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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Wake County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Wake 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
51.71 cents per $100 of assessed valuation
1st Due
Jan 5
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Wake County's property tax system is the primary funding source for essential local services including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and community programs. The county operates under North Carolina's property tax framework, where taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property. Property owners in Wake County can expect an effective tax rate that reflects both county operations and additional assessments for specific services.

For 2025, Wake County has set a property tax rate of 51.71 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, representing a 0.36 cent increase from the previous year. This rate applies to the full assessed value of properties, as North Carolina does not impose assessment caps. The county reassesses properties periodically to ensure fair market valuations, with property owners having appeal rights if they disagree with their assessed values.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Levy51.71¢ per $100Primary county operations, schools, public safety, and general services
Library TaxUp to 7¢ per $100Special assessment authorized for county library services
Fire District TaxVaries by districtAdditional assessment for properties in special fire protection districts
Municipal TaxesVaries by cityAdditional taxes for properties within city limits (separate from county)

Note: The 51.71¢ rate represents the total county-wide rate approved by the Board of Commissioners. Properties may be subject to additional municipal taxes depending on location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Jan 5
Delinquent after Dec 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 Wake County are additional property tax assessments that occur outside the regular annual billing cycle. These are typically triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value mid-year. When these events occur, the county calculates the additional tax owed based on the increased valuation and the current tax rate.

For example, if a homeowner completes a $50,000 addition to their home in June, and the county assesses this improvement, a supplemental tax bill would be issued. The calculation would be: $50,000 × 0.5171% = $258.55 for the partial year remaining. The property owner would receive a separate bill for this amount, in addition to their regular annual property tax bill.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Applicable Exemptions: $0 (standard residential)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Tax Rate: 51.71¢ per $100
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 ÷ 100 × 51.71 = $1,551.30
  • Monthly Escrow: $129.28

$600,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Applicable Exemptions: $0 (standard residential)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Tax Rate: 51.71¢ per $100
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 ÷ 100 × 51.71 = $3,102.60
  • Monthly Escrow: $258.55

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Applicable Exemptions: $0 (standard residential)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: 51.71¢ per $100
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 ÷ 100 × 51.71 = $5,171.00
  • Monthly Escrow: $430.92

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Wake County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds in escrow. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Wake County when they become due on January 31st each year.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted accordingly. Property owners should verify that their lender has paid taxes on time by checking their account status online or contacting the Tax Administration office. You can make payments directly or verify payment status at: https://www.wakegov.com/departments-government/tax-administration/pay-taxes

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Wake County? A: Property taxes are due by January 31st each year. Late payments are subject to penalties and interest.

Q: What exemptions are available for homeowners? A: Wake County offers exemptions for elderly/disabled homeowners, disabled veterans, and circuit breaker programs. Call 919-856-5400 to request applications, which must be filed with the Tax Administration Department.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: The informal appeal deadline for new assessed values is March 1st. Contact the Real Estate Appraisal office for the appeals process.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, you can pay taxes online, view your bill, and check payment history through the county's online portal.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Continued non-payment can result in tax liens against your property.

Q: How often does Wake County reassess properties? A: Wake County conducts periodic reassessments to maintain current market values, typically every few years county-wide.

Q: Do I qualify for veterans exemptions? A: Veterans with honorable discharge and never-remarried surviving spouses may qualify for property tax exemptions. Specific eligibility requirements apply.

Q: Where can I look up my property information? A: Use the online property lookup tool at https://services.wakegov.com/realestate/ or visit https://www.wakegov.com/departments-government/tax-administration/real-estate-appraisal for assessment information.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
2025 Property Tax Billswake.gov
02
Wake Board adopts $2.08 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2025wake.gov
03
Adopted June 11, 2024morrisvillenc.gov
04
County
Business Property | Wake County Governmentwake.gov
05
Personal Propertywake.gov
06
Tax Doc
Deferred Tax Programswake.gov
07
Exempt Propertywake.gov
08
Tax Doc
Veterans Property Tax Relief | DMVAmilvets.nc.gov
09
Tax Doc
Property Tax - Formsncdor.gov
10
S.L. 1961-206ncga.state.nc.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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