Tax Collector

Tax Collections Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are Payment Plans Available?

If you would like to set up a payment plan, please contact the office of the Tax Collector at 252-902-3436 to discuss your account with a representative.

Mortgage Escrow Accounts

The property owner is responsible for full payment of property taxes. If your mortgage includes an escrow account for payment of property taxes, you are responsible to notify your mortgage lender of the tax amount due and to verify with the Pitt County Tax Collector that payment has been received. Tax notices are mailed only to property owners.

Can I assume ownership of a property just by paying the taxes?

It is not possible to acquire property by just paying the back taxes. The State of North Carolina has a set procedure for the collection of taxes, the placing of liens, and the foreclosure of tax liens by a municipality. Anyone may pay the taxes on a piece of property for someone else, but that will not gain them title to the property.

Tax Rates

The Pitt County Board of Commissioners sets County, fire and EMS district taxes annually when the budget is adopted. Municipal tax rates are set by the respective elected town officials. View the Tax Rates.

I Sold the Property, Why Am I Getting a Tax Notice?

Transfers of ownership of real property for the current tax year have been updated through May to reflect the current owner. For individual personal property, the bill is sent to the listing owner as of January 1 of the current tax year.

When do Enforcement Collections begin?

Pitt County begins enforcement measures immediately after the past due date. Delinquent taxes will be collected through all remedies available by NC. General Statutes, including bank account attachment, rent attachment, escheated funds attachment, wage garnishment, sheriff’s levy on personal property, NC Debt Setoff, and foreclosure on real property. Enforcement procedures do not apply to accounts under bankruptcy protection. Accounts in payment arrangement status in good standing are only subject to advertisement for delinquent real estate taxes and NC Debt Setoff.

What is the Debt Setoff Program?

Subject to the laws of North Carolina, any unpaid past due taxes are subject to enforcement procedures. If your property taxes become past due, it is our intention to secure payment by filing a claim with the State of North Carolina to obtain your income tax refund or lottery winnings. A collection assistance fee of $15 shall be added to the account if we submit the account for collection. The Debt Setoff Clearinghouse retains a $5 fee for each debt matched.

How can I obtain a Receipt?

 A personal or real property tax receipt can be mailed upon request. For income tax purposes, please retain the upper portion of your tax notice along with your cancelled check. In lieu of a paid receipt, you can print a statement showing taxes paid from the Public Tax Access Website.

MyDMV is the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles online portal that lets you view and manage details about your driver license and vehicle registration, view and print motor vehicle taxes due/paid and conveniently complete NCDMV services anytime and anywhere – without ever having to wait in a line. To access this feature, click here: MyDMV.