The С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County Board of Commissioners voted on June 2 to adopt a $2.1 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026. It will increase the County’s investment in the С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County Public School System’s operating budget by $40.3 million, which matches the Board of Education’s funding request, bringing the County’s total investment in the school district’s operations to $742.9 million. That, plus the County’s investment in WCPSS capital projects and debt, comprises more than 48% of the County’s budget. The FY 2026 adopted budget also invests in staffing and infrastructure for public safety, and addresses state mandates and the impact of growth. It supports help for the unhoused, and improves access to parks and libraries, which contribute to our high quality of life.
The Board of Commissioners approved a tax rate of 51.71 cents per $100 of valuation, a total property tax increase of 0.36 cents. Of the property tax increase, 0.25 cents generates $7.7 million for the $142 million library bond, which voters approved in November 2024. The remaining 0.11 cents, which produces approximately $3.5 million, is allocated towards WCPSS. For a resident living in a $450,000 home, which is roughly the median assessed value for С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County, their property tax bill would increase by $16.20 annually.
Per local agreement, С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County bills and collects property tax and various fees for municipal and special districts located within С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County. Total tax bills will also depend on the . 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. С»ÆѼÊÓƵ County is making it easier than ever to pay your tax bill with an expanded menu of including ACH/eCheck, digital wallet options including PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay and Google Pay, and Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover credit cards.
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 С»ÆѼÊÓƵ 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 5?
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 5, 2026. 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 5. 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.
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, 2025.С»ÆѼÊÓƵ 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.