Property Taxes Due Jan. 5

12/20/2004

Wake County property owners have until January 5, 2005, to pay their 2004 real property taxes without interest being charged. The County mails out real estate tax bills each July, with payments due September 1, but by state law, taxpayers have until January 5 to pay without interest.

The Board of Commissioners did not raise County taxes in this year's budget, so the amount remains at 60.4 cents per $100 of valuation. The tax bills also reflect a property owner's local jurisdiction's tax rates, if the property is in a municipality.

Wake County's high collection rate, 98.88%, serves all citizens well by fairly sharing the responsibility for public safety, public health, human services, education and economic development on which all County residents depend. It allows the County to budget effectively and ensures the excellent bond rating that enables Wake County to plan and build for the future.

Options for Submitting Property Tax Payments

1. Internet

Payments may be remitted online using the access code located at the top left of the tax statement. This method of payment allows you to pay your taxes by electronic transfer of funds from your checking account. This service is provided at no cost to the taxpayer, and payments will be recorded as the date you submitted the payment request.

2. Mail - Payments must be postmarked by January 5, 2005

Mail your payment with the statement coupon to:

Wake County Revenue Department, P.O. Box 96084, Charlotte, NC 28296-0084

 

3. Credit Card – Credit cards cannot be used when paying in person
Pay with Visa or MasterCard by calling the automated telephone system at 919-856-5400. This service is available seven days a week. Please note that there is a convenience fee for the use of this system. The system will advise you of the total charge prior to your authorization.

4. In Office

Pay in person at any of the 10 convenient satellite payment centers listed on the reverse of your tax statement.

"People should, if at all possible, make arrangements to pay prior to January 5 to avoid interest and accumulated expenses," said Revenue Director Emmett Curl. "Beginning January 6, our office will begin collection action against unpaid accounts. As required by General Statute, delinquent real estate accounts will also be advertised in the News & Observer."

back to current news items