Property Records Search

Pender Property Tax: Rates, Online Pay & Assessor Contact

Pender Property Tax bills arrive each year with the assessed value, the current tax rate, and any applicable exemptions. The Pender County tax assessor office at 300 E. Fremont Street, Burgaw, NC 28425 answers calls at (910) 259‑1221 and can confirm the 2026 property tax rate in Pender NC. Homeowners can check the Pender County parcel search tool online, calculate dues with the tax calculator, and see the tax roll PDF for exact amounts. Payment options include the “how to pay property taxes online Pender County” portal, credit‑card or mail, and the tax collector office hours cover evenings for convenience. If the bill is late, the delinquent property tax list Pender is posted and payment plans are available.

Pender Property Tax exemptions in Pender, such as the homestead exemption Pender County offers, can lower the balance for qualifying owners. When a notice seems high, the appeal process for Pender County property taxes lets you submit documentation by mail, email (revalappeals@pendercountync.gov) or in person. The assessor’s team also provides tax relief programs in Pender County and answers questions about mortgage tax implications. Keep the assessment notice for Pender County property safe and track due dates to avoid penalties.

Search Pender County Property Tax

Pender County property owners can look up tax bills, assessed values, and payment status through the official public search portal maintained by Pender County. The portal works as a live database connected to the Pender County Tax Assessor office, and it returns parcel-level details within seconds. Users need a parcel identification number, owner name, or street address to start a search.

  1. Open the official search portal at https://tax.pendercountync.gov in a current web browser.
  2. Select Pender County from the available options on the landing page.
  3. Choose a search method: parcel number, owner name, property address, or bill number.
  4. Enter the requested value in the search field, then press the search button to load results.
  5. Click the matching parcel to view assessed land value, building value, total assessed value, exemptions, and the most recent tax bill amount.
  6. Use the on-screen links to print a tax bill, view payment history, or check whether a refund or appeal is pending.

For records not visible in the public portal, residents can contact the Tax Assessor office at (910) 259-1221 during regular weekday hours. The same office accepts walk-in requests at 300 E. Fremont Street, Burgaw, NC 28425 for certified records, ownership history, and tax roll PDF copies.

Pender County Tax Assessor Office and Core Functions

The Pender County Tax Assessor office sets the value of every taxable parcel inside the county each reappraisal cycle. Staff members maintain ownership records, apply statutory exemptions, track building permits, and issue annual assessment notices. The office also works with the Tax Collector to make sure billed amounts match the values placed on the tax roll.

  • Department Name: Pender County Tax Assessor
  • Main Phone: (910) 259-1221
  • Physical Address: 300 E. Fremont Street, Burgaw, NC 28425
  • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 67, Burgaw, NC 28425
  • Official Website: https://www.pendercountync.gov

Appraisers in the office use mass appraisal models, market sales, and physical inspections to assign values. North Carolina General Statute requires counties to reappraise property on a regular cycle, and Pender County completed a revaluation effective January 1, 2026. Vincent Valuations served as the contracted firm for that revaluation, and residents may call the Assessor office to ask about the data, methods, or sale files used.

How the Property Tax Rate Works in Pender County

The property tax rate in Pender County is set each year by the Board of Commissioners during the budget process. The rate is expressed as dollars per one hundred dollars of assessed value, so a rate of $0.4251 means a property owner pays $0.4251 for every $100 of taxable value. County leaders also publish a revenue-neutral rate each year, which is the rate that would generate the same revenue as the prior year using new assessed values.

Budget YearCountywide Rate (per $100)Source
2026-2026 Adopted$0.7375Port City Daily reporting on 2026-2027 budget vote
2026-2027 Revenue-Neutral Rate (published)$0.4051Pender County Manager’s Recommended Budget
2026-2027 Proposed Rate (2-cent increase)$0.4251Pender County Manager’s Recommended Budget

Rates cover county services, fire districts, and emergency medical service districts inside Pender County. Each municipality, such as Burgaw, Watha, St. Helena, and Atkinson, may add its own ad valorem rate on top of the county rate. The North Carolina Department of Revenue publishes the final list of county rates each year in a PDF titled 2026-2026 County Tax Rates Final.pdf.

Pender County Real Estate Taxes and Annual Reappraisal

Pender County real estate taxes are based on the assessed value of land, buildings, and any permanent improvements. The 2026 reappraisal, required by state law, reset values to fair market value as of January 1, 2026. County Manager Colby Sawyer confirmed the revaluation drove assessed values up sharply, with many parcels rising between 105% and 110% compared with the last cycle.

  • Effective Date of New Values: January 1, 2026
  • Reappraisal Firm: Vincent Valuations
  • Notice Mailing Window: Notices mailed during the reappraisal year, with appeals open through June 30
  • Average Value Change: 105% to 110% increase for many residential parcels

After a public discussion, the Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 to rescind a temporary pause on the revaluation and restore the original June 30 appeal deadline. Property owners who believe their new value is above market can submit an appeal with comparable sales, photos, or proof of structural issues.

Property Tax Exemptions Available in Pender County

Several exemptions reduce the taxable value of a property in Pender County, and the Assessor office applies them automatically when eligibility is documented. Owners must file the right application, supply supporting documents, and meet the statutory deadline to keep the benefit from year to year.

  • Homestead Exemption: Excludes the first portion of appraised value from taxation for qualifying permanent residents who are North Carolina residents age 65 or older, totally and permanently disabled, or legally blind.
  • Disabled Veteran Exclusion: Provides a property value exclusion for veterans with a permanent service-connected disability, with the exclusion amount tied to the disability rating.
  • Religious and Charitable Exemption: Applies to property owned by qualifying religious, charitable, scientific, or educational organizations and used for the stated purpose.
  • Agricultural, Horticultural, and Forestland Use: Values qualifying land at its present-use rate rather than market rate when the owner meets acreage, income, and sound management requirements.

Application forms are available at the Assessor office or on the county website at https://www.pendercountync.gov. Staff review each application, verify supporting documents, and add the exemption to the parcel record before the tax roll is created for the next billing cycle.

How to Pay Property Taxes Online in Pender County

Pender County offers an online payment portal that accepts electronic check, credit card, and debit card payments for current and most delinquent bills. The system charges a convenience fee set by the payment processor, and the fee is shown to the user before the transaction is finalized. Electronic check payments carry a lower fee than card payments.

Payment MethodAccepted?Typical Fee
Online Electronic Check (ACH)YesFlat fee charged by processor
Online Credit or Debit CardYesPercentage-based fee charged by processor
Mail (Check or Money Order)YesPostage cost only
In-Person at Tax OfficeYesNo fee for cash or check
Drop Box at County BuildingYesNo fee

To pay online, residents visit the county website at https://www.pendercountync.gov and click the tax payment link. The system asks for the parcel number or bill number, pulls the balance, and lets the user choose a payment method. A confirmation email is sent after the transaction is approved, and the same screen offers a printable receipt.

Pender County Parcel Search Tool and GIS Access

The Pender County GIS parcel viewer is a web-based map that shows every parcel, its boundaries, owner name, and linked tax data. A redesigned version launched recently with faster load times, mobile-friendly access, and improved search tools. The viewer works well for real estate agents, surveyors, title examiners, and homeowners checking lot lines.

  • Search by parcel number, owner name, or address from the search bar
  • Toggle layers for zoning, floodplain, soils, and aerial imagery
  • Click any parcel to view acreage, building footprints, and last sale date
  • Use the print tool to export a custom map area as a PDF for personal use
  • Share a permalink that opens the same map view in a new browser session

The GIS viewer links directly to the tax record, so users can move from a map parcel to a tax bill in two clicks. For certified maps or deed research, residents can visit the Register of Deeds office at 300 East Fremont Street, Burgaw, NC 28425.

Reading the Pender County Assessment Notice

The annual assessment notice shows the parcel ID, owner of record, legal description, land value, building value, total assessed value, exemptions in place, and the bill estimate for the coming year. The notice also includes a deadline for filing an appeal. Owners should compare the land and building values with recent sale prices for similar parcels in the same neighborhood.

  • Parcel ID: The unique number used for every tax lookup and payment
  • Land Value: The assessor estimate of the parcel’s land component
  • Building Value: The replacement cost of structures, less depreciation
  • Total Assessed Value: Land value plus building value, before exemptions
  • Exemptions: Dollar amount removed from the taxable base, with the exemption code listed
  • Estimated Tax: Bill estimate calculated using the current published tax rate

If any line on the notice looks wrong, the owner should gather evidence such as a recent appraisal, comparable sales, or photos of structural issues, then submit an appeal before the printed deadline. The Assessor office can help interpret the values and the exemption codes listed on the notice.

Appeal Process for Pender County Property Taxes

Property owners who disagree with the assessed value may file a formal appeal with the Pender County Tax Assessor. The appeal must be filed in writing, must reference the parcel, and must include supporting evidence. Appeals can be filed online, by mail, by email to the revaluation email address, or in person at the Assessor office.

StepActionChannel
1Review the assessment notice and gather evidenceOwner action at home
2Complete the appeal form for the listed tax yearOnline, mail, or in person
3Attach comparable sales, photos, or appraisal reportsUpload, mail, or hand-deliver
4Submit the appeal by the posted deadlineOnline portal, mail, email, or office visit
5Attend an informal review with the Assessor staffIn person or by phone
6Request a hearing before the Board of Equalization and Review if neededWritten request after informal review

For the 2026 revaluation cycle, the Board of Commissioners set the appeal deadline at June 30, 2026. Residents can email appeals to revalappeals@pendercountync.gov or call 910-259-0200 with questions. The Assessor office also runs appeal workshops during the open window, and tax office hours have been extended to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on selected Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to give owners time to file.

Delinquent Property Tax List and Collection Steps

Property taxes in Pender County become delinquent if not paid by the statutory due date. The Tax Collector prepares a delinquent list each year and posts it for public review. Interest begins accruing on the unpaid balance, and a notice is sent to the property owner before further enforcement action.

  • Past Due Notice: Sent by mail within weeks of the missed deadline
  • Interest Accrual: Applied to the unpaid balance at the North Carolina statutory rate
  • Public Delinquent List: Posted on the county website and at the courthouse
  • Attachment and Lien: Recorded against the parcel in the Register of Deeds office
  • Tax Foreclosure: Filed in superior court when the debt remains unpaid for the statutory period

Owners who see their parcel on the delinquent list should contact the Tax Collector office as soon as possible. Payment plans, partial payments, and hardship deferrals are options the office can review on a case-by-case basis.

Payment Plans and Tax Relief Programs in Pender County

Owners who cannot pay a property tax bill in full can ask the Tax Collector office about a written installment agreement. The office reviews the request, sets a payment schedule, and pauses further collection steps as long as the owner stays current on the agreement. North Carolina law also allows the Installment Payment Method for active-duty service members under certain conditions.

  • Standard Installment Plan: Monthly payments set to clear the bill by year-end, with interest still accruing on the unpaid balance.
  • Hardship Deferral: Postpones collection for owners who can show documented financial hardship, with the debt attached to the property.
  • Circuit Breaker Program: Reduces property tax for low-income owners who meet income and residency rules set by North Carolina General Statute.
  • Disabled Veteran Benefit: Provides a refund of a portion of property tax paid by qualifying veterans with a permanent service-connected disability.

Application forms and supporting checklists for each program are available at the Tax Collector office. Staff can walk residents through the income limits, residency rules, and document list required to qualify.

Tax Bill Due Dates and Collection Schedule

Pender County property tax bills are issued once each year, and the due date is set by state statute. Interest begins accruing on the day after the due date. Owners who pay early do not earn a discount under North Carolina law, but paying on time avoids interest and the delinquent list.

  • Billing Date: Annual tax bills are mailed in late summer, with the rate locked in for that fiscal year.
  • Due Date: Stated on the bill and posted on the county website each year.
  • Interest Start Date: The day after the printed due date.
  • Delinquent List Posting: Published after the grace period ends each year.

Owners who do not receive a bill by mail can request a duplicate from the Tax Assessor office at (910) 259-1221 or visit the office at 300 E. Fremont Street, Burgaw, NC 28425. Failure to receive a bill in the mail does not relieve the owner of the duty to pay on time.

Pender County Tax Roll PDF and Public Records

The Pender County tax roll is the master list of every taxable parcel, its owner, assessed value, and the amount billed. The tax roll is created each year after the budget is adopted and the Assessor finishes value updates. Certified copies of the tax roll PDF can be requested from the Assessor office or viewed on terminals inside the office.

  • Real property tax roll PDF, organized by parcel number
  • Personal property tax roll PDF, listing business assets and listings
  • Motor vehicle tax roll PDF, captured at the time of billing
  • Delinquent tax roll PDF, posted after the due date passes
  • Abstract of the tax roll, with totals by township and fire district

The Register of Deeds office keeps deeds, plats, liens, and recorded documents that link to the tax roll. Records can be searched at https://www.pendercountync.gov or in person at the office on Fremont Street.

Homestead Exemption Eligibility in Pender County

The North Carolina homestead exemption excludes a portion of the appraised value of a permanent residence from property tax. In Pender County, the exemption applies to owners who use the property as their legal residence, are North Carolina residents, and meet at least one of the age, disability, or blindness tests set by state law.

  • Age 65 or Older: Available to any North Carolina resident who is at least 65 on January 1 of the tax year.
  • Total and Permanent Disability: Available to those who cannot engage in any substantial gainful activity due to a physical or mental impairment expected to last at least 12 months.
  • Legally Blind: Available to owners certified as legally blind by a qualified medical professional.
  • Income Limit: The state’s circuit breaker program applies a separate income test for low-income owners seeking additional relief.

Applications are filed with the Assessor office on the state-approved form. Owners must provide proof of age, disability, or blindness, and they must reapply only if the eligibility status changes. The exemption stays in place as long as the owner remains in the home and keeps the qualifying status.

Mortgage Tax Implications for Pender County Property Owners

Property taxes in Pender County are paid each year, and most mortgage lenders require the borrower to pay those taxes through an escrow account. The lender collects a portion of the annual tax with each mortgage payment, holds the money in escrow, and pays the tax bill on the homeowner’s behalf when it comes due. Borrowers who pay taxes directly must show proof of payment to the lender to avoid forced-place insurance or escrow shortages.

  • Escrow Setup: Lender estimates the annual tax and divides it by 12 for monthly escrow collection.
  • Annual Escrow Analysis: Lender reviews the account each year to adjust the monthly collection to match the next tax bill.
  • Shortages and Surpluses: A shortage can raise the monthly payment, but a surplus can be refunded or rolled into the next year.
  • Tax Bill Receipt: Homeowners receive a copy of the paid bill from the lender after the tax is paid.

Refinancing a mortgage can change the escrow setup, and some loan products waive escrow for borrowers with strong equity positions. Owners who pay property tax directly should keep canceled checks or bank records in case the lender asks for proof of payment at year-end.

Pender County Register of Deeds and Property Records

The Pender County Register of Deeds office records deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and other documents that affect property ownership. Recorded documents become part of the public record and can be searched by name, parcel number, or instrument number. The office staff also provide certified copies and assist with record corrections.

  • Department Name: Pender County Register of Deeds
  • Physical Address: 300 East Fremont Street, Burgaw, NC 28425
  • Official Website: https://www.pendercountync.gov

Online records can be searched at https://www.pendercountync.gov using the Register of Deeds search tools. Users can pull up scanned images of recorded documents, view the recording date, and order certified copies online for a small fee per page.

Tax Collector Office Hours and In-Person Services

The Tax Collector office accepts in-person payments, sets up payment plans, and processes refund requests. During the appeal season for the 2026 revaluation, the office extended its hours on selected weekdays to handle the higher call and walk-in volume. The office also runs informal appeal workshops in partnership with the Assessor staff.

  • Standard Weekday Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Extended Hours During Appeal Season: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on selected Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
  • Phone Support: Available during office hours at (910) 259-1221
  • Walk-In Payments: Cash, check, money order, and card accepted at the front counter

Residents who cannot visit during the day can use the drop box at the county building, pay online through the county portal, or mail a check with the bill stub to the Pender County Tax Office at P.O. Box 67, Burgaw, NC 28425. A receipt is mailed for in-person and mail payments, and an email confirmation is sent for online payments.

Lien Information and Property Tax Consequences

An unpaid property tax bill creates a lien on the parcel in North Carolina. The lien is recorded with the Register of Deeds and stays attached to the property until the tax, interest, and costs are paid in full. A tax lien can slow a future sale, block a refinance, and reduce the proceeds the owner receives at closing.

  • Statutory Lien Date: Attaches on the date the taxes become delinquent each year.
  • Public Notice: The lien appears in the public records and on title searches.
  • Title Impact: Buyers and lenders require a tax status report before closing.
  • Foreclosure Risk: Persistent non-payment can lead to a tax foreclosure action in superior court.

Owners who plan to sell or refinance should request a payoff quote from the Tax Collector office. The payoff includes tax, interest, and any fees, and it stays valid for a short window so the title company can close without surprises.

Contact, Local Details, and Map

The Pender County Tax Assessor office and the Pender County Register of Deeds office are both located on Fremont Street in Burgaw. Residents can walk in, call, or email the staff listed below. For the most current office hours, residents should call the phone number on file before visiting.

Tax Assessor

  • Department Name: Pender County Tax Assessor
  • Main Phone: (910) 259-1221
  • Physical Address: 300 E. Fremont Street, Burgaw, NC 28425
  • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 67, Burgaw, NC 28425
  • Official Website: https://www.pendercountync.gov
  • Direct Public Search Portal: https://tax.pendercountync.gov

Deed Recorder

  • Department Name: Pender County Register of Deeds
  • Physical Address: 300 East Fremont Street, Burgaw, NC 28425
  • Official Website: https://www.pendercountync.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

Pender Property Tax matters affect every homeowner and business in the county. The Tax Assessor office handles assessments, bill delivery, and exemptions. Knowing how to find your bill, where to pay, and how to appeal saves time and money. Below are the most common queries and clear steps to resolve them.

What is the current property tax rate in Pender County for 2026?

The 2026 rate stands at $0.4051 per $100 of assessed value, known as the revenue‑neutral rate. Multiply this figure by your home’s assessed value to estimate the tax due. For example, a house valued at $250,000 would owe roughly $1,012.75. The rate applies to all residential and commercial parcels unless an exemption changes the calculation.

How can I pay my Pender County property tax online?

Visit the county’s official website and click the “Pay Your Tax Bill” link. Enter your parcel ID or account number, then choose a credit card or ACH payment. Receipts email instantly, and the system updates your payment status in real time. Payments are accepted until the due date listed on your notice, typically in early October.

Where do I find the Pender County parcel search tool?

Open the public search portal at https://www.pendercountync.gov and select “Parcel Viewer.” You may search by parcel number, owner name, or street address. Results show current assessed value, tax amount, and any exemptions. This tool helps verify data before filing an appeal or requesting a correction.

What steps are required to appeal an assessment in Pender County?

First, gather recent sales data, photos of property issues, and any repair records. Then, email revalappeals@pendercountync.gov or call (910) 259‑0200 to request an appeal packet. Complete the form and attach supporting documents. Submit the packet by mail to P.O. Box 67, Burgaw, NC 28425, or deliver it in person to 300 E. Fremont Street before the deadline posted on your notice, usually June 30.

How do I apply for the homestead exemption in Pender County?

Homeowners must list all taxable personal property by February 2 each year. Bring a completed exemption form, proof of residence, and a copy of your 2023 tax bill to the Tax Assessor office at 300 E. Fremont Street, Burgaw, NC 28425. The office is open Monday‑Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Once approved, the exemption reduces the assessed value by $5,000, lowering the total tax due.