HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Dare County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Base rate varies by district due to special taxing areas and municipal boundaries - contact county for specific location rates
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Dare County, North Carolina operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential county services including education, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and emergency services. Property taxes in Dare County are assessed annually based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property, with the county experiencing significant growth in its tax base, which increased by 67% to a total value of $27.4 billion.

The property tax rate structure in Dare County varies by location within the county due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and additional assessments for specific services. Property owners should be aware that their actual tax rate may differ from the base county rate depending on their property's location and any applicable special district levies. The county's coastal location and tourism-driven economy contribute to higher property values, making it essential for property owners to understand available tax relief programs and payment options.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100 assessed value)Description
County General26.32¢Base county operations, services, and administration
Municipal TaxesVariesAdditional taxes for incorporated areas (varies by town)
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, water/sewer districts, lighting districts
Total Effective Rate26.32¢+Base rate plus applicable district assessments

Rates shown are for Tax Year 2025 (FY 2025-2026). The base county rate of 26.32 cents per $100 of assessed value remains unchanged from 2024. Actual tax rates vary significantly by location within Dare County due to municipal taxes and special taxing districts. Property owners should verify their specific rate based on their property's location and applicable district assessments.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Dare 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 Dare County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction, major improvements, changes in property use, or ownership transfers that result in a reassessment above the current assessed value.

When a supplemental assessment is issued, the additional tax is calculated based on the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a property undergoes a major renovation in March that increases its assessed value by $100,000, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that $100,000 increase for the remaining 6 months of the tax year (March through August), using the current tax rate of 26.32 cents per $100 of assessed value.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): Varies by income
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 ÷ 100 × 26.32¢ = $789.60
  • Monthly Payment: $65.80

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Elderly/Disabled Exclusion (if qualified): Up to $25,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $575,000 (with maximum exclusion)
  • Annual Tax: $575,000 ÷ 100 × 26.32¢ = $1,513.40
  • Monthly Payment: $126.12

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Available Credits (if qualified): Varies
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000 (assuming no credits)
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 ÷ 100 × 26.32¢ = $2,632.00
  • Monthly Payment: $219.33

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and income/age qualifications. Monthly amounts assume escrow payments spread over 12 months.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Dare County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or upon borrower request. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments as part of the mortgage payment, typically calculating 1/12 of the estimated annual tax bill each month. These funds are held in a separate escrow account and used to pay property taxes when due on September 1st each year.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender has current tax information, as Dare County mails tax bills directly to property owners in late July, even when taxes are escrowed. It's the property owner's responsibility to ensure their lender receives the correct tax bill amount. Lenders typically pay taxes a few days before the September 1st deadline to avoid penalties. Property owners should review their annual escrow analysis statement to understand any changes in monthly escrow payments due to tax increases or assessment changes.

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 Dare County property taxes due for the current tax year? A: Property taxes are due September 1st each year. Tax bills are typically mailed in late July. For Tax Year 2025, taxes must be paid by September 1, 2025, to avoid penalties.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: Dare County offers three local property tax relief programs that require applications: Elderly or Disabled Exclusion, Circuit Breaker Tax Credit, and Homestead Exemption. All require separate applications and qualification based on age, income, or disability status.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead Exemption limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It requires filing an application and declaring the property as your primary residence. This caps how much your assessed value can increase each year, providing tax stability.

Q: When do I need to file my tax listing form? A: Personal property tax listing forms must be submitted by February 2nd annually. For 2026 taxes, the deadline is February 2, 2026.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Dare County? A: Dare County conducts periodic revaluations. Property owners receive assessment notices and have the right to appeal during the specified appeal period, typically in spring before tax bills are mailed.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Delinquent taxes incur penalties and interest charges. Specific penalty rates and collection procedures are outlined on the tax bill and county website.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Dare County offers online payment options for both real estate and personal property taxes through their official website tax payment portal.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Properties located within special taxing districts (fire, water/sewer, lighting districts) pay additional taxes beyond the base county rate of 26.32¢ per $100. Your total rate depends on your property's specific location and applicable districts.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
2025 Dare County Revaluation Results | News Listdarenc.gov
02
County
Tax Rates | Dare County, NCdarenc.gov
03
County
2025 Revaluation | Dare County, NCdarenc.gov
04
State
Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills Mailed on July ...darenc.gov
05
County
Dare County Taxpayers Reminded of 2026 Property Tax ...darenc.gov
06
Tax Doc
2025 Personal Property Tax Listings Begin January 2darenc.gov
07
Tax Doc
North Carolina Offers Three Local Property Tax Exclusionsdarenc.gov
08
County
Dare County News | Dare County, NCdarenc.gov
09
County
Tax Relief Programs | Dare County, NCdarenc.gov
10
County
Forms | Dare County, NCdarenc.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate