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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Edgecombe County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.89% county base rate, varies by municipality and special districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Edgecombe County, North Carolina operates on an annual property tax system that serves as a primary funding source for essential county services, including public education, emergency services, infrastructure maintenance, and general government operations. Property taxes in Edgecombe County are assessed based on the fair market value of real estate and personal property as of January 1st each year, with tax bills typically issued in late summer or early fall.

The effective property tax rate in Edgecombe County varies by location within the county due to different municipal tax rates and special taxing districts. The county-wide base rate is 0.89% (or $0.89 per $100 of assessed value) for 2024-2025, but property owners may pay additional municipal taxes if they reside within incorporated cities like Tarboro. This layered taxation system means that two properties with identical assessed values may have different total tax bills depending on their specific location within the county.

Property owners should be aware that North Carolina does not impose assessment caps, meaning property values can increase without limitation based on market conditions. However, various tax credits and exemptions are available to qualifying property owners, though most require annual application and are not automatically applied to tax bills.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Edgecombe County Base$0.89County services, schools, infrastructure
Tarboro City$0.42Municipal services (applies only within city limits)
Dog Tax$5.00 flat feeAnnual dog registration fee

Levy Year: These rates are effective for the 2024-2025 tax year.

Special District Variations: Property owners within the Tarboro city limits pay both the county rate ($0.89) and the municipal rate ($0.42) for a combined rate of $1.31 per $100 of assessed value. Properties in unincorporated areas of Edgecombe County pay only the base county rate of $0.89 per $100. Additional fees may apply for specific services like garbage collection within municipal boundaries, with Tarboro charging a $5.00 sticker fee but no separate garbage fee according to current fee schedules.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Edgecombe 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 Edgecombe County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, value, or tax status. The most common triggers for supplemental taxes include new construction completion, property improvements that increase assessed value, changes in property classification, or corrections to assessment errors discovered after the original tax bill was issued.

When a supplemental tax is triggered, the county assessor calculates the difference between the original assessment and the revised assessment, then applies the current tax rate to determine the additional tax owed. This supplemental amount is typically prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year from the effective date of the change.

Example: If a property owner completes a $50,000 home addition in October, and the county assesses this improvement at its full value, the supplemental tax would be calculated as follows: $50,000 × 0.0089 (county rate) = $445 annual increase. Since the improvement was completed in October with 3 months remaining in the tax year, the supplemental tax would be approximately $111 ($445 ÷ 12 months × 3 months), due within 30 days of the supplemental bill issuance.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Exclusion (if applicable): -$25,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $275,000
  • County Tax ($275,000 × 0.0089): $2,448
  • Annual Tax: $2,448 | Monthly Escrow: $204

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Exclusion (if applicable): -$25,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $575,000
  • County Tax ($575,000 × 0.0089): $5,118
  • Annual Tax: $5,118 | Monthly Escrow: $426

Property Value: $1,000,000 (Tarboro City)

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Exclusion (if applicable): -$25,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $975,000
  • County Tax ($975,000 × 0.0089): $8,678
  • City Tax ($975,000 × 0.0042): $4,095
  • Annual Tax: $12,773 | Monthly Escrow: $1,064

Note: Homestead exclusion and other tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Application deadlines and eligibility requirements vary by program.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Edgecombe County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers who put down less than 20% or request escrow services. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Edgecombe County when bills are due, typically by the January 31st deadline.

Lenders are required to provide annual escrow analysis statements, usually sent 30-60 days before your loan anniversary date. This statement shows the previous year's escrow activity and calculates the coming year's monthly escrow payment based on the most recent tax bill. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will adjust accordingly, and you may owe a shortage if the previous year's collections were insufficient.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender has paid property taxes on time by checking the Edgecombe County tax records online or contacting the tax office directly. While lenders are generally reliable, payment errors can occur, and property owners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid by the deadline. If you pay off your mortgage or refinance, remember to make arrangements for direct tax payments, as you'll no longer have escrow protection against missed payments.

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 Edgecombe County for the 2024-2025 tax year? A: Property taxes are due by January 31st each year. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The primary tax credit is the Homestead Exclusion, which excludes the first $25,000 or 50% of assessed value (whichever is greater) from taxation for your permanent residence. This credit requires annual application and is not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Q: How does the Homestead Exclusion work? A: The Homestead Exclusion reduces your taxable assessed value, not your market value. It excludes either $25,000 or 50% of your assessed value from county taxation, whichever amount is greater. You must apply for this exclusion annually, and it only applies to your primary residence.

Q: When can I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal real estate values beginning January 1st each year. The deadline for appeals is typically in early April when the Board of Equalization and Review adjourns. Vehicle value appeals must be postmarked within 30 days of the billing date.

Q: What penalties apply for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges, though specific rates and schedules should be confirmed with the Edgecombe County Tax Office for the current tax year.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: North Carolina requires counties to revalue all real property at least every eight years, though Edgecombe County may conduct reassessments more frequently based on market conditions.

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

Q: Do I pay different rates if I live in Tarboro? A: Yes, properties within Tarboro city limits pay both the county rate ($0.89 per $100) and the municipal rate ($0.42 per $100) for a combined rate of $1.31 per $100 of assessed value.

Q: What if I act as my own contractor for home improvements? A: Persons acting as their own contractor are required to complete an Owner Exemption form. Contact the county building department for specific requirements and deadlines.

Q: Are there any property tax abatement programs available? A: Edgecombe County has offered property tax abatements in recent years, including a 50% abatement on increased property tax collections. Contact the county tax office for current program availability and eligibility requirements.

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