Look Up Forsyth County Tax Records

Forsyth County property tax records are managed by the Tax Administration office in Winston-Salem. The county seat is Winston-Salem, and the office is at 201 N Chestnut Street. Forsyth County property tax records include assessed values, tax rates, payment history, and property details for all taxable parcels. You can search these records online or visit the office in person. The staff is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and can help you find the property tax records you need.

Forsyth County Tax Administration

The Forsyth County Tax Administration handles listing, assessing, and collecting taxes on all property. The office is at 201 N Chestnut Street in Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Phone: 336-703-2020. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. The Board of Commissioners is the governing body that sets the county budget and tax rate each year.

All property in Forsyth County is assessed at 100% of fair market value under the Machinery Act. The North Carolina Department of Revenue oversees property assessments statewide under G.S. 105-289. The median home value in Forsyth County is about $140,100. The median effective property tax rate is 1.31%, which is higher than the national average of 1.02%. That means the median annual property tax bill in Forsyth County is roughly $1,718. Actual bills range from around $962 to $2,524 depending on the property value and location within the county.

Note: Forsyth County property tax bills vary by zip code, with the highest median bill of $2,913 in the 27104 area of Winston-Salem.

Search Forsyth County Property Tax Records

You can search Forsyth County property tax records through the county's online tools or in person at the Tax Administration office. Online searches let you look up parcels by owner name, address, or parcel number. The results show assessed values, tax amounts, and property details. This is the quickest way to check your Forsyth County property tax records.

For in-person searches, visit 201 N Chestnut Street in Winston-Salem. Staff can pull up records, print copies of tax bills, and explain the details. Phone inquiries are accepted at 336-703-2020 for basic questions about Forsyth County property tax records. Bring your property address or parcel ID for a faster lookup.

When you search, you will find information such as:

• Current assessed value of the property
• County and municipal tax rates
• Total tax amount owed or paid
• Legal description and lot size
• Building details and year built

How Forsyth County Calculates Taxes

Forsyth County uses a simple formula. Divide your assessed value by 100. Multiply by the tax rate. That is your county tax. If your property is inside Winston-Salem or another municipality, the city rate is added on top. Fire district taxes may also apply in some parts of Forsyth County.

January 1 is the tax lien date. The value on that date sets the tax for the year. Tax bills go out in August. Payment is due by September 1. The last day to pay without penalty is January 5. After January 6, interest charges begin at 2% and grow by 0.75% per month. Forsyth County can pursue tax foreclosure on properties with unpaid balances. Assessment notices go out in spring, usually by mid-April, so property owners have time to review their values before the tax year begins.

Forsyth County Tax Assessment Appeals

Property owners in Forsyth County have the right to appeal their assessed value. Start by calling the Tax Administration at 336-703-2020 for an informal review. Many issues get resolved at this step. Staff will compare your property to similar parcels in the Forsyth County property tax records.

If the informal review does not fix the problem, you can appeal to the Forsyth County Board of Equalization and Review. This board meets each spring under G.S. 105-322. You bring evidence that your value is wrong, such as recent sales of comparable properties or an appraisal. The board reviews your case and makes a decision. If you disagree with the board, you can take your case to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission under G.S. 105-288. Most Forsyth County appeals are settled before reaching that level.

Note: You must file your appeal within the deadline set by the Forsyth County Board of Equalization and Review or you waive your right to contest the value for that year.

Tax Relief in Forsyth County

Forsyth County provides several property tax relief programs. The deadline to apply is June 1 each year. Form AV-9 is required for most programs.

The Elderly or Disabled Exclusion under G.S. 105-277.1 reduces the taxable value for homeowners age 65 and older or those who are totally and permanently disabled. The Circuit Breaker program under G.S. 105-277.1B limits property taxes based on income for qualifying elderly or disabled Forsyth County residents. Disabled veterans can receive a $45,000 exclusion from their assessed value. Present-Use Value under G.S. 105-277.2 helps farm and forest landowners in Forsyth County by taxing the land based on its agricultural or forest use rather than its market value. Contact the Tax Administration for applications and eligibility details.

Forsyth County Property Revaluation

North Carolina law under G.S. 105-286 requires counties to revalue all property at least every eight years. Forsyth County conducts revaluations on a regular schedule. During a revaluation, the Tax Administration reviews every parcel and assigns a new value based on current market data. Sales prices, building costs, and neighborhood trends all factor into the new assessments.

After a revaluation, Forsyth County property owners get a notice with their new value. If the value went up, the tax bill will likely increase unless the tax rate drops. If the value went down, taxes may decrease. The Board of Commissioners may adjust the tax rate after a revaluation to keep revenue in line with the budget. Review your Forsyth County property tax records after each cycle to make sure the data about your property is correct. Square footage errors, wrong building features, or outdated condition ratings can all affect your value.

Paying Forsyth County Property Taxes

Forsyth County accepts property tax payments by mail, in person, and online. Mail payments to the Forsyth County Tax Collector at 201 N Chestnut Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. In-person payments are taken during office hours. Online payment options let you pay from home at any time.

The due date is September 1. January 5 is the last day to pay without penalty. After that, interest and late fees apply. Keep your receipt. Forsyth County property tax records track all payments and balances on each parcel. If you need help, call 336-703-2020 before the delinquent date passes.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Forsyth County. Tax rates and property values differ across North Carolina. Check your location to confirm which county handles your property tax records.