The Wake County Board of Commissioners voted on June 3 to adopt a $2.08 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2025. It invests in public safety, affordable housing and child welfare to meet state mandates and address the impacts of growth. Over half (54%) of the budget is allocated to education, supporting Wake County Public Schools, Wake Tech and Smart Start.
The Board of Commissioners approved a tax rate of 51.35 cents per $100 of valuation. The effect of the new tax rate depends on how each individual taxpayer’s property value changed from revaluation. The Wake County Department of Tax Administration completed a revaluation of more than 425,000 properties to reflect fair market value as of Jan. 1, 2024. As a result, some homeowners will see their tax bills increase.
Per local agreement, Wake County bills and collects property tax and various fees for municipal and special districts located within Wake County. Total tax bills will also depend on the tax rates of the municipality or special district within Wake County. Residents are encouraged to reach out to their town government if they have specific questions about how these rates were determined and their adopted budgets.
Taxpayers don’t have to wait for the mail to see their new bills. Property tax bills are available online.
Board of Equalization and Review (BOER) hearings related to the 2024 revaluation are underway. Taxpayers who timely appealed their 2024 assessed value, but who have not yet had a hearing in front of the BOER, may still be sent an initial bill or notice per NCGS 105-378. Taxpayers may pay these property taxes and if the appeal is decided in their favor, the County will refund the amount of overpayment plus interest in accordance with NCGS 105-290(b)(4). These appellants may also wait to pay their property tax bill, but if the bill is not paid by January 6, 2025, the bill will be subject to interest and additional cost.
Taxpayers who pay their property tax through their mortgage escrow won’t be mailed a property tax bill and are encouraged to look online or call Wake County Tax Administration if they need more information.
Have a technical question about your tax bill? Email us at taxhelp@wake.gov or call 919-856-5400.
Worried about paying your property tax bill in full by January 6?
Tax Administration can assist residents in setting up short-term payment plans. The sooner residents call, the better their payment options will be. Tax Administration won’t be able to assist if the bill becomes overdue. Taxpayers can avoid interest and additional costs by paying off their balance by January 6, 2025. State law permits past due taxes to be deducted from paychecks, bank accounts or rent.
Prefer to make smaller payments over time? Residents can make partial payments in any amount, as long as the balance is paid in full by January 6. No prior approval is needed for installment payments on current bills.
Every time a payment is made, Tax Administration will send a statement with the remaining balance.
Please note, January 5, 2025, is a Sunday, so taxpayers have through January 6, 2025, to avoid added interest and penalties for 2024 property tax bills.
Tax Relief Programs
Need help paying property taxes?
Residents who are:
- 65 or older and living on a low income
- 100% disabled and living on a low income
- A veteran with a total and permanent service-connected disability or an unmarried surviving spouse
may qualify for a reduction in their property tax bill through three tax relief programs authorized by the state of North Carolina:
- Senior & Disabled Program
- Tax Deferment
- Disabled Veteran Program
Per state law, the deadline was June 1, but late applications may be accepted for good cause on a case-by-case basis through December 31, 2024. Forgetting or not knowing about the program are typically not valid reasons for lateness. Examples of good cause include physical or mental illness, death of an immediate family member, military deployment or delay in receiving disability certification.