HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

New Hanover County
Property Tax Guide

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

7 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Base county rate 0.56 per $100 + municipal/district rates (varies by location)
1st Due
Sep 1
2nd Due
Jan 5
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

New Hanover County property taxes fund essential local services including public education, emergency services, law enforcement, and infrastructure maintenance. The county uses a market-based assessment system where properties are revalued every four years, with the most recent revaluation occurring in 2021 and the next scheduled for 2025.

Property tax rates in New Hanover County vary by location within the county due to special taxing districts such as fire districts, water and sewer districts, and municipal service districts. The base county tax rate is applied countywide, but additional assessments may apply depending on your property's location. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate by checking which special districts serve their address, as these can significantly impact the total effective tax rate.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Base County Rate$0.475Core county services and operations
School DistrictVariesPublic education funding (included in base rate)
Fire DistrictsVaries by districtEmergency services for unincorporated areas
Water/Sewer DistrictsVaries by districtUtility infrastructure and services
Municipal Service DistrictsVaries by districtEnhanced services in specific areas

Rates shown are for FY 2024-2025. The FY 2025-2026 rates will be determined by the county board of equalization and may differ from current rates. Special district rates vary significantly by location - contact the New Hanover County Tax Department 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 New Hanover 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 are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, improvements, or new construction that occur after the annual assessment date but before the end of the tax year. Common triggers include purchasing a home, completing major renovations, adding square footage, or new construction becoming habitable.

The supplemental tax is calculated based on the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you purchase a $500,000 home in January that was previously assessed at $400,000, you would receive a supplemental bill for the additional $100,000 in assessed value for the remaining portion of the fiscal year. The supplemental tax is due within 30 days of the bill date and is separate from the regular annual property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market/Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): Caps assessment increases only
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: $0.475 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $1,425
  • Monthly Escrow: $119

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market/Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Veteran's Credit (if applied): Up to $45,000 reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: $555,000 (with veteran's credit)
  • Tax Rate: $0.475 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $2,636
  • Monthly Escrow: $220

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market/Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Senior/Disabled Credit (if applied): Income-limited reduction
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000 (assuming no qualifying credits)
  • Tax Rate: $0.475 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $4,750
  • Monthly Escrow: $396

Note: All credits require application and qualification. Rates shown are base county rate only and may be higher with special district assessments.

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 require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly tax payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds in escrow until tax bills are due. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to New Hanover County on your behalf.

Escrow accounts are typically analyzed annually, and your monthly payment may increase or decrease based on actual tax bills and account balance. Since New Hanover County taxes are due September 1st each year, lenders usually pay the full annual amount by this deadline. If your property taxes increase significantly due to revaluation or rate changes, expect your monthly escrow payment to adjust accordingly. Property owners can verify escrow payments by checking with the county tax office and comparing against their annual tax bill.

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 New Hanover County? A: Property taxes for FY 2024-2025 are due by September 1, 2024. Taxes become delinquent after January 5th of the following year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Available credits include Homestead (caps assessment increases), Veteran's, Senior/Disabled, and Agricultural. All credits require application and are NOT automatic - you must file annually by January 31st.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit does not reduce your market value but caps annual assessment increases. You must apply each year, and it only limits how much your assessed value can grow, not your actual market value.

Q: When is the next county revaluation? A: The next countywide revaluation is scheduled for 2025. Property values are reassessed every four years to reflect current market conditions.

Q: How do I appeal my assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed during the advertised appeal period, typically in spring before tax bills are mailed. Contact the county assessor's office for specific deadlines and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest accrues at 2% for the first month and ¾% per month thereafter. Additional collection fees may apply for severely delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, New Hanover County offers online payment options through their official website. Check the county tax department website for accepted payment methods and any convenience fees.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary by special taxing districts. Fire districts, municipal service districts, and other special assessments can create different effective tax rates even for neighboring properties.

Verified Sources

Backed by 7 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
2021 22 County Tax Rates Finalncdor.gov
02
County
New Hanover County Property Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov
03
County
Next County 2024-25 2023-24 2022-23 2021-22 2020-21ncdor.gov
04
Tax Doc
Important Tax Due Dates​ | Office of the Tax Collectortax.mecknc.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax - Formsncdor.gov
06
County
New Hanover County Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov
07
Tax Doc
Veterans Property Tax Relief | DMVAmilvets.nc.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