Search Brunswick County Tax Records
Brunswick County property tax records are maintained by the Tax Office in Bolivia, North Carolina. Bolivia is the county seat. Brunswick County is a coastal county along the southeastern edge of the state. The Tax Office handles listing, assessment, and collection for all taxable property. You can search property tax records to find assessed values, view tax bills, and check payment status. As one of the fastest growing counties in North Carolina, Brunswick County regularly updates its property tax records to reflect new construction and changing values.
Brunswick County Quick Facts
Brunswick County Property Tax Office
The Brunswick County Tax Office is in Bolivia. Staff assess all real and personal property in the county. They process tax payments, issue bills, and maintain property tax records for every parcel. The office operates under North Carolina's Machinery Act, Chapter 105, Subchapter II.
All property in Brunswick County is assessed at 100% of fair market value. The North Carolina Department of Revenue supervises county assessments under G.S. 105-289. January 1 serves as the tax lien date. Your property value on that date sets the tax bill for the fiscal year. Brunswick County's coastal location means property values can be heavily influenced by proximity to the beach, waterways, and ocean views. The Tax Office accounts for these factors when setting assessed values.
How to Search Brunswick County Property Tax Records
Brunswick County offers online tools for searching property tax records. You can look up parcels by owner name, property address, or parcel ID. The online system shows assessed values, tax bills, and payment history. This is the quickest way to access Brunswick County property tax information from anywhere.
For more detailed help, visit the Tax Office in Bolivia. Staff can look up any Brunswick County property tax record, explain your assessment, and print documents. You can also call the office for simple questions about balances, due dates, or payment methods. The Tax Office serves all areas of Brunswick County, including beach towns like Oak Island, Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Holden Beach.
Note: Online property tax records for Brunswick County are for reference and may not reflect payments made within the last few business days.
Brunswick County Coastal Property Taxes
Brunswick County has a unique mix of coastal and inland property. Beachfront homes, island properties, and waterfront lots often carry higher assessed values than inland parcels. The Tax Office considers location, water access, and views when setting values for Brunswick County property tax records. Coastal erosion and flood zones can also affect how property is valued.
Properties in beach towns within Brunswick County pay municipal taxes on top of the county rate. Each municipality sets its own rate. This means a home in Oak Island may have a different total tax bill than a similar home in Southport or Leland, even if the assessed values are close. Your Brunswick County property tax records show each applicable rate and the total amount due.
The rapid growth in Brunswick County has led to significant new construction. New homes and commercial buildings are added to the tax rolls as they are completed. The Tax Office assesses new construction at market value and creates new property tax records for each parcel. This growth helps spread the tax burden across more properties in Brunswick County.
Brunswick County Tax Bills and Deadlines
Tax bills in Brunswick County go out in August. Payment is due September 1. You have until January 5 to pay without penalty. After January 5, a 2% interest charge is applied on January 6. Interest then accrues at 0.75% per month on unpaid Brunswick County property taxes.
The tax formula is straightforward. Take the assessed value, divide by 100, multiply by the rate. Brunswick County accepts payments in person, by mail, and online. Unpaid taxes can result in foreclosure under G.S. 105-374. The land transfer tax of $1 per $500 of sale price applies under G.S. 105-228.30(a) when Brunswick County property changes hands.
Property Revaluation in Brunswick County
Brunswick County revalues property as required by G.S. 105-286. State law sets a maximum of eight years between revaluations. Given the rapid growth and changing market conditions along the coast, Brunswick County may revalue more often. During revaluation, the Tax Office reviews every parcel using current sales data, construction costs, and market trends.
Coastal properties in Brunswick County can see large value changes during revaluation. A strong real estate market along the beach often pushes values up. Inland areas may see more modest changes. After the revaluation, Brunswick County mails notices to all property owners. If you disagree with the new value, you can appeal through the standard three-step process.
Appeals and Tax Relief in Brunswick County
Brunswick County property owners can appeal their assessed value. Start with an informal review at the Tax Office. If that does not resolve your concern, file an appeal with the Brunswick County Board of Equalization and Review under G.S. 105-322. The final step is the North Carolina Property Tax Commission under G.S. 105-288.
Tax relief programs are available for qualifying Brunswick County residents. The Elderly or Disabled Exclusion under G.S. 105-277.1 helps homeowners 65 and older or those totally disabled. The Circuit Breaker under G.S. 105-277.1B caps taxes based on income. Disabled veterans get a $45,000 exclusion. Farm and forest land may qualify for Present-Use Value under G.S. 105-277.2.
- Elderly/Disabled Exclusion: age 65+ or totally disabled
- Circuit Breaker: income-based tax limit for eligible residents
- Disabled Veteran: $45,000 value exclusion
- Present-Use Value: farm, horticultural, forest land
The deadline to apply is June 1. Form AV-9 is required. Visit the NCDOR property tax page or the NC General Statutes Chapter 105 for more details on these programs.
Note: Brunswick County residents enrolled in the Circuit Breaker program must reapply each year and report their income to maintain the tax deferral.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Brunswick County along the southeastern North Carolina coast and inland. Each county sets its own property tax rate and maintains separate records. Make sure your property is in Brunswick County before searching here.