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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Graham County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.59% for fiscal year 2025, varies by location due to special taxing districts and municipal taxes
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Graham County, North Carolina operates on a property tax system that serves as a primary funding source for essential county services including education, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and local government operations. Property taxes in Graham County are administered based on assessed property values, with the current tax rate set at 0.59% for fiscal year 2025. This rate applies to the assessed value of real property, including residential homes, commercial properties, and land within the county boundaries.

Property tax rates can vary by location within Graham County due to special taxing districts, municipal taxes, and additional assessments for specific services or bond payments. Property owners should verify their exact tax rate based on their property's location, as incorporated areas may have additional municipal taxes beyond the base county rate. The county reassesses properties periodically to maintain current market valuations, and property owners receive annual tax bills that reflect both the assessed value and applicable tax rates for their specific district.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Rate0.59%Core county services, fiscal year 2025
School DistrictsVariesAdditional rates may apply by school district
Municipal TaxesVariesAdditional rates for incorporated areas
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, water/sewer districts as applicable
Bond AssessmentsVariesVoter-approved bond payments if applicable

Note: The 0.59% base rate applies to fiscal year 2025 and represents the countywide levy. Actual tax rates vary by specific location within Graham County due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and additional assessments. Property owners should consult their tax bill or contact the Graham County Tax Assessor's office to determine the exact rate applicable to their property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Graham 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 Graham County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction during the tax year. These supplemental bills are triggered by events such as the sale of property to a new owner, completion of new construction, additions to existing structures, or other improvements that increase the property's assessed value between regular assessment periods.

When a supplemental tax is issued, it covers the difference between the previous tax assessment and the new higher assessment, prorated for the remaining months in the current fiscal year. For example, if a property owner completes a $100,000 home addition in January and the county's tax rate is 0.59%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $590 prorated for the remaining months of the fiscal year. Property owners typically receive supplemental tax bills by mail and have the same payment options available as regular property tax bills.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (assuming no applications filed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: 0.59%
  • Annual Tax: $1,770
  • Monthly Escrow: $148

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Senior Credit

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: Varies (senior/disabled homestead credit if qualified and applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000 (credits reduce tax bill, not assessed value)
  • Tax Rate: 0.59%
  • Annual Tax: $3,540 (before credit application)
  • Monthly Escrow: $295

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (assuming no applications filed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: 0.59%
  • Annual Tax: $5,900
  • Monthly Escrow: $492

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Rates may vary based on special taxing districts within Graham County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Graham County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, depositing these funds into a separate escrow account. The lender then pays property taxes directly to Graham County when bills become due, typically in two installments with due dates of October 15 for the first installment and March 15 for the second installment.

Property owners with escrow accounts should receive annual escrow statements from their lenders showing the projected tax payments and account balance. It's important to notify your lender immediately of any changes in property tax amounts, such as successful appeals or new tax credit approvals, to ensure proper escrow adjustments. Property owners can verify that their lender has made timely payments by checking with the Graham County Tax Collector's office or through online payment portals if available.

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 Graham County property taxes due for fiscal year 2025? A: Property taxes are typically due in two installments: the first installment by October 15 and the second installment by March 15. Contact the Graham County Tax Collector for exact dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Tax credits include elderly/disabled homestead credits, disabled veteran credits, and circuit breaker programs. All credits require separate applications using form AV-9 and are not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit for seniors (65+) or disabled residents limits assessment increases rather than reducing market value. Applicants must meet income requirements ($29,900 or below) and file annually. This credit caps your property tax increase, not the property value.

Q: When do I need to apply for tax credits? A: Most tax credit applications must be filed annually by specific deadlines. Contact the Graham County Tax Assessor's office for current application deadlines and required documentation.

Q: How often does Graham County reassess properties? A: Graham County follows North Carolina's periodic reassessment schedule. Property owners receive notices of assessment changes and have the right to appeal within specified timeframes.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments typically incur interest and penalty charges. Interest begins accruing after the due date, and additional penalties may apply for significantly delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact Graham County Tax Collector's office to verify available online payment options and accepted payment methods for property tax bills.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from the 0.59% county rate? A: Your total tax rate may include additional charges for municipal taxes (if in an incorporated area), special fire districts, school district supplements, or bond assessments specific to your property's location within Graham 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
Graham County Summaryncpro.nc.gov
02
County
Next County 2024-25 2023-24 2022-23 2021-22 2020-21ncdor.gov
03
County
Next County 2023-24 2022-23 2021-22 2020-21 2019-20 ...ncdor.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax - Formsncdor.gov
05
County
County Property Tax Rates and Reappraisal Schedulesncdor.gov
06
County
Graham County: Where the national forest drives ...main.nc.us
07
Longtime Homeowner Grant Program Applicationdurhamnc.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Relief Programsguilfordcountync.gov
09
Section 8concordnh.gov
10
Chapter 160Dncleg.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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