Burlington Property Tax Records
Burlington property tax records are managed primarily by the Alamance County Tax Administration. Burlington is the largest city in Alamance County with a population of about 57,000 residents. The city sits in the central Piedmont between Greensboro and Durham. Most of Burlington falls within Alamance County, though a small portion extends into Guilford County. Property in Burlington is assessed at 100% of market value. Owners pay both the county rate and the Burlington municipal rate. Tax bills are mailed each August. You can search Burlington property tax records online or contact the Alamance County Tax office in Graham for help.
Burlington Property Tax Quick Facts
How Burlington Property Taxes Work
Property taxes in Burlington follow North Carolina state law. All property must be assessed at 100% of fair market value under G.S. 105-289. The Alamance County Tax Administration appraises real property within the Alamance County portion of Burlington. This includes homes, land, and commercial buildings.
Your Burlington property tax bill uses a straightforward formula. Divide the assessed value by 100, then multiply by the combined tax rate. Burlington property owners pay the Alamance County rate plus the Burlington city rate. Both rates appear on one bill. The combined rate funds county services like schools and EMS along with city services like police, fire, and parks in Burlington.
Personal property is also taxed in Burlington. Business equipment, boats, and manufactured homes not on permanent foundations must be listed with the county tax office each January. The listing period is January 1 through January 31. Late listings carry a 10% penalty. Personal property shows up as a separate entry in Burlington property tax records.
Burlington Property Tax Records Across Two Counties
Burlington sits primarily in Alamance County, but a small portion of the city extends into Guilford County. This split means some Burlington property owners deal with Guilford County for their property tax records instead of Alamance County. The county where your specific parcel is located determines which tax office handles your assessment and billing.
If your Burlington property falls in the Guilford County portion, your assessment comes from the Guilford County Tax Department at 400 W Market St, Greensboro. You can reach them at 336-641-3363. Guilford County has its own revaluation schedule and tax rate, separate from Alamance County. Make sure you know which county your Burlington property is in before searching for your tax records or making payments.
Most Burlington property owners fall under Alamance County. The Alamance County Tax Administration in Graham handles the majority of Burlington property tax records. Check your tax bill to confirm which county office is responsible for your parcel.
Note: If you are unsure which county your Burlington property falls in, call the City of Burlington or check your most recent tax bill. The billing county is listed on the statement.
Burlington Property Tax Revaluation
Alamance County revalues all property every four years as allowed by G.S. 105-286. The most recent Alamance County revaluation took place in 2023. During that cycle, roughly 6% of property owners in the county filed appeals on their new values. This shows how important it is to review your Burlington property tax assessment when a revaluation occurs.
In a revaluation year, every parcel in the Alamance County portion of Burlington gets a new market value based on current sales, building costs, and property features. Value change notices are mailed to all owners. The county typically adjusts its tax rate after revaluation to remain revenue neutral. However, individual Burlington property tax bills may go up or down depending on how your property's value moved compared to the countywide average.
Search Burlington Property Tax Records
Search Burlington property tax records through the Alamance County online system. You can look up parcels by owner name, address, or parcel ID number. Each record shows assessed value, tax amount, payment status, and property details. The system is free and covers all parcels in Alamance County, including Burlington.
For the Guilford County portion of Burlington, use the Guilford County tax search system. Enter the property address or owner name to find your record. Guilford County maintains its own database, separate from Alamance County.
In-person searches are available at the Alamance County Tax office in Graham. Staff can help you find records, explain your assessment, and answer billing questions about Burlington property tax records. You can also visit the City of Burlington website for local government services and contact details.
Paying Burlington Property Taxes
Burlington property tax bills arrive each August. Full payment is due September 1. Interest starts on January 6 for unpaid balances. The interest rate is set by North Carolina state law.
Payment options include online, mail, and in person. The Alamance County website accepts online payments for Burlington property taxes. Mail your check or money order to the Alamance County Tax Collector with your payment stub. In-person payments are taken at the county office in Graham. Cash, checks, and card payments are accepted. If your Burlington property is in the Guilford County portion, pay through the Guilford County Tax Collector instead.
Unpaid Burlington property taxes become a lien on the property as of January 1 each year. This lien has priority over most other claims. Long overdue taxes can lead to advertising, tax lien sales, and foreclosure. Contact the appropriate county tax office early if you are having trouble paying your Burlington property tax bill.
Burlington Tax Assessment Appeals
Burlington property owners can appeal their assessed value. Start with an informal review at the Alamance County Tax office. Present evidence such as a recent appraisal, comparable sales, or documentation of property issues. Many Burlington property tax disputes resolve at this stage.
If the informal review does not settle the matter, file a formal appeal with the Alamance County Board of Equalization and Review under G.S. 105-322. The board meets each year to hear property value disputes from Burlington and across Alamance County. Submit your appeal before the session ends. The board reviews evidence and makes a ruling. Further appeals go to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission under G.S. 105-288. Burlington properties in the Guilford County portion follow the Guilford County appeal process instead.
Burlington Property Tax Relief
Qualifying Burlington property owners may apply for tax relief through the county tax office. Applications must be filed by June 1 each year.
The Homestead Exclusion under G.S. 105-277.1 helps homeowners who are at least 65 or totally and permanently disabled. Income must be below the annual limit. The program excludes the greater of $25,000 or 50% of assessed value from your Burlington property tax bill. The Circuit Breaker under G.S. 105-277.1B defers taxes above an income-based threshold for qualifying elderly and disabled owners.
Disabled veterans may exclude $45,000 from the taxable value of their Burlington home. The Present-Use Value program under G.S. 105-277.2 provides relief for agricultural, horticultural, and forestland owners. Land near Burlington that qualifies is taxed at its use value rather than full market value, lowering the property tax bill for working farms and managed forests.
Alamance County Property Tax Records
Burlington is primarily in Alamance County, and most property tax assessments go through the Alamance County Tax Administration. The county manages records for all municipalities within its borders. For more on the county tax system, rates, and additional resources, visit the Alamance County property tax records page.