Property Taxes in Fayetteville NC

Fayetteville property taxes average $1,726 annually with a 1.55% effective rate—understanding assessment, rates, and payment deadlines helps military families budget for homeownership.

Tax Rate

City of Fayetteville rate: $0.5795 per $100 assessed value (2024) Recent change: 4-cent increase from previous rate

Cumberland County adds: Additional county tax rate

Combined effective rate: 1.55% of home value Compared to national median: 1.55% (Fayetteville) vs. 1.02% (national) Higher than average but still affordable

Median Tax Bills

Fayetteville median: $1,726 annually Compared to national: $2,400 (national median) $674 lower than national median despite higher percentage

Why?: Lower home values offset higher rate

How Property Taxes Calculated

Formula:

1. Assessed value determined by county assessor
2. Assessment notice mailed (April)
3. Assessed value × tax rate = annual tax
4. Divided by 2 for semi-annual bills

Example:

• Home value: $250,000
• Assessed value: $250,000 (NC uses 100%)
• Tax: $250,000 × 0.5795% = $1,448.75 City + County portion

Assessment Process

County assessor determines value based on:

• Recent home sales in area
• Property characteristics
• Size and condition
• Location
• Market trends

Revaluation: Periodic countywide revaluation

Recent Assessment Changes

2017-2024 trend: Cumberland County property values rose average 64.7%

Impact: Tax bills increased even with same tax rate

Assessment Notices

When mailed: Mid-April each year What it shows:

• New assessed value
• Prior year comparison
• Appeal information

Check carefully: Errors possible

Appealing Assessment

If you disagree:

1. Review assessment notice
2. Compare to similar homes sold
3. Gather evidence
4. File appeal by deadline (listed on notice)
5. Present case to review board

Time limit: Usually 30 days from notice

Grounds for appeal:

• Assessed higher than market value
• Errors in property description
• Unequal assessment vs. similar homes

Payment Due Dates

Annual schedule:

• Bills mailed: August
• Due date: September 1
• Deadline: January 5 (no penalty)

After January 5: Interest and penalties begin

Payment options:

• Online payment
• Mail check
• In-person at tax office
• Automatic bank draft

Late Payment

Consequences:

• Interest charges
• Collection proceedings
• Tax lien on property
• Affects credit

Pay on time to avoid penalties

Tax Relief Programs

Available programs:

• Elderly/disabled exclusion
• Disabled veteran exclusion
• Circuit breaker tax deferral
• Other special exemptions

Apply at: Cumberland County Tax Office

Escrow Payment

If you have mortgage:

• Lender collects taxes monthly
• Held in escrow account
• Lender pays when due
• Check annual escrow statement

You're responsible to ensure lender pays correctly

Military Homeowners

Considerations:

• Property taxes part of homeownership cost
• Include in housing budget
• May differ from previous duty station
• Check escrow if financed
• Plan for increases over time

VA loans: Require property tax escrow

Comparing to Other NC Cities

Fayetteville vs. NC cities:

• Raleigh: 0.97% effective rate
• Charlotte: 1.07% effective rate
• Fayetteville: 1.55% effective rate

Higher than major cities but reflects county services and schools

Budgeting for Taxes

Monthly budget:

• Take annual tax bill
• Divide by 12 months
• Set aside each month

Example: $1,800 annual = $150/month budget

If not escrowed: Save monthly to pay annual bill

Where Taxes Go

Property taxes fund:

• Public schools (largest portion)
• County services
• Public safety (police, fire, EMS)
• Parks and recreation
• Infrastructure
• Libraries
• Government operations

Online Resources

Cumberland County Tax:

• Website: cumberlandcountync.gov/tax
• Bill search: taxpwa.co.cumberland.nc.us
• Property search available
• Payment online available

Questions: Contact tax office directly

Fayetteville property taxes average $1,726 annually at 1.55% effective rate—higher than some NC cities but lower bills than national median make homeownership affordable for military families.