HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Martin County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.658% base rate plus special district additions (varies by location within county)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Martin County, North Carolina operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential county services, including public schools, law enforcement, fire protection, and infrastructure maintenance. The county assesses property taxes based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property, with tax bills typically representing the largest local tax obligation for most property owners.

Property tax rates in Martin County vary by location within the county due to special taxing districts, which may include fire districts, school bonds, or other municipal service areas. For the FY 2025-2026 tax year, the base county tax rate is $0.658 per $100 of assessed value (0.658%), though your actual effective rate may be higher depending on which special districts serve your property. The county conducts property revaluations periodically to ensure assessments reflect current market values, with the tax collector's office managing billing and collection processes.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
Base County Rate$0.658General county operations, services (FY 2025-2026)
Fire DistrictVariesAdditional levy for fire protection services (if applicable)
Special Assessment DistrictsVariesInfrastructure improvements, bonds (location-specific)
School BondsVariesCapital improvements for education facilities (if applicable)

Note: The total effective tax rate varies by property location within Martin County. The base rate of $0.658 per $100 of assessed value represents the county-wide levy for FY 2025-2026. Properties located in incorporated areas or special service districts may be subject to additional assessments. Contact the Martin County Tax Assessor's Office to determine the exact rate applicable to your specific property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Martin 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 Martin County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, value, or use. The most common triggers include the sale or transfer of property, completion of new construction, major renovations that increase property value, or changes in property classification (such as converting from agricultural to residential use).

When a supplemental assessment is issued, the tax is calculated on a prorated basis from the date of the change through the end of the current tax year. For example, if you purchase a home in Martin County in October and the assessed value differs from the previous assessment, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering October through March (assuming an April-March tax year). The supplemental tax uses the current year's tax rate applied to the difference in assessed value, multiplied by the remaining months in the tax year divided by 12.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$25,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $275,000
  • Tax Rate: $0.658 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $1,809.50
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $150.79

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Senior/Disabled Credit Applied: -$50,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $550,000
  • Tax Rate: $0.658 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $3,619.00
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $301.58

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • No Credits Applied: $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: $0.658 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $6,580.00
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $548.33

Note: All tax credits require annual application and eligibility verification. Rates shown are for base county services and may be higher in special taxing districts.

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 Martin County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders mandate escrow regardless of down payment amount. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, depositing these funds into a separate escrow account specifically designated for property taxes and insurance premiums.

Lenders typically pay your Martin County property taxes directly to the tax collector before the April 15 due date to avoid penalties and potential tax liens. Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis statement showing the previous year's tax payments and any adjustments needed for the coming year. Since property tax amounts can fluctuate due to assessment changes or rate adjustments, your monthly escrow payment may increase or decrease annually. You have the right to review escrow account statements and request corrections if you believe there are errors in the tax amounts or payments made on your behalf.

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 Martin County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes for FY 2025-2026 are due by April 15, 2026. Extensions are available but cannot extend beyond this date. Late payments are subject to interest and penalties.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Martin County offers several tax credits including Homestead Credit (for qualifying homeowners), Elderly/Disabled Credit, Disabled Veteran Credit, and Circuit Breaker Credit. All credits require annual application using Form AV-9 and are not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It caps the growth in assessed value, helping to control tax bill increases over time. You must file an application to receive this benefit - it is not automatic.

Q: How often does Martin County reassess property values? A: Martin County conducts county-wide revaluations periodically as required by state law. Property owners receive notice of assessment changes and have the right to appeal through the Board of Equalization if they believe their assessment is incorrect.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest charges beginning April 16. The interest rate is set annually by state law. Properties with delinquent taxes may also face tax lien proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Martin County Tax Collector's office to inquire about online payment options, accepted payment methods, and any associated convenience fees for electronic payments.

Q: Why might my tax bill be different from my neighbor's on a similar property? A: Tax bills can vary due to different assessed values, eligibility for tax credits, location in different special taxing districts, or different property classifications. Credits require application and aren't automatically applied.

Q: What should I do if I receive a supplemental tax bill? A: Supplemental tax bills are typically issued due to ownership changes, new construction, or assessment corrections. Review the bill carefully and contact the Tax Assessor's office if you have questions about the assessment or calculation.

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

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate