FAQs

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Tax Collector - Tax Bills

1. Does Rowan County offer a tax discount?: Yes! However, it can change from year to year. There is a 1.5% discount for July and 1% in August.

2. When are property taxes due?: For real estate, individual personal property, and business personal property, taxes are due September 1st for that current tax year. However, you can make prepayments prior to the bills being issued. Rowan County tax bills are mailed in late July to early August. Also, you will be able to receive a discount for any money received prior to September 1st. These taxes will become delinquent after January 5th of the following year and subject to enforced collections efforts.

3. What are payment coupons and how are they used?: Payment coupons are included in tax bills and allow citizens to pay taxes in four payments.

4. How much did I pay last year and the year before?: Search and/or pay tax bills by visiting the BillBridge Tax Search website.

5. What is the current value of my property?: Please see your bill or receipt. If you need additional information, please call the Tax Assessor office at 704-216-8558.

6. Did my mortgage company get a copy of my tax bill?: Yes, mortgage companies received a copy of tax bills that are escrowed.

7. If my mortgage company pays my property taxes through escrow, why do I receive the bill?: Although you have agreed to have your property taxes escrowed and paid through your mortgage company, we still mail the property tax bill to the correct owner.

You can get a copy of your property tax card at the Tax Assessor office located at:

402 N Main Street
Salisbury, NC 28144

9. Do I have to pay my bill in full?: Prior to bills being mailed in July you can make prepayments but you must specify they are prepayments or the amount will be refunded back to you. After bills are mailed in July you can make payments at any time. Tax bills are due September 1st and become delinquent after January 5th. Remember, Rowan County does offer discounts for payments in the month of July and August.

10. Can property tax payments be used for a deduction on my income tax?: Yes. Both real estate and vehicle tax can be used as deductions if paid by December 31.

11. If I have sold the property that I received a property tax bill for, what should I do?: You should forward the property tax bill to the new owner unless you are going to pay it. Agreements that are made between buyers, sellers, and attorneys are not our concern. However, since property taxes are a lien on real estate, it is in the buyer’s best interest to make sure all property taxes are settled before the property is purchased at closing. (See back of bill.)

12. Does my Tax bill include taxes for Municipalities (City/Town/Fire district)?: Yes, Rowan County started collecting for all municipalities in 2006.

13. When are delinquent tax bills advertised?: Every year once bills become delinquent they will be advertised in the Salisbury Post. Each receipt will be charged a $5 fee for advertisement.

14. What is a garnishment?: When property tax becomes delinquent we will garnish wages. We will take 10% of gross pay and apply it to the delinquent taxes. Garnishment fees can be up to $60. We begin the garnishment process the first of March.

15. When will I receive my vehicle property tax bill from the County?: Beginning in 2013, the Tag and Tax Together program was implemented to allow property owners to conveniently pay annual vehicle registration fees and property taxes together. Motor vehicles that are registered and tagged are listed with the county automatically after you renew your registration or register a new vehicle. Any unregistered (untagged) vehicles must be listed with the county during the annual listing period in January. Learn more by visiting the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles Tag and Tax Together program page.

16. What time period does the tax bill cover?: We bill on a fiscal year basis. The fiscal year is from July 1 to June 30th.

17. If I mail in a payment, will I receive a receipt?: Receipts will not be sent for mail payments. For proof of payment and income tax purposes, retain the top portion of the bill for your records.

Personal Property is considered to be the following:

Business personal property examples include:

19. How do I appeal my personal property value?: Appeals relating to the value or taxability of personal property must be received within 30 days. Please call the Tax Assessor's office at 704-216-8558 for more information.

20. What do I do if I have sold my real property?: If you have sold the real property assessed to you, please notify the new owner of any unpaid taxes.

21. What if I have declared bankruptcy and receive a bill?: Disregard the bill, however, it would be appreciated if you would ask your trustee to advise as to the status of your account.

22. What happens if I do not pay my bill?: Unpaid tax bills are subject to garnishment, attachment of bank accounts, rents, state funds or lottery winnings, levy or other legal action after January 5th.

23. Why do I have a late fee?: A late fee is charged if you did not return your listing form by January 31st or did not return it at all. Please contact Tax Assessors with questions 704-216-8558.

24. Do I still have to pay a pet fee if I no longer have the pet?: If you have been charged a pet fee and no longer have the pet, contact the Tax Assessor's Office at 704-216-8558.

25. What should I do if I sold my Personal Property (i.e., boat/motor, trailer, jet ski, etc.)?: Please contact the Tax Assessor's Office at 704-216-8558.

26. Why are there fees to use a debit/credit card?: Rowan County does not charge the fee; our third party company or merchant charges the fee.

27. What do I need to move a mobile home?: If you are moving a mobile home, you will need a moving permit and all taxes must be paid. Please come to the Tax Collector's office to obtain a permit.

28. Why is my Personal Property not listed on my tax bill?: Please contact the Tax Assessor's office with any questions at 704-216-8558.