Wilmington Property Tax Lookup
Wilmington property tax records are managed by the New Hanover County Tax Department. As the county seat and largest city in New Hanover County, Wilmington holds the bulk of the tax base in the area. Searching for property tax records in Wilmington begins at the county tax office or online. You can view assessed values, tax amounts, and payment history for any parcel. All Wilmington property tax records are public and free to search through the county system.
Wilmington Property Tax Quick Facts
Wilmington Property Tax Office
The New Hanover County Tax Department is at 230 Government Center Drive, Suite 190, Wilmington, NC. The phone number is (910) 798-7300. You can also email TaxAdmin@nhcgov.com. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. All Wilmington property tax records are available here.
| Office | New Hanover County Tax Department |
|---|---|
| Address | 230 Government Center Dr, Suite 190 Wilmington, NC 28403 |
| Phone | (910) 798-7300 |
| TaxAdmin@nhcgov.com | |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
The New Hanover County Register of Deeds is at 320 Chestnut Street, 2nd Floor, Wilmington. Phone: (910) 798-4530. This office handles deeds, maps, and property transfer records that connect to Wilmington property tax records.
How Wilmington Property Taxes Work
All real property in Wilmington is assessed at 100% of fair market value as of January 1. New Hanover County performs the assessment under G.S. 105-289. The county does revaluation every four years. After each cycle, assessed values shift to match current market conditions, which changes what Wilmington property owners owe.
Wilmington property owners pay two tax rates. The county rate is $0.574 per $100 of assessed value. The city rate is $0.485 per $100. Combined, you pay about $1.059 per $100. On a home valued at $371,800, the total annual bill is close to $3,937. Both rates appear as separate lines in your Wilmington property tax records.
Downtown Wilmington has seen sharp growth in property values. In 2013, the downtown held about 1,359 parcels worth $609.7 million. By 2023, that had grown to 1,566 parcels worth $1.36 billion. That kind of growth drives up tax revenue and shapes the city's budget each year.
Search Wilmington Property Tax Records
The easiest way to search Wilmington property tax records is through the county's online tax system at etax.nhcgov.com. Enter an owner name, property address, or account number. The system shows assessed values, tax rates, balances, and payment history. It is free and available at all hours.
The City of Wilmington website links to property data, permits, and public records. You can start there and follow links to the county tax portal. For in-person searches, visit the tax office at the Government Center on Government Center Drive. Staff can print copies of Wilmington property tax records and answer billing questions on the spot.
Note: Records may take a few weeks to update after a sale or transfer. Check back if a recent change has not yet appeared in your Wilmington property tax records.
Pay Wilmington Property Taxes
Tax bills go out in late summer. They are due September 1 and become delinquent on January 6. You can pay online at etax.nhcgov.com, by mail, or in person at the tax office. The online portal accepts cards and electronic checks. Make sure to check your Wilmington property tax records after paying to confirm the amount posted.
Late payments carry penalties and interest that accrue over time. If you have a mortgage with an escrow account, your lender should pay the bill on your behalf. Verify with them each year that the Wilmington property tax payment was made on schedule.
Property Tax Appeals in Wilmington
You can appeal your assessed value if you believe it is too high. Start with an informal review by the New Hanover County Assessor. Provide comparable sales, photos, or other evidence supporting a lower value. Most Wilmington property tax disputes settle at this step.
If you are not satisfied, file a formal appeal with the Board of Equalization and Review (G.S. 105-322). The board meets each spring and hears cases from Wilmington and the rest of the county. Beyond that, you can take your case to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission (G.S. 105-288). Deadlines are strict. The final outcome becomes part of your Wilmington property tax records.
Wilmington Tax Relief Programs
North Carolina offers tax relief programs that can lower your Wilmington property tax bill. Each has its own rules and income limits.
- Elderly or Disabled Exclusion (G.S. 105-277.1): Excludes part of home value for owners 65 or older or those with total disability.
- Circuit Breaker (G.S. 105-277.1B): Caps taxes based on income for eligible Wilmington homeowners.
- Disabled Veteran Exclusion: Up to $45,000 off assessed value for 100% disabled veterans.
- Present-Use Value (G.S. 105-277.2): Qualifies farmland, forest, and horticultural land for reduced taxation.
Apply by June 1 on form AV-9. Get forms from the New Hanover County Tax Department. Approved relief will show on your Wilmington property tax records as a lower taxable value or a capped bill.
New Hanover County Property Tax Records
Wilmington is the county seat of New Hanover County. The county tax office manages all property tax assessment and collection for Wilmington and surrounding areas. For more on county tax rates, office details, and related records, visit the New Hanover County property tax records page.