HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Forsyth County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Forsyth 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
53.52¢ per $100 of assessed value (varies by municipal district and special taxing areas)
1st Due
Sep 1
2nd Due
Jan 5
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Forsyth County, North Carolina operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for essential county services including public schools, emergency services, libraries, parks, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Forsyth County are assessed annually based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property, with the tax rate expressed as cents per $100 of assessed value.

For the 2025 tax year, Forsyth County's base property tax rate is 53.52 cents per $100 of assessed value, which is above the revenue-neutral rate. However, actual tax rates vary by location within the county due to special taxing districts, municipal taxes, and additional assessments for services like fire districts or special improvement areas. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate based on their exact location, as rates can differ significantly between incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county.

The county conducts property assessments to determine market value, and property owners have the right to appeal assessments they believe are incorrect. Tax bills are typically mailed in late July, with payments due by September 1st, though taxpayers have until January 5th to pay without penalty.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Forsyth County Base Rate53.52¢General county services, schools, infrastructure
Municipal RatesVariesAdditional rates for incorporated cities/towns
Fire District TaxVariesSpecial assessment for fire protection services
Special Assessment DistrictsVariesAdditional taxes for specific improvements or services

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026. Actual tax rates vary significantly by location within Forsyth County due to municipal boundaries and special taxing districts. Property owners should check their tax bill or contact the Forsyth County Tax Department to determine their exact rate based on their specific address and applicable districts.

Note: The county rate of 53.52¢ per $100 is 4.2 cents above the revenue-neutral rate, representing an increase from the previous year's rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Forsyth County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Sep 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Jan 5
Delinquent after Apr 10
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 Forsyth County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction that affect the property's assessed value during the tax year. These taxes are prorated based on the number of months remaining in the fiscal year after the change occurs.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: change of ownership (sale/transfer), completion of new construction or major improvements, subdivision of property, or correction of assessment errors. The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the old and new assessed values, applying the current tax rate, and prorating for the remaining months in the fiscal year.

Example: If a property's assessed value increases from $400,000 to $500,000 due to completed renovations on January 1st, with 8 months remaining in the tax year and a rate of 53.52¢ per $100, the supplemental tax would be: ($100,000 ÷ 100) × 53.52¢ × (8/12 months) = $357.68.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$25,000 (if eligible, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $275,000
  • Annual Tax: $275,000 ÷ 100 × 53.52¢ = $1,471.80
  • Monthly Estimate: $122.65

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$25,000 (if eligible, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $575,000
  • Annual Tax: $575,000 ÷ 100 × 53.52¢ = $3,074.40
  • Monthly Estimate: $256.20

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$25,000 (if eligible, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $975,000
  • Annual Tax: $975,000 ÷ 100 × 53.52¢ = $5,218.20
  • Monthly Estimate: $434.85

Examples use base county rate only. Actual taxes may be higher due to municipal and special district taxes. Tax credits require application and approval - they are not automatically applied.

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 Forsyth County require borrowers to establish an escrow account to ensure property taxes are paid on time. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, typically calculating 1/12 of the annual tax bill plus a small cushion for potential increases.

Property tax payments from escrow accounts are typically made by lenders in late August or early September to meet the September 1st due date. Lenders conduct annual escrow analyses to adjust monthly payments based on actual tax bills and account balance. Property owners should review their annual escrow statements and verify that correct tax amounts are being paid.

If you pay your own property taxes (no escrow), remember that taxes are due September 1st but can be paid without penalty until January 5th of the following year. After January 5th, interest and penalties begin accruing on unpaid balances.

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 Forsyth County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes for FY 2025-2026 are due September 1, 2025, but can be paid without penalty until January 5, 2026. Tax notices are mailed around July 30th.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Several tax credits are available including Homestead Exemption, Elderly/Disabled Homestead Credit, and Veterans' Exemption. All credits require application and are NOT automatic - you must file paperwork with the county assessor's office to qualify.

Q: How does the Homestead Exemption work? A: The Homestead Exemption is a tax credit that reduces your taxable value, not your market value. It caps annual assessment increases and requires filing an application. This is not automatic - you must apply through the Forsyth County Assessor's Office.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Forsyth County? A: Forsyth County conducts countywide revaluations every four years, with the most recent completed in 2024. Annual assessments may also occur for new construction or significant improvements.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Interest begins accruing on unpaid taxes after January 5th. Additional penalties may apply, and unpaid taxes can result in tax liens against the property.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Forsyth County offers online payment options through their official tax department website. Payment methods typically include bank transfers and credit/debit cards, though fees may apply for credit card payments.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners who believe their assessment is incorrect can file an appeal with the Forsyth County Board of Equalization and Review. Appeals must be filed by the deadline specified on your tax notice, typically in early fall.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary based on location within Forsyth County due to municipal boundaries, fire districts, and special assessment areas. Two properties in different districts can have significantly different total tax rates even though they're in the same 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
Forsyth County, North Carolinaco.forsyth.nc.us
02
County
Budget and Management, North Carolina - Forsyth Countyco.forsyth.nc.us
03
County
Next County 2025-26 2024-25 2023-24 2022-23 2021-22 ...ncdor.gov
04
County
Property tax bills have been mailed - Forsyth Countyco.forsyth.nc.us
05
County
PROPERTY TAXES ARE DUE BY JANUARY 5 - Forsyth Countyco.forsyth.nc.us
06
Collectionsco.forsyth.nc.us
07
Tax Doc
Forsyth Property Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exclusion for the Elderly or Disabledcao.mecknc.gov
09
Frequently Asked Questionsco.forsyth.nc.us
10
State
state of north carolina before the property tax commissionncdor.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