How to Pay Your Buncombe County Tax Bill: A Step-by-Step Guide

Paying your property taxes is an important responsibility for homeowners and landowners in Buncombe County, North Carolina. Failure to pay your tax bill on time can result in penalties, interest charges, and even foreclosure on your property Thankfully, Buncombe County offers several convenient options for paying your tax bill. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of paying your Buncombe County tax bill

Understanding Your Tax Bill

Your Buncombe County tax bill provides important information that you’ll need when paying your taxes Here are some key items to look for on your bill

• Property ID Number This unique identifier is specific to your property You’ll need it when paying online or over the phone,

• Tax Year: This shows the fiscal year for which you owe taxes. Buncombe County tax bills are issued in August and due by January 5th of the following year.

• Assessed Value: This is the value assigned to your property by the county tax assessor. Your tax amount is calculated based on a tax rate applied to the assessed value.

• Tax Amount Due: This is the total amount you owe for the tax year. It includes county, municipal, and other taxes.

• Due Date: The date your payment must be received by to avoid penalties and interest. For Buncombe County, taxes are due by January 5th.

Review your tax bill carefully and make note of the important details before attempting to pay. Contact the Buncombe County Tax Department if you have any questions about your bill.

Pay Online

The easiest and most convenient way to pay your Buncombe County tax bill is online. Here’s how to pay online in just a few quick steps:

1. Go to billpay.forte.net/buncombeconctax/. This is the county’s official tax payment website.

2. Click “Pay Tax Bill” and then enter your property ID number and the year for which you are paying taxes.

3. Select your payment method. You can pay directly from your bank account with an e-check for no fee. Credit and debit cards are also accepted for a small convenience fee.

4. Enter your payment information and complete the simple checkout process.

5. Save your confirmation number for your records. Online payments may take up to 3 business days to process.

Paying online allows you to securely pay your tax bill 24/7. You’ll avoid mailing delays and last-minute trips to the tax office. Just be sure to pay by January 5th to avoid any late fees or interest.

Pay by Phone

For those who prefer to pay bills over the phone, Buncombe County offers a simple automated payment system. Follow these steps:

1. Call 1-828-656-5636. This is the county’s toll-free tax payment line.

2. When prompted, enter your property ID number and follow the voice instructions to make your payment.

3. Have your payment information ready. The automated system will walk you through entering your bank account or card details.

4. Write down the confirmation number at the end for your records.

5. Allow up to 3 business days for phone payments to process.

The phone payment system is available 24 hours a day. Just call anytime before the January 5th deadline to pay your bill.

Pay by Mail

If you would rather mail in a traditional paper check, here is how to pay your Buncombe County tax bill by mail:

1. Make your check payable to Buncombe County Tax Collector.

2. Write your property ID number and the applicable tax year in the memo line.

3. Mail your payment to:

   Buncombe County Tax Collector
   PO Box 3140
   Asheville, NC 28802

4. Make sure to mail your payment in enough time to arrive by January 5th to avoid late fees. Allow 7-10 days for delivery.

5. Keep your mailing receipt or request delivery confirmation to have proof your payment was sent on time.

6. Payments received after January 5th will be charged interest and penalties even if they were mailed on time.

Mailing your payment is convenient if you prefer to pay by check. Just make sure to account for mail delivery time when sending your payment.

Pay in Person

For those who prefer to pay their taxes in person, you can visit the Buncombe County Tax Collections office at:

Buncombe County Tax Collections
94 Coxe Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801

The office is open Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm. You can pay with cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card. Make sure to bring your tax bill or property ID number when paying in person.

The county also has two tax bill drop boxes where you can deposit payments:

• Weaverville Library – 41 N. Main St, Weaverville
• Black Mountain Library – 105 N. Dougherty St, Black Mountain

Just be sure to pay by January 5th to avoid any late fees or interest charges.

Explore Payment Plan Options

If you cannot afford to pay your entire tax bill at once, Buncombe County offers payment plans, including:

• Casual Payment Plan: Pay a predetermined monthly amount that you choose.

• Preauthorized Debit Plan: Automatic monthly withdrawals from your bank account.

Contact the Buncombe County Tax Department at 828-250-4910 to set up a payment plan. As long as you are enrolled by January 5th and make consistent monthly payments, you can avoid penalties.

Avoid Delinquency and Late Fees

It is important to pay your Buncombe County tax bill in full by January 5th each year. Tax bills left unpaid after this deadline are considered delinquent. Delinquent accounts are charged the following penalties:

• Interest: An annual rate of 2% above the Federal Reserve discount rate is applied to unpaid balances.

• Advertising Fee: A $15 advertising fee is added to unpaid accounts published in the newspaper.

• Collection Actions: Delinquent accounts may be sent to collection agencies or have liens or garnishments placed on them.

• Property Foreclosure: After 3 years of delinquency, the county can initiate foreclosure proceedings and sell your property at auction.

Don’t let your taxes become delinquent and accrue unnecessary fees. Use one of the payment options above to pay your bill on time by January 5th. Reach out to the Buncombe County Tax Department if you need help or have any other questions. Paying your property taxes protects your property rights and funds essential community services.