming year. You should also receive a copy of your property tax bill directly from Columbus County for your records. If you believe your escrow payments are insufficient or if there are significant changes to your property taxes, contact your lender immediately to discuss adjusting your monthly escrow contributions.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Columbus County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due in two installments - first installment by April 1, 2026, and second installment by October 1, 2026. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Columbus County offers several tax credits including Homestead, Elderly/Disabled, Disabled Veteran, and Circuit Breaker credits. ALL credits require annual application using Form AV-9 and are NOT automatic. Application deadline is typically June 1st.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit limits annual assessment increases to a maximum percentage (typically 10%) rather than reducing market value. You must apply annually, be over 65 or disabled, meet income requirements, and use the property as your primary residence.

Q: How often does Columbus County reassess property values? A: Columbus County conducts county-wide revaluations approximately every 4-8 years. Property owners receive notices before revaluation and can appeal assessments through the county's Board of Equalization and Review.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest charges at 2% per month plus penalties. After January 6th following the tax year, unpaid taxes may result in tax lien proceedings against the property.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Columbus County offers online payment options through their official website. Payments can be made by electronic check or credit card, though credit card payments may include convenience fees.

Q: Do I pay different rates if I live in a city within Columbus County? A: Yes, properties within incorporated municipalities pay additional city taxes on top of county taxes. Special districts for fire, water, or other services also add to your total tax rate.

Q: How do I apply for the Disabled Veteran property tax credit? A: Qualified disabled veterans must complete Form NCDVA-9 for certification and Form AV-9 for the tax credit application. You must have an honorable discharge and qualifying disability rating. Applications are due by June 1st annually.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
proposed-city-of-whiteville-budget-fy-2025-2026. ...whitevillenc.gov
02
County
Next County 2024-25 2023-24 2022-23 2021-22 2020-21ncdor.gov
03
County
Next County 2025-26 2024-25 2023-24 2022-23 2021-22 ...ncdor.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax - Formsncdor.gov
05
County
County Property Tax Rates and Reappraisal Schedulesncdor.gov
06
Tax Doc
Veterans Property Tax Relief | DMVAmilvets.nc.gov
07
Tax Doc
Application for Property Tax Reliefncdor.gov
08
Chapter 160Dncleg.gov
09
Tax Doc
OCCUPANCY TAX OVERVIEWwebservices.ncleg.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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