Collection FAQ

 September 1st.

On or before January 5th.

2% interest on the balance and 3/4% interest each month thereafter.

A bill is generated and mailed for payment each year. You are responsible for payment even if you do not receive the bill.

1. Incorrect address (make sure you keep your address current).
2. Tax bill was lost in the mail. 
3. If property was purchased after January 1st the bill goes to the owner as of the first day of the year.

Yes, but arrangements have to be kept to avoid other action.

Property is advertised in March of each year and will be advertised even if you have payment arrangements. Taxes must be paid in full to avoid advertisement.

 In no particular order:

1. Garnishment of wages 
2. Bank attachment 
3. Attachment of rents
4. Attachment of North Carolina tax refund (debt setoff)
5. Seizure of vehicle or other personal property
6. Account turned over to the sheriff for levy
7. Foreclosure of property

Property tax bills are mailed to the January 1st owner and we request that you forward the tax bill to the new owner.

Most mortgage and escrow companies receive a copy of the tax bills by requesting them or utilizing the internet to obtain bills electronically.  The paper copy of the bill is mailed to the taxpayer for information purposes.  It is the taxpayers responsibility to make sure their escrow is paying the taxes.  Please forward a copy of your bill to your bank or mortgage company  

You live in the county of Rutherford so you pay county taxes and if you are within the city limits you also pay city taxes.

1. You may come by the tax office and obtain duplicate receipts.
2. Send self-addressed stamped envelope with request for duplicate receipts of taxes you paid.
3. Receipts can also be printed from our website using the link below:

YES, You can use your debit card or credit card to pay. Master Card, Visa, and Discover cards are accepted by phone (888-564-3647), in the office and online. American Express is accepted online only. Just search your record, add to the cart and pay via credit or debit card. A $0.30 transaction fee plus a 2.5% convenience fee will be added to your total taxes due.  Click HERE to search, view and pay your taxes.

We also now offer eCheck online for a flat $1.50 fee.  Checks received in person or by mail are not charged a fee.

1. Mail your payments to: Rutherford County Tax Collector, 125 W 3rd Street, Rutherfordton NC 28139
2. Pay in person, at the Revenue Department office located at 125 W 3rd Street., Courthouse Addition, Rutherfordton, NC 2813

We have a designated drop box outside of the glass doors to the entrance of the tax office where payments can be made by check or money order. Just be sure to include your account number so your money gets aplied to the correct account.

FOR SECURITY REASONS - PLEASE DO NOT DROP CASH INTO THE DROP BOX!

If the tag was turned in the taxes could be prorated for the prior tax year IF all requirements for proration are met. If the tag was transferred to another vehicle you need to inform the NCDMV or License Plate Agency when you renew your tag or license plate.

You would need to send us a receipt from the tag office showing when the tag was turned in or a copy of a bona fide bill of sale or other document clearly indicating that the vehicle has been sold or otherwise been disposed. If you have moved out of North Carolina a copy of that state's current registration on the car is sufficient.

No.  Taxes for Registered Motor Vehicles (tagged or registered in the state of NC) are now collected at the DMV or License Plate Agency when the license plate is renewed.  It is a pre-paid tax that is based upon your license plate renewal and expiration dates.

Fire district and city taxes have always been charged on vehicles. As of 2013, taxes are printed on your invitation to renew your license plate that comes from the DMV and are collected by the DMV or License Plate Agency along with your registration fee.