Tax Collections FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)
Real Property, Personal Property, and Delinquent Taxes
Q: When are real estate and personal property taxes due?
A: September 1st.
Q: When should taxes be paid to avoid interest?
A: On or before January 5th.
Q: What is the interest from January 6th to January 31st?
A: 2% interest on the balance and 3/4% interest each month thereafter.
Q: What if I don't receive a tax bill?
A: A bill is generated and mailed for payment each year. You are responsible for payment even if you do not receive the bill.
Reasons for not receiving a tax bill:
- Incorrect address (make sure you keep your address current).
- Tax bill was lost in the mail.
- If property was purchased after January 1st the bill goes to the owner as of the first day of the year.
Q: When taxes are delinquent can you make payment arrangements?
A: Yes, but arrangements have to be kept to avoid other action.
Q: When will property be advertised in the paper and if I have payment arrangements will the property still be advertised?
A: Property is advertised in March of each year and will be advertised even if you have payment arrangements. Taxes must be paid in full to avoid advertisement.
Q: What action is taken if I don't pay my taxes or make arrangements?
A: In no particular order:
- Garnishment of wages
- Bank attachment
- Attachment of rents
- Attachment of North Carolina tax refund (debt setoff)
- Seizure of vehicle or other personal property
- Account turned over to the sheriff for levy
- Foreclosure of property
Q: What if I sold the property and I get a tax bill?
A: Property tax bills are mailed to the January 1st owner and we request that you forward the tax bill to the new owner.
Q: What if I get a tax bill and my mortgage company is supposed to pay them?
A: You need to forward your bill to your mortgage company.
Q: Why do I pay county taxes when I live in the city?
A: You live in the county of Rutherford so you pay county taxes and if you are within the city limits you also pay city taxes.
Q: How do I obtain tax receipts for my income taxes?
A: 1. You may come by the tax office and obtain duplicate receipts.
2. Send self-addressed stamped envelope with request for duplicate receipts of taxes you paid.
3. This information can not be given over the phone.
Q: Can I pay my taxes by credit card or on-line?
A: Payments by credit card or debit card must be made through Official Payments by calling 1-800-2PAYTAX or online at Officialpayments.com. You will need to use jurisdiction code 4346.
Motor Vehicles
Q: What if I receive a bill on a vehicle I no longer own?
A: If the tag was turned in the bill could be prorated if all requirements for proration are met. If the tag was transferred to another vehicle you would owe this bill and will receive a bill on the new vehicle after the tag is renewed.
Q: What information do you need to prorate taxes on a motor vehicle after it was sold?
A: You would need to send us a receipt from the tag office showing when the tag was turned in or a copy of a bona fide bill of sale or other document clearly indicating that the vehicle has been sold or otherwise been disposed. If you have moved out of North Carolina a copy of that state's current registration on the car is sufficient.
Q: What is a tax block on vehicles?
A: When taxes are not paid during the original due date month, a block is issued within three months after the due date. A tax block is a restriction placed on your DMV record which prevents you from renewing your tag until the tax is paid. Taxes paid after a block notice has been issued to DMV will require a block release notice (MAV-2) to be submitted with your renewal application.
Q: If the vehicle does not run, do I still have to pay taxes?
A: Yes, if you do not tag the vehicle it must be listed with the County Assessors Office.
Q: Can I wait to pay my car taxes when I pay my real estate taxes.
A: No, unless it is due within that month, otherwise bill must be paid in designated month shown on bill to avoid a block.
Q: Why do I have to pay fire district tax or city taxes on my vehicle?
A: Fire district and city taxes have always been charged on vehicles. As of 1993 vehicles were billed separately from real estate bills thus making this charge more noticeable.
Q: Can I pay my motor vehicle tax by credit card or on-line?
A: Payments by credit card or debit card must be made through Official Payments by calling 1-800-2PAYTAX or online at Officialpayments.com. You will need to use jurisdiction code 4346.
