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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Sampson County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$0.685 per $100 base rate, varies by district (Clinton School District adds $0.115)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Sampson County, North Carolina operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for essential county services, including public schools, law enforcement, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. The county assesses property taxes based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property, with tax rates expressed per $100 of assessed value.

Property tax rates in Sampson County vary significantly depending on your location within the county due to special taxing districts. The base county-wide rate for FY 2025 is $0.685 per $100 of assessed value, but residents may pay additional rates for school districts, fire districts, and other special assessments. For example, properties in the Clinton School District pay an additional $0.115 per $100, while properties in the Plainview Fire District (F06) pay an additional $0.09 per $100. This means effective tax rates typically range from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value, depending on your specific location and applicable districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County-Wide Base (G01)$0.685Base county services, administration, general operations
Clinton School District (S01)$0.115Additional rate for properties in Clinton School District
Plainview Fire District (F06)$0.090Additional rate for fire protection services
Other Fire DistrictsVariesAdditional rates apply to properties in designated fire districts

Levy Year: FY 2025

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 tax year. Your total tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property location. The county considered a revenue-neutral rate of $0.625 per $100 but adopted the higher rate to address budget requirements. Contact the Sampson County Tax Department at (910) 592-8146 to determine which districts apply to your specific property.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Sampson 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 Sampson County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or classification during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, property transfers, or corrections to the original assessment that result in a higher taxable value.

When supplemental taxes are issued, they are calculated based on the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, multiplied by the applicable tax rate for your district. The supplemental tax is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year from when the change became effective. For example, if a $50,000 addition to your home is completed in March and your total tax rate is $0.80 per $100, you would owe a supplemental tax of $400 ($50,000 ÷ 100 × $0.80) prorated for the remaining months of the tax year. Supplemental tax statements are available through the county's Online Tax Bill Search or by contacting the Tax Department.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home in Base County Area

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: $0.685 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $2,055
  • Monthly Escrow: $171

Example 2: $600,000 Home in Clinton School District

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate: $0.80 per $100 (base $0.685 + school $0.115)
  • Annual Tax: $4,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $400

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home in Clinton School + Plainview Fire District

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Credits Applied: $0 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: $0.89 per $100 (base $0.685 + school $0.115 + fire $0.090)
  • Annual Tax: $8,900
  • Monthly Escrow: $742

Note: These examples assume no tax credits are applied. Various tax credits are available but require application through the Sampson County Tax Department. Contact (910) 592-8146 for information about available credits.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Sampson County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, typically calculated as 1/12 of your annual property tax bill plus a small cushion for potential rate increases.

Property taxes in Sampson County are due September 1st each year, and lenders typically make payments on behalf of borrowers before this deadline to avoid interest charges that begin January 6th. Your lender will receive the tax bill directly and handle payment from your escrow account. However, you should verify that payments are made correctly by reviewing your annual escrow analysis statement and checking the county's online tax records. If there are escrow shortages due to assessment increases or rate changes, your lender will typically spread the shortage over the following 12 months while adjusting your monthly escrow payment accordingly.

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 Sampson County for FY 2025? A: Property taxes are due by September 1st. Interest charges begin accruing on unpaid taxes starting January 6th, and delinquent taxes face penalties after January 5th.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: North Carolina offers three property tax relief programs for permanent residences of qualified homeowners. All tax credits require application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Sampson County Tax Department at (910) 592-8146 to request applications, which must be filed with the Tax Department to receive benefits.

Q: How does the Homestead tax credit work? A: The Homestead credit limits annual increases in your property's assessed value for tax purposes, typically capping growth rather than reducing the market value assessment. This credit requires annual filing and application through the county tax office. Contact (910) 592-8146 for specific details and application requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Sampson County? A: Contact the Sampson County Tax Department for current reassessment schedules. When you disagree with an assessment, you have the right to appeal during designated appeal periods.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Taxes not paid by September 1st begin accruing interest starting January 6th. After January 5th, delinquent taxes face additional penalties beyond interest charges.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Sampson County offers online tax bill search and payment options. You can also email requests for tax statements to abeatty@sampsonnc.com or access the Property Record Search database on the county website.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary by location within Sampson County due to special taxing districts. Your total rate includes the base county rate plus additional rates for school districts, fire districts, and other special assessments that serve your specific area.

Q: What if someone who received a tax exclusion has died? A: If the person receiving the exclusion died prior to January 1st, the person required by law to list the property must notify the Sampson County Tax Department to update the records appropriately.

Q: How can I find out which tax districts apply to my property? A: Contact the Sampson County Tax Department at (910) 592-8146 or use the online Property Record Search database to determine which special taxing districts apply to your specific property address.

Q: Where can I get help with property tax questions? A: Contact the Sampson County Tax Department at (910) 592-8146 for all property tax inquiries, applications for credits, and assistance with tax bills or assessments.

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