Paying property taxes is one of those inevitable parts of homeownership. However, the way they’re calculated and how they’re paid can vary so much from place to place, so making sure they’re taken care of on time can be complicated.

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Property tax 101

In a general sense, property taxes are collected by local governments to fund essential services and special projects. That usually includes things like public schools, libraries, roads, and first responders.

A local tax assessor will analyze factors like market values and the local tax rate when they calculate how much you’ll owe in property taxes for the coming year.

MORE: Is car insurance tax deductible?

What is the property tax rate in Orange County?

Orange County’s average tax rate is 1.09% of a home’s assessed value, which is more than North Carolina’s state average of 0.78%. At that rate, Orange County property owners pay an average of about $2,829 in annual property taxes.

How much your Orange County property taxes will vary depending on where you live in the county and what you owe for property taxes at the city level.

How Orange County property taxes are determined

Orange County property values are assessed every four years, with the most recent being January 1, 2021. Updated assessments will take place on January 1, 2025. Market values for your home are assessed using appraisals from the last revaluation date.

Your total tax bill will include costs associated with the following:

City taxes

County taxes

Miscellaneous fees

Fire district taxes

Special district taxes

Want to appeal your Orange County property tax bill? You can submit an informal appeal by April 27, and formal appeals can be made between April 28 and June 30.

For a more in-depth look at how Orange County property taxes vary by city, visit the

Orange County Website

What do Orange County property taxes pay for?

Property taxes are Orange County’s largest income source, and proceeds help to fund the county’s general fund expenses. Some of those expenses include the following:

Transportation

Libraries

Law enforcement

Emergency services

Social services

Animal services

Waste management

Parks and recreation

MORE: How to get a hybrid or electric car tax credit

How to pay property taxes in Orange County

Orange County property taxes are due annually on September 1 and are considered current if they’re paid by January 5 of the following year.

Here’s how you can go about paying your property taxes in Orange County, North Carolina:

Online: You can pay your property taxes

online

via credit or debit card or e-check on the county website, although fees apply for these options.

By phone: To make a payment over the phone, call 1-844-435-3981.

By mail: You can send your property tax payment to Orange County Tax Office, P.O. Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278-8181. Make sure to include a copy of your property tax bill with your payment. They should be postmarked by January 5 or earlier. Checks can be made out to the Orange County Tax Collector. There will be a $25 charge for checks submitted with insufficient funds.

In-person: You can pay your property taxes in person at the Orange County Tax Office, but you’ll have to make an appointment first and masks are required. To set up a time, email

tax@orangecountync.gov

or call 1-919-245-2100.

Through your mortgage: You can fold your annual property tax payment into your monthly mortgage payment, which your mortgage lender can then pay on your behalf when it’s due. Check with your lender and the county tax office to verify you have this set up properly.

To verify your payment status is up to date, contact the

Orange County Tax Office

MORE: How to deduct a car accident from your taxes

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FAQs

When are property taxes due in Orange County?

Orange County property taxes are due annually on September 1 and are considered current if they’re paid by January 5 of the following year.

How do I get my North Carolina property tax statement?

Your property tax statement will be delivered by mail ahead of the due date. If the due date is approaching and you still haven’t received yours, contact the Orange County Tax Office, or check to see how much you owe

online

Are property taxes high in Orange County?

Orange County’s property tax rates are some of the highest in the state. The average cost of property taxes in Orange County is about $2,829 a year, which is more than the state average of $1,209.

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