Search Winston-Salem Property Tax Records
Winston-Salem property tax records are maintained by the Forsyth County Tax Office. As the county seat and largest city in Forsyth County, Winston-Salem has a significant property tax base. You can search Winston-Salem property tax records online or at the county office. Records include assessed values, tax rates, billing amounts, and payment history. All property tax records in Winston-Salem are public and open to anyone who wants to look them up.
Winston-Salem Tax Quick Facts
Winston-Salem Property Tax Office
The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners oversees the tax office at 201 North Chestnut Street in Winston-Salem. Phone: 336-703-2020. This is where all property tax records for Winston-Salem are housed. Staff can help with account lookups, billing questions, and payment options.
| Office | Forsyth County Tax Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 201 N Chestnut St Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Phone | 336-703-2020 |
| Website | cityofws.org |
The city of Winston-Salem website at cityofws.org also provides links to property records and tax resources. Use this site to find forms, tax rate information, and contact details for the appropriate county office handling your Winston-Salem property tax records.
How Winston-Salem Property Taxes Work
Property in Winston-Salem is assessed at 100% of market value as of January 1. The tax lien takes effect on that date. Forsyth County handles all assessments under G.S. 105-289. Reappraisals occur on a regular cycle, with assessment notices going out in the spring, usually by mid-April.
The median effective tax rate in Winston-Salem is about 1.31%. That sits above the national average of 1.02%. On a median home worth $140,100, the typical bill comes to roughly $1,718 per year. Your actual amount depends on where in Winston-Salem you live, since different districts add varying rates on top of the base city and county charges.
Bills in Winston-Salem range widely by zip code. The highest average is in the 27104 area, where homeowners pay about $2,913 per year. In the 27105 zip code, the average drops to around $870. These gaps reflect differences in home values and overlapping tax districts across Winston-Salem.
Note: Your Winston-Salem property tax records will show each district rate as a separate line item on the bill.
Search Winston-Salem Property Tax Records
You can find Winston-Salem property tax records through the Forsyth County online tax lookup. Search by owner name, property address, or parcel ID. The system returns assessed values, tax rates, and payment history. It is free to use and available at all hours.
For in-person searches, visit the Forsyth County Tax Office at 201 North Chestnut Street. Bring the property address or account number to speed up your request. Staff can print copies of Winston-Salem property tax records and explain each line on your bill.
The county also keeps GIS maps that show property boundaries, zoning, and land use. These tie into the tax records and can help you understand how values are set in your part of Winston-Salem.
Pay Winston-Salem Property Taxes
Tax bills go out in the summer. They are due September 1. Owners must pay by January 6 to avoid penalties. After that date, late fees and interest accrue. Check your Winston-Salem property tax records in the fall to confirm your bill was paid.
You can pay online, by mail, or in person at the county office. The online system accepts cards and electronic checks. Mailed payments should be sent early since the postmark date counts. If your mortgage lender pays through escrow, verify with them that the bill was handled on time.
Property Tax Appeals in Winston-Salem
Owners who disagree with their assessed value can appeal. Start with an informal talk with the Forsyth County Assessor. Bring sales data from similar homes or a private appraisal to support your case. Many Winston-Salem property tax disputes end at this stage.
If the informal review does not resolve the issue, file a formal appeal with the Board of Equalization and Review (G.S. 105-322). The board meets annually to hear cases. Beyond that, you may appeal to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission (G.S. 105-288). Each step has strict deadlines. Keep copies of everything. The final ruling will update your Winston-Salem property tax records.
Winston-Salem Tax Relief
Several state programs can lower your Winston-Salem property tax bill. Apply by June 1 each year on form AV-9.
- Elderly or Disabled Exclusion (G.S. 105-277.1): Excludes a portion of home value for owners 65 and older or those who are totally disabled.
- Circuit Breaker (G.S. 105-277.1B): Caps taxes based on income for eligible Winston-Salem homeowners.
- Disabled Veteran Exclusion: Up to $45,000 off assessed value for veterans with 100% disability.
- Present-Use Value (G.S. 105-277.2): Agricultural and forest land taxed at use value.
Contact the Forsyth County Tax Office for help deciding which program fits your situation. Approved relief shows up on your Winston-Salem property tax records as a reduced assessed value or capped bill amount.
Forsyth County Property Tax Records
Winston-Salem is the county seat of Forsyth County. All property tax assessment and collection runs through the county office. For more on county-wide rates, relief programs, and other public records, visit the Forsyth County property tax records page.