Navigating vehicle registration and property taxes can often feel like a maze. North Carolina recognized this complexity and introduced the Tag and Tax Together program to simplify the process for vehicle owners like you. This initiative combines your annual vehicle registration renewal with your vehicle property tax into a single, streamlined payment.
If your vehicle registration address is up-to-date, you will receive a combined statement approximately 60 days before your registration expires. This statement clearly outlines both your vehicle registration fees and the property taxes due. Since September 2013, North Carolina has aligned your annual vehicle inspection, registration renewal, and vehicle property tax deadlines to the same month each year. Now, a single payment – whether made online, by mail, or in person – covers both your annual tag and tax obligations. It’s important to note that vehicle inspection fees are still paid separately to the inspection station at the time of inspection.
For detailed inquiries about your vehicle property tax specifically, you can always reach out to your local County Tax Office.
To help you understand this program better, let’s address some frequently asked questions:
Why Was the Tag and Tax Program Implemented?
The North Carolina General Assembly initiated the Tag and Tax Together program through House Bill 1779. The primary goal was to create a more efficient and user-friendly system for North Carolina vehicle owners to handle their annual registration and vehicle taxes. Prior to 2013, these were separate processes. Now, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles both payments, subsequently distributing the property tax portion to the respective counties.
What Exactly Changed with This Program?
The key change is consolidation. Previously, you received separate bills and made separate payments for vehicle registration fees to the DMV and vehicle property taxes to your county. Each county managed its vehicle tax collections independently.
Now, the DMV sends out a combined registration renewal notice that includes both your registration fee and your vehicle property tax. While these amounts are listed separately on the notice for transparency, they are due at the same time and payable together to the NCDMV. You can continue to pay online, by mail, or in person at a license plate agency near you, offering multiple convenient payment options.
When Did This New System Begin?
The Tag and Tax Together system was gradually introduced starting with vehicle registration renewals due in mid-2013. By mid-2014, the program was fully implemented across North Carolina, encompassing all vehicle registrations.
What Will My Renewal Notice Look Like Now?
Your annual renewal notice is now a combined statement. It will provide details on both your vehicle registration renewal fee and the vehicle property tax you owe. Crucially, it also includes separate contact information for any questions you might have regarding your registration or your vehicle taxes, ensuring you can easily get the help you need for each component. The main advantage is that you make just one payment to the NCDMV to cover both obligations. The NCDMV then handles forwarding the property tax portion directly to your county’s revenue department.
Does This Program Include My Home or Mortgage Property Tax?
No, the Tag and Tax Together program is exclusively for vehicle property tax. It does not include or affect your mortgage or home property taxes, which remain separate.
When Is My Vehicle Tax Payment Due?
Your vehicle tax is due at the same time as your vehicle registration renewal. The specific due date will be clearly printed on the renewal notice you receive in the mail, ensuring you know exactly when payment is expected.
How Do I Make a Combined Payment?
Paying both fees together is simple and convenient. You can make a single payment to the NCDMV through the following methods:
- Online: Pay electronically via the NCDMV website (link available on your notice).
- By Mail:
- Send a check or money order to the address printed on your renewal notice. Important: If your mailing address has changed since your last registration renewal, do not mail your payment immediately. Contact your county tax office as your tax amount may need recalculation due to the address change.
- In Person:
- Visit a license plate agency near you for in-person payment assistance.
- Alternatively, you can visit the DMV Vehicle Registration Office located at 1100 New Bern Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27697.
Will My Vehicle Registration Renewal Fee Change?
The vehicle registration renewal fees are set by the NCDMV and are separate from the Tag and Tax Together program itself. You can find the most current fee schedule on the DMV Fees page (ncdot.gov) for a comprehensive list of all DMV fees.
Is Vehicle Inspection Still Required?
Yes, the annual vehicle safety and/or emissions inspection requirement remains in place. Your vehicle must pass inspection before you can renew your registration. You can get your vehicle inspected up to 90 days before your registration renewal date, just as in previous years. Vehicles 35 years old or older are exempt from the annual inspection requirement.
How Will I Know My Property Tax Amount?
Your combined renewal notice will clearly display the property tax amount due, along with details of your county and municipality tax rates and any other applicable taxes. This ensures full transparency about how your total amount is calculated.
Can I Renew Registration Without Paying Property Tax?
No, vehicle registration renewal is contingent upon paying both the vehicle registration fees and the associated property taxes simultaneously. The system is designed to process both together.
Which Year Do Vehicle Property Taxes Cover?
The vehicle property taxes included on your combined notice are for the coming year, aligning with the period covered by your vehicle registration renewal. They are forward-looking, covering the same timeframe as your registration.
What If I’ve Moved Since My Last Renewal?
If you have updated your address with the NCDMV, your tag and tax notice should be mailed to your new address. If you haven’t notified the DMV of your address change, you might not receive the renewal notice.
Important if you’ve moved: If you have moved, it’s crucial to update your address and be aware that your vehicle property tax might need to be recalculated based on your new location. Do not send your renewal and payment by mail if you’ve moved and haven’t updated your address. Instead, you can update your address and potentially renew in person at a local license plate agency or online by requesting a duplicate registration card for a $20.00 fee.
What Happens If I Pay Late?
Late payments for vehicle property tax and registration renewals will incur interest charges. Additionally, driving with expired tags can result in fees from the NCDMV and potential citations. It’s important to pay on time to avoid these penalties.
Can I Still Pay Vehicle Property Tax at the County Tax Office?
No, you can no longer pay your vehicle property tax directly at your county tax office. All payments are now processed through the NCDMV as part of the Tag and Tax Together program.
Who Should I Contact for Property Tax Questions?
Contact information for your county tax office is provided on your Tag and Tax renewal notice. This makes it easy to reach out to the appropriate local office if you have specific questions about your vehicle property tax assessment or calculation.
How Is My Vehicle Property Tax Calculated?
The county vehicle appraiser determines your vehicle’s value based on its fair market value. Your property tax is then calculated based on the applicable tax rates and the tax jurisdiction where your vehicle is located.
What If I Disagree With My Property Tax Assessment?
If you disagree with the assessed value, property tax amount, or vehicle tax location after receiving your combined notice, you should contact the county tax office in the county where your vehicle resides. You have a 30-day window to appeal from the due date, which is the 15th day of the month following your registration renewal or a new registration. Make sure to contact them promptly if you wish to appeal.
