Frequently Asked Questions
Property Taxes
- What if my house is still under construction?
- Why do we have revaluations?
- How are revaluation values determined?
- How do I request a review of my revaluation estimate?
- How do I get and fill out a Valuation Review Form?
- How do I qualify for an exemption for the elderly and disabled?
- What is the "Use Program" and how do I qualify?
- What if I own a licensed (tagged) motor vehicle?
- What if I own an unlicensed (untagged) motor vehicle or single wide mobile home?
Land Records
- How can I find information on properties and who owns a property/parcel/lot?
- How can I get a map of my property?
- How do I determine who controls zoning for a particular property/parcel/lot?
- How can I get GIS map coverages (layers)?
- How can I get a map of the County?
- How can I get a new address for my property?
- How do I find the zoning for a property/parcel/lot?
Property Taxes
What if my house is still under construction?
Ongoing construction, whether it is new construction or repair work, must be listed on your property listing abstract that is mailed out late December each year. The area for noting the construction is on the back of the form. It asks "Is there new construction here?" and then asks "Percent Complete January 1st.". If there is construction, answer "yes" and fill in your estimate of the percent of the entire dwelling that is complete
Revaluation is mandated by the North Carolina General Statutes governing property tax assessments; and it is necessary in order to maintain equitable and uniform property values among property owners throughout the county.
How are revaluation values determined?
The Tax Assessor's Office has an in-house appraisal team. The staff conducts field inspections, develops and analyzes sales files, and monitors market trends. The Tax Assessor works to ensure that property values have been accurately and equitably appraised throughout the county.
How do I request a review of my revaluation estimate?
The Assessor and his staff are available to answer questions or discuss concerns about your value. Assessment appeal forms have been developed to assist residents in the revaluation appeals. Please visit the appeals page for more information.
How do I get and fill out a Valuation Review Form?
Valuation review forms and instructions are available online.
How do I qualify for an exemption for the elderly and disabled?
A preliminary list of requirements for relief programs including the Homestead Exemption and Circuit Breaker is available online. Please contact us for confirmation and with any questions you may have.
What is the "Use Program," and how do I qualify?
The Land Use Program allows for reduced tax values of individually owned property involved in agricultural, horticultural, or forestry management. Basic eligibility requirements for available on the Relief Programs page.
What if I own a licensed (tagged) motor vehicle?
Licensed Motor Vehicles and Trailers are listed automatically when you register or renew your motor vehicle or trailer registration through the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. A licensed trailer includes any trailer that requires a registration, such as boat trailers, utility trailers, or camping trailers. Taxpayers receive a separate tax bill for each licensed motor vehicle or trailer approximately 3 months after it is registered.
What if I own an unlicensed (untagged) motor vehicle or single wide mobile home?
Personal property like singlewide mobile homes, campers, boats, and trailers, for example, are valued according to size and year. Motor vehicles are valued by year, make and model, in accordance with the "N. C. Vehicle Valuation Manual".
Land Records
How can I find information on properties and who owns a property/parcel/lot?
The best place to start your search is the Land Records Property Search page. If you know the propertys tax IDs, subdivision, address or owners name use that to obtain the information. If not, use the interactive map. A full description of how to use the GIS software is available on the GIS Web site.
How can I get a map of my property?
There are several ways to get a map of your property. You can come to the Land Records office in Hillsborough where one of the staff members will assist you in printing a map. If you want a recorded plat of you property you can get a copy of it at the Register Of Deeds office located across the hall from the Land Records department. Or you can print one from the internet. Click Here and accept disclaimer information to go to the search page.
How do I determine who controls zoning for a particular property/parcel/lot?
Currently you will have to contact the Planning Office who has jurisdiction over that area. If you're not sure you can start by calling the Orange County Planning Department at (919)245-2575.
How can I get GIS map coverages (layers)?
We are able to put shapefiles and coverages on cds or dvds. Contact us to get pricing and media format options.
How can I get a map of the County?
We have a standard county-wide map which has streets and parcels. The size is 36"WX50"H and the cost is $25. Other maps are available at different sizes and cost. You can print a page-size map from our website of the area or property you are interested in.
How can I get a new address for my property?
Information can be found on the GIS Division web page.
Return to TopHow do I find the zoning for a property/parcel/lot?
Currently you will have to contact the planning office who has jurisdiction over that area. If you're not sure you can start by calling the Orange County Planning Department.