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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Onslow County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Onslow 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
Base rate varies by district - county levy plus municipal and special district taxes apply
1st Due
Jan 5
2nd Due
Sep 1
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Onslow County property taxes fund essential local services including public schools, law enforcement, fire protection, emergency medical services, and infrastructure maintenance. The county's tax system is based on the assessed value of real and personal property, with the Onslow County Tax Office responsible for listing and valuing all taxable property as required by North Carolina law.

Property tax rates in Onslow County vary by location within the county due to special taxing districts and municipal boundaries. The effective tax rate is influenced by both the base county levy and any additional assessments for school bonds, fire districts, or other special services. Property owners should expect their actual rate to differ based on their specific location and applicable district taxes. The county commissioners set tax rates annually during the budget process, with rates typically announced in late spring or early summer for the upcoming fiscal year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County RateTBD for FY 2025-2026General county operations and services
School DistrictVaries by districtPublic education funding
Fire DistrictsVaries by districtFire protection services
Special AssessmentsVaries by locationMunicipal services, bonds, improvement districts

Note: The 2025 property tax rate has not yet been determined by the Onslow County Commissioners. Rates vary significantly by location within the county depending on municipal boundaries and special taxing districts. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate based on their property's location and applicable district assessments.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Jan 5
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Sep 1
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 Onslow County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's assessed value during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction, property improvements, ownership transfers that result in reassessment, or corrections to the original assessment. These supplemental bills are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, and prorated for the remaining months in the fiscal year.

For example, if a property owner completes a $50,000 home addition in March and the county's tax rate is $0.70 per $100 of assessed value, the supplemental tax would be approximately $233 ($50,000 ÷ 100 × $0.70 × 4 months remaining ÷ 12 months). Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from the annual property tax bill and have their own due dates, typically 30 days from the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: Caps assessment increases (application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: $0.70 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $2,100
  • Monthly Escrow: $175

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Senior/Disabled Credit Applied: Variable reduction (application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$580,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: $0.70 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $4,060
  • Monthly Escrow: $338

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • No Credits Applied
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: $0.70 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $7,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $583

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Actual rates vary by special taxing districts within Onslow County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Onslow County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment, typically starting with an initial deposit at closing plus 1/12th of the annual tax bill each month. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Onslow County when they become due on September 1st each year.

Escrow accounts are analyzed annually, and lenders may adjust your monthly payment if there's a shortage or surplus. Property owners should verify that their lender has the correct tax amount, especially after reassessments or rate changes. If you don't have an escrow account, you're responsible for paying property taxes directly to the county by the due date. The grace period extends until January 5th, but interest and penalties may apply for late payments.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Onslow County? A: Real and personal property taxes are due September 1st each year for the current fiscal year, with a grace period until January 5th for late payments.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Available credits may include homestead credits, senior/disabled credits, and military exemptions. All credits require separate applications with the Onslow County Tax Office. The application deadline is January 31st each year.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit caps annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. This credit requires filing an application and is not automatically applied to your property.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: North Carolina requires property revaluations every eight years, though Onslow County may conduct interim assessments for new construction or improvements.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Interest and penalties accrue on unpaid taxes after the grace period ends on January 5th. Continued non-payment may result in tax liens or foreclosure proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Onslow County offers online payment options through their official website. Check with the Tax Office for current payment methods and any associated fees.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts for fire protection, municipalities, or improvement districts add additional taxes beyond the base county rate. Your location determines which special districts apply to your property.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal assessments through the Onslow County Board of Equalization and Review during designated appeal periods, typically in late spring or early summer.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
County Property Tax Rates for the Last Five Years | NCDORncdor.gov
02
County
County Property Tax Rates and Reappraisal Schedules | NCDORncdor.gov
03
Tax Doc
Property Tax: Counties | NCDORncdor.gov
04
County
Exemptions & Deferments | Onslow County, NConslowcountync.gov
05
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQonslowcountync.gov
06
Tax Doc
Tax - Listings Division - Business Personal Propertyonslowcountync.gov
07
County
Onslow County Subdivision Ordinanceonslowcountync.gov
08
County
Tax Office | Onslow County, NConslowcountync.gov
09
Tax Doc
2026 property tax relief programsonslowcountync.gov
10
County
Onslow County, North Carolionslowcountync.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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