This page helps with Property Tax tasks in Wake County, North Carolina, including finding tax bill information, paying a bill, reviewing real estate records, and knowing when to contact the tax office.
The Wake County Department of Tax Administration handles property appraisal, tax billing, collections, tax relief programs, exemptions, and appeal information for county taxpayers.
Wake County Tax Bill Search
Use the Wake County Tax Bill Search to browse billing and payment information for real estate, personal, business, and motor vehicle accounts. The search can also help you locate account numbers before paying online.
The tax bill search supports name-based searching. For an individual name search, enter the last name in full and at least one letter of the first name.
- Full last name
- At least one letter of the first name
- Middle name, when useful
Vehicle tax note: Statements for vehicle property taxes paid to the NC DMV at registration are not available on the county website.
Pay a Wake County property tax bill online
If you already have the tax account number, use Wake County Online Bill Pay to select a payment method and submit payment. If you do not have the account number, use the tax bill search first.
- Search for the tax bill or enter the tax account number.
- Select the account or accounts you want to pay.
- Choose a payment method.
- Review any disclosed fee before authorizing payment.
Online payment fees depend on the method used.
| Payment method | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Credit card | 2.3% of the amount paid; minimum fee of $1.00 | Fee is charged by the payment provider. |
| Debit card | Flat fee of $3.95 | Fee is disclosed before payment authorization. |
| Digital wallet | 2.3% of the amount paid; minimum fee of $1.00 | The fee applies regardless of linked bank account or card type. |
| Checking account draft | No service fee | The account is debited within 2 business days from online authorization. |
Other payment options and installment payments
Wake County allows installment payments in any amount or frequency on current bills, as long as the bill is paid in full before it becomes delinquent. Prior approval is not required for installment payments on current bills.
The county also lists payment options for mail, online checking account draft, card or digital wallet, a bank’s online bill pay service, and in-person payment. Review Wake County payment options for the available methods.
Real estate records and tax details
For property record details, Wake County provides a Real Estate Property Search with search options by owner, real estate ID, account, location address, Parcel Identification Number, and PIN number.
The Wake County Tax Portal also lets taxpayers view property details, research comparable sales, and submit real estate appeals online. Use the Wake County Tax Administration Portal to review a property record, research appraised values or sale prices, or begin an appeal when the appeal window applies.
- Check heated area, bathroom count, and other property details for accuracy.
- Use comparable sales and property records when reviewing appraised value.
- Contact Tax Administration if property data needs correction.
Annual bills, due timing, and sold property
Annual real estate tax bills are normally mailed in July. The bill covers the fiscal taxing period from July 1 through June 30, not a calendar year.
Real estate accounts paid through an escrow account in the prior year do not receive a July bill. Tax bills are also not mailed to mortgage companies because most lenders retrieve tax data online.
Property taxes not paid in full by January 5 after billing are charged 2% interest for January and an additional 3/4 of 1% each month after that.
Tax relief, exemptions, and appeals
Wake County provides property tax relief information for qualifying low-income seniors, disabled homeowners, disabled veterans, and unmarried surviving spouses. The tax relief application deadline is June 1, and online applications are available through the county’s tax relief page.
North Carolina law also allows certain property to be exempt from taxation when statutory requirements are met. Exemption applications must generally be filed during the regular listing period from January 1 through January 31.
Real estate value appeals relate to the county’s appraised value, not to whether taxes are too high. Wake County real estate values reflect market value as of the most recent countywide revaluation, effective January 1, 2024.
Contact Wake County Tax Administration
Contact the Department of Tax Administration for property tax questions, billing help, account questions, property data issues, and payment support.
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Wake County Department of Tax Administration, 301 S. McDowell St., 3rd Floor Raleigh, NC 27601
Property Tax: (919) 856-5400
Fax: (919) 856-7128
Email: [email protected] - Wake County Department of Tax Administration mailing address, P.O. Box 2331 Raleigh, NC 27602
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Tax Administration business hours
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., excluding County holidays
Common questions
Where can I look up a Wake County property tax bill?
Use the Wake County Tax Bill Search to browse billing and payment information for real estate, personal, business, and motor vehicle accounts.
Can I pay a Wake County property tax bill online without an account number?
If you do not have the tax account number, use the tax bill search to locate it before using Online Bill Pay.
Are there fees for online property tax payments?
Credit card, debit card, and digital wallet payments have provider fees. Checking account draft payments have no service fee.
How can I get a copy of a Wake County tax bill?
Statements for real estate, business, and personal property taxes can be obtained through the Online Tax Bill Search or by emailing [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) with the account number, name on the bill, and property description.
Who handles property tax questions in Wake County?
The Wake County Department of Tax Administration handles property appraisal, billing, collections, payment help, tax relief, exemptions, and appeal information. Call (919) 856-5400 or email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).
When are Wake County real estate tax bills normally mailed?
Annual real estate tax bills are normally mailed in July and cover the fiscal taxing period from July 1 through June 30.
Can vehicle property tax payment statements be found on the Wake County website?
No. Statements for vehicle property taxes paid to the NC DMV at registration are not available on the county website.