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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Surry County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$0.513 per $100 assessed value (base county rate, varies by district with special assessments)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Surry County, North Carolina operates on an annual property tax system that funds essential local services including public schools, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and county government operations. Property taxes are the primary source of revenue for these critical community services that benefit all residents and property owners throughout the county.

The effective property tax rate in Surry County varies by location within the county due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and additional assessments for specific services or bond payments. For the FY 2025-2026 tax year, the base county rate is $0.513 per $100 of assessed value, though your actual rate may be higher depending on your property's location and applicable special district taxes. Properties are assessed at 100% of market value as determined by the Surry County Tax Assessor, with revaluations conducted periodically to ensure fair and equitable assessments across all property types.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Base County Levy$0.513FY 2025-2026 general county operations, schools, and services
Municipal TaxesVariesAdditional taxes for incorporated municipalities (if applicable)
Fire District TaxesVariesSpecial assessments for fire protection services in certain areas
Special District AssessmentsVariesAdditional levies for specific districts or bond payments

Note: The rates shown reflect the FY 2025-2026 levy year. Your actual effective tax rate depends on your property's location within Surry County and which special taxing districts apply to your address. Contact the Surry County Tax Department at 114 W. Atkins Street, Dobson, NC 27017 to determine the specific rate applicable to your property.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Surry 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 Surry County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements made after the January 1 assessment date. These supplemental bills ensure that property taxes are fairly allocated based on current ownership and property conditions throughout the tax year.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include the sale or transfer of property to a new owner, completion of new construction projects, major home improvements or additions, and changes in property use classification. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a $100,000 home improvement is completed in July, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that additional assessed value for the remaining months of the fiscal year at the applicable tax rate for your district.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Applicable Tax Rate: $0.513 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $1,539
  • Monthly Payment: $128.25

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Applicable Tax Rate: $0.513 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $3,078
  • Monthly Payment: $256.50

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Applicable Tax Rate: $0.513 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $5,130
  • Monthly Payment: $427.50

Note: These calculations use the base county rate and do not include potential special district taxes that may apply to your specific location. Available tax credits such as the Disabled Veteran Credit or Elderly/Disabled Credit require separate application and can reduce your final tax bill. Contact the Tax Department to determine which credits you may qualify for and obtain the necessary application forms.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Surry County collect property taxes through monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment. Your lender estimates your annual property tax bill and divides it by 12, collecting this amount each month along with principal, interest, and insurance. The lender maintains these funds in an escrow account and pays your property taxes directly to Surry County when they become due.

Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase due to rate changes or assessment increases, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted accordingly. You should receive an annual escrow statement showing deposits, payments made on your behalf, and any required adjustments. Property owners are responsible for verifying that their lender pays taxes on time, as the property owner remains ultimately liable for any unpaid taxes, interest, or penalties even when using an escrow account.

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 Surry County? A: Property taxes for the current fiscal year are due by April 15. Late payments incur monthly interest charges beginning January 6 following the due date.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Surry County offers various tax credits including Disabled Veteran Credits, Elderly/Disabled Person Credits, and other qualifying credits. All credits require separate application and are NOT automatically applied. Application forms are available at the Tax Department at 114 W. Atkins Street, Dobson, NC.

Q: Is there a Homestead Credit available? A: Check with the Surry County Tax Department for current homestead credit availability. If offered, homestead credits typically limit annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value and require annual application by the January 31 deadline.

Q: When is the application deadline for exemptions and credits? A: All exemption and credit applications are due by January 31 each year. This includes homestead applications, disabled veteran credits, and other qualifying programs.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Surry County conducts periodic countywide revaluations to ensure properties are assessed at current market value. Property owners receive notification when reassessments occur and have the right to appeal their assessed value.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur monthly interest charges beginning January 6 following the April 15 due date. Continued non-payment can result in tax liens and eventual foreclosure proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Surry County Tax Department at (336) 401-8104 or visit their office at 114 W. Atkins Street, Dobson, NC 27017 for information about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Depending on your property location, you may pay additional taxes for fire districts, municipal services, or special assessments. These vary by location within the county and are added to the base county rate of $0.513 per $100 of assessed value.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: Property owners have the right to appeal their assessed value. Contact the Tax Department for information about the appeal process, deadlines, and required documentation to support your appeal.

Q: Are there exemptions for agricultural or forest land? A: Present use value applications for agricultural, horticultural, and forestry land are available and due by January 31. Farm exempt forms can be completed in the Development Services Department at 114 W. Atkins Street, Dobson, NC.

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