HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Wilkes County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$0.5550 per $100 assessed value (varies by special districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Wilkes County, North Carolina operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including public schools, emergency services, infrastructure maintenance, and county government operations. For the 2025 tax year, Wilkes County has set a base property tax rate of $0.5550 per $100 of assessed value, which is below the state average of approximately 1.0%.

Property taxes in Wilkes County are calculated based on the assessed value of real estate, which is determined through periodic county-wide revaluations. The actual tax rate you pay may vary depending on your location within the county, as some areas are subject to additional special taxing districts for services like fire protection, water and sewer districts, or municipal services. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate and any applicable special assessments by checking with the Wilkes County Tax Department.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County General$0.5550Base county services, schools, administration
Fire DistrictsVariesAdditional levy for specific fire protection districts
Water/Sewer DistrictsVariesSpecial assessments for utility services where applicable
Municipal TaxesVariesAdditional taxes for incorporated areas

Levy Year: These rates apply to Fiscal Year 2025-2026 tax bills. The base county rate of $0.5550 represents a standard rate, but property owners should confirm their total effective rate as special taxing districts within Wilkes County may result in higher combined rates. Contact the Wilkes County Tax Department at (336) 651-7346 to verify the exact rate applicable to your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Wilkes 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 Wilkes County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. The most common triggers include the sale of property to new owners, completion of new construction or major improvements, change in property use (such as converting from agricultural to residential), or the removal of certain tax exemptions.

When a supplemental tax is issued, it represents the difference between what was previously assessed and what should have been assessed based on the property's current status. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering the additional assessment from March through the end of the fiscal year (June 30). The supplemental amount would be calculated as: ($50,000 × $0.5550 per $100) × (remaining months in fiscal year ÷ 12 months) = additional tax owed for that partial year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): Up to $25,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $275,000
  • Annual Tax: $275,000 ÷ 100 × $0.5550 = $1,526.25
  • Monthly Equivalent: $127.19

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): Up to $25,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $575,000
  • Annual Tax: $575,000 ÷ 100 × $0.5550 = $3,191.25
  • Monthly Equivalent: $265.94

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if eligible): Up to $25,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $975,000
  • Annual Tax: $975,000 ÷ 100 × $0.5550 = $5,411.25
  • Monthly Equivalent: $450.94

Note: These examples assume eligibility for and application of available tax credits. Tax credits require separate application and are not automatically applied. Actual taxes may vary based on special district assessments in your area.

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 in Wilkes County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects a portion of your estimated annual property tax with each monthly mortgage payment and holds these funds in an escrow account. When tax payments are due on October 31 (first installment) and January 31 (second installment), your lender pays the county directly from your escrow account.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are being collected. If property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may increase accordingly. Property owners should review their annual escrow statements and verify that payments are being made correctly to Wilkes County. You can confirm payment status by contacting the Wilkes County Tax Department or checking online payment records through the county's website.

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 Wilkes County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first installment by October 31, 2025, and second installment by January 31, 2026. Late payments incur interest and penalties.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Wilkes County offers several tax credits including Elderly/Disabled Homestead Credit, Disabled Veteran Credit, and Circuit Breaker Credit. All tax credits require separate application using Form AV-9 and are not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits the annual increase in assessed value for qualifying homeowners, typically capping increases at a certain percentage. This credit does not reduce market value but limits assessment growth. You must file Form AV-9 to apply and reapply as required.

Q: When does Wilkes County conduct property revaluations? A: Wilkes County follows the state-mandated revaluation schedule. Check with the County Assessor's office for the next scheduled county-wide revaluation and current assessment practices.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties as prescribed by North Carolina law. Interest begins accruing after the due dates (October 31 and January 31).

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Wilkes County Tax Department at (336) 651-7346 or visit their website to confirm available online payment options and any associated convenience fees.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed with the Wilkes County Board of Equalization and Review during designated appeal periods. Contact the County Assessor's office for specific deadlines and procedures.

Q: Do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, properties located in special taxing districts (fire, water/sewer, municipal) may have additional tax assessments beyond the base county rate of $0.5550 per $100. Verify your total effective rate with the Tax Department.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Next County 2024-25 2023-24 2022-23 2021-22 2020-21ncdor.gov
02
County
2025-2026 County Tax Rates Final.xlsxncdor.gov
03
County
Next County 2023-24 2022-23 2021-22 2020-21 2019-20 ...ncdor.gov
04
County
Guilford County Shares Property Tax Facts, Dates, and Tips for Property Owners | Guilford Countyguilfordcountync.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax: Counties | NCDORncdor.gov
06
County
County Property Tax Rates and Reappraisal Schedules | NCDORncdor.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax - Formsncdor.gov
08
Tax Doc
AV-9 2025 Application for Property Tax Reliefncdor.gov
09
Tax Doc
AV-9 2018 Application for Property Tax Reliefncdor.gov
10
Tax Doc
North Carolina Individual Income Tax Instructionsncdor.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