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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Franklin County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$0.5050 per $100 of assessed value (varies by district with municipal and fire district additions)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Franklin County's property tax system serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential county services, including public safety, education, infrastructure maintenance, and local government operations. For the FY 2025-2026 budget period, the county maintained its property tax rate at $0.5050 per $100 of assessed valuation, representing no increase from the previous year. The county budgeted $62,442,248 in current property tax revenues with an anticipated collection rate of 98.1%.

Property owners should note that actual tax rates can vary by location within Franklin County due to special taxing districts, municipal taxes, and fire district assessments that may apply to specific geographic areas. The county reassesses properties periodically to maintain current market valuations, and property taxes are administered by the Franklin County Tax Department located at 113 Market Street in Louisburg, NC.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Base County Levy$0.5050General county operations, public safety, infrastructure
Fire District TaxVariesAdditional assessment for properties in fire protection districts
Municipal TaxesVariesCity/town taxes for incorporated areas (separate billing)
School BondsIncluded in baseEducation funding incorporated in county rate
Special AssessmentsVariesWater/sewer districts, improvement districts as applicable

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 levy year. Properties located within incorporated municipalities or special taxing districts will have additional taxes that vary by location. Contact the Franklin County Tax Department for specific rates applicable to your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Franklin 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 Franklin County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, value, or use that affect the tax assessment. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements that increase value, changes in property classification, or corrections to the original assessment after the initial tax bill was issued.

When a supplemental tax is triggered, the additional tax is calculated by applying the current tax rate to the increase in assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a $50,000 home addition is completed and assessed in January (4 months into the tax year), the supplemental tax would be calculated on the increased value for the remaining 8 months of the tax year at Franklin County's rate of $0.5050 per $100 of assessed value.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Disabled Veteran Credit Applied: -$45,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $255,000
  • Annual Tax: $255,000 ÷ 100 × $0.5050 = $1,287.75
  • Monthly Escrow: $107.31

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Exclusion Applied: -$300,000 (50% exclusion if qualified)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 ÷ 100 × $0.5050 = $1,515.00
  • Monthly Escrow: $126.25

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Senior/Disabled Credit Applied: -$25,000 (if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $975,000
  • Annual Tax: $975,000 ÷ 100 × $0.5050 = $4,923.75
  • Monthly Escrow: $410.31

Note: All credits shown require separate application and qualification. Credits are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Franklin County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or upon borrower request. Lenders collect 1/12th of the estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. The lender pays the county directly when taxes are due on September 1st each year.

Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that their lender has current tax information, especially after reassessments or when tax credits are applied or removed. Lenders typically analyze escrow accounts annually and may adjust monthly payments if tax amounts change significantly. If your property tax bill increases due to improvements or reassessment, your monthly escrow payment may increase accordingly. Contact your lender immediately if you receive a delinquent tax notice, as this may indicate an escrow account error requiring prompt resolution.

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 Franklin County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes for real estate, individual personal property, and business personal property are due September 1st each year. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Franklin County offers several tax credits including disabled veteran homestead credit ($45,000 assessment reduction), elderly/disabled homestead exclusion (greater of $25,000 or 50% of assessed value), and other qualifying credits. All credits require separate application through the Franklin County Tax Department and are not automatically applied.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead exclusion removes a portion of your home's assessed value from taxation rather than capping assessment increases. You must apply separately for this credit, and it applies only to your primary residence if you qualify based on age, disability, or income requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Franklin County? A: Franklin County conducts periodic countywide reassessments to maintain current market values. Property owners receive notice of assessment changes and have appeal rights if they disagree with the new valuation.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Delinquent taxes incur late fees and interest charges that accrue monthly after the September 1st due date. Continued non-payment can result in tax liens and eventual foreclosure proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Franklin County Tax Department at 113 Market Street, Louisburg, NC 27549 for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Do I owe additional taxes if I live in a city within Franklin County? A: Yes, properties within incorporated municipalities typically owe separate city/town taxes in addition to county taxes. These are usually billed separately by the municipal government.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: Property owners have the right to appeal their assessment through the Franklin County Board of Equalization and Review. Appeal deadlines and procedures are provided with assessment notices.

Q: Are special district taxes included in my county tax bill? A: Some special district taxes like fire district assessments may be included on your county tax bill, while others such as water/sewer district taxes may be billed separately. The total amount and billing method varies by property location.

Q: What happens if my mortgage company doesn't pay my taxes on time? A: Contact both your lender and the Franklin County Tax Department immediately if you receive a delinquent notice while having an escrow account. Lender errors in escrow management can result in penalties that may be recoverable from the lender.

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