Look Up and Pay Forsyth County Property Taxes

This page helps with Property Tax tasks in Forsyth County, North Carolina, including finding real property records, reviewing tax bills, paying taxes, checking rates, and contacting the right county tax office.

Forsyth County Tax Administration and the Tax Assessor/Collector handle property tax assessment, billing, collections, reappraisal information, relief programs, and related public questions.

Real Property Record Search

The Real Property Record Search is the main online property tax portal for Forsyth County real estate records. It provides property tax information for real estate records and includes search and map features.

For a focused record search, have one of these identifiers ready when available:

• Owner or business name
• Location address
• REID, also called the Real Estate Identification Number
• PIN, also called the Parcel Identification Number

The portal notes that non-tax information such as recorded deeds, zoning information, and plats should be checked with public primary information sources when accuracy matters. Questions about the property tax portal should go to Forsyth County Tax Administration.

Data check: the Real Property Record Search shows a data last updated date of 06/07/2026.

Detailed property information and record cards

Forsyth County also provides Detailed Property Information for real estate values and property record cards. The Tax Assessor's Office states that the 2025 Reappraisal of Real Estate values has been completed and that the updated information is available through this service.

Use this option when you need to review a property record card or search by owner name, business name, address, REID, or PIN. The Real Estate Appraisal Section can also help when you have the PIN, owner name, and complete street address.

Tax bill lookup and online payment

Use Tax Bill Online Services to research paid or unpaid real estate, individual, and personal property tax bills. The same service area also points users to online bill payment and registered motor vehicle tax resources.

Forsyth County online payments are processed through the MSB Payment System. No registration is required for a one-time online payment, and users can pay by credit card, debit card, or ACH electronic check.

The online portal adds a one-time convenience fee. The amount is shown before payment is submitted.

Payment options and deadlines

Forsyth County accepts several payment methods for tax bills. Mailed payments should include a copy of the tax bill or the tax bill account number on the check. Do not send cash by mail.

Real estate and personal property tax bills are mailed in July. Taxes are due September 1 and payable through January 5. If January 5 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the payment period extends to the next business day.

Postmark rule: to avoid interest or penalties, payments for real property, business property, and individual listings must be in the Tax Collector's Office or postmarked by January 5.

Tax rates and local charges

Forsyth County publishes current county, municipal, fire district, and service district tax rates on its tax rates page. The 2025 county tax rate is listed as .5352, with additional municipal or district rates applying in many areas.

The same rate page lists additional fees for certain jurisdictions, including vehicle fees, recycling fees, and stormwater utility fees where applicable. Check the specific city, town, fire district, or service district tied to the property before estimating a bill.

2025 reappraisal and assessed value

Forsyth County completed a 2025 reappraisal for real property values. The county explains that North Carolina law requires counties to reappraise real property at least every eight years, and Forsyth County has generally reappraised every four years since 1988.

The 2025 Reappraisal page explains the process, tax implications, statutory requirements, and options for property owners who disagree with an assessment. The 2025 Schedule of Values, Standards and Rules is used to determine new assessed values effective January 1, 2025.

Real property includes land, buildings, and other improvements. Personal property, such as automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, and business equipment, is listed and appraised every year.

Appeals and ownership questions

January 1 is the date used to determine real property value, ownership, and location for ad valorem tax purposes. Tax bills are prepared in the name of the owner of record as of January 1.

If you disagree with an assessed value, you may file an appeal with the Forsyth County Board of Equalization and Review. Real estate appeals must be received in the office or postmarked after January 1 and no later than the last business day in June. Appeal forms are available through the county's Printable Forms page.

When property transfers during the year, taxes are ordinarily prorated at closing between the buyer and seller. For questions about whether taxes were prorated, contact the realtor or closing attorney involved in the transfer.

Property tax relief and deferments

Forsyth County provides information about North Carolina property tax relief programs, including the Elderly/Disabled Exclusion, Disabled Veteran's Exclusion, and Circuit Breaker. The Property Tax Relief page explains eligibility, exclusions, and application deadlines.

The deadline for submitting applications for the listed relief programs is June 1. The Circuit Breaker program requires an annual application for continued participation.

Separate deferment information is available for use value assessment, historical property, and builder's inventory. Use value programs include agricultural, horticultural, and forestland classifications. If property loses eligibility, deferred taxes may become due for the current year plus three previous years, with interest.

Collections and past due taxes

The Tax Collector's Office is responsible for collecting taxes and fees. Questions about listing, billing, and assessed values should be directed to the Tax Assessor's Office.

Past due real estate accounts are assessed a 2% charge for January and an additional 3/4% each month after that. Unpaid real estate accounts may be advertised in local newspapers from March 1 through June 30, with an additional advertising cost to the taxpayer.

Past due taxes may lead to enforcement measures, including garnishment, levy on personal property, foreclosure of real estate, and withholding North Carolina state tax refunds.

Tax foreclosure information

Forsyth County posts tax foreclosure sale information online when properties are scheduled for sale. The tax foreclosure property list includes parcel details such as PIN, owner, description, status, tax value, sale date, sale location, and attorney information when listed.

Tax foreclosure properties are sold as is. The county states that the seller makes no warranties as to title or habitability. Interested bidders place upset bids at the Forsyth County Courthouse, 1st Floor Civil Department, when the sale status allows upset bids.

Forsyth County tax contacts

Use these Forsyth County Tax Administration contacts for property tax records, bills, payments, appraisal questions, and collections questions.

• Forsyth County Tax Administration, 201 North Chestnut Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
  Phone: (336) 703-2300
  Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Tax Assessor's Office, P.O. Box 757, Winston-Salem, NC 27102
  Phone: (336) 703-2300
  Fax: (336) 727-2369
• Tax Collector's Office, P.O. Box 82, Winston-Salem, NC 27102
  Phone: (336) 703-2300
  Fax: (336) 748-3000
• Tax Assessor/Collector: Amanda Markle