Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Davidson County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

Understanding property taxes is crucial for homeowners in Davidson County, North Carolina. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how property taxes are assessed, available exemptions, payment processes, and how to appeal your assessment, ensuring you have the information needed to manage your property tax obligations effectively.

How Property Tax Works in Davidson County

Property tax in Davidson County is based on the assessed value of your real estate and personal property. The Davidson County Tax Assessor's Office is responsible for appraising all property at its true market value as of January 1st each year. North Carolina law mandates a general revaluation of all real property at least every eight years, though Davidson County typically conducts revaluations on a four-year cycle, with the most recent revaluation effective January 1, 2021. Your property's assessed value is multiplied by the applicable millage rate (or tax rate), which is set annually by the Davidson County Board of Commissioners and by individual municipalities or special districts where your property is located. The millage rate is expressed as dollars per $100 of assessed value. For example, a rate of $0.50 means you pay $0.50 for every $100 of your property's assessed value. Your total property tax bill combines county taxes with any applicable municipal or district taxes.

Available Exemptions

Davidson County offers several state-mandated property tax relief programs for qualifying homeowners:

• Homestead Exclusion (Elderly or Disabled): This exclusion reduces the appraised value of the permanent residence of qualifying owners by the greater of $25,000 or 50% of its appraised value, up to a maximum exclusion amount. To qualify, you must be at least 65 years old or totally and permanently disabled, and meet specific income limitations. The property must also be your permanent residence.
• Disabled Veteran Exclusion: This exclusion grants a reduction of up to $45,000 in the appraised value of the permanent residence of North Carolina residents who are 100% totally and permanently disabled veterans (or their unmarried surviving spouses). There is no age or income limitation for this exclusion.
• Property Tax Homestead Circuit Breaker Deferment: This program defers a portion of property taxes for long-term residents (at least 5 years) who are 65 or older or totally disabled, and meet specific income requirements. Taxes above a certain percentage of the owner’s income are deferred and become a lien on the property, payable with interest when the property is sold or transferred.

Applications for these exemptions must be filed with the Davidson County Tax Assessor’s Office by June 1st of the year for which the exemption is sought.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax bills for Davidson County are typically mailed out in July or August each year. The payment period officially begins on September 1st. While interest does not accrue on unpaid taxes until January 6th of the following year, the official due date for all property taxes is January 5th. It is highly recommended to pay your property taxes by this deadline to avoid penalties. Unpaid taxes after January 5th will incur interest at a rate of 2% for the first month and 0.75% for each subsequent month. Continued delinquency can lead to enforced collection actions, including garnishment of wages or bank accounts, attachment of personal property, or even foreclosure on real estate. Payments can generally be made online, by mail, or in person at the Davidson County Tax Collector’s Office.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property's assessed value is incorrect, you have the right to appeal. The first step is to contact the Davidson County Tax Assessor's Office to discuss your concerns informally. Often, errors can be resolved at this stage. If an agreement cannot be reached, you can file a formal appeal to the Davidson County Board of Equalization and Review (BER). This appeal must typically be filed in writing by a specific deadline, often May 1st in non-revaluation years, or within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice in revaluation years. When appealing, be prepared to present evidence supporting your claim, such as recent appraisals, sales data for comparable properties in your area, or documentation of property damage not reflected in the assessment. If unsatisfied with the BER's decision, you may further appeal to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission, and ultimately to the North Carolina General Court of Justice.