Click on one of the topics below to get answers to Frequently Asked Questions:
Real Estate

Motor Vehicles

Tax Payments


Real Estate

I sold this property - Why am I getting this bill?
North Carolina Law states that all taxable real property shall be listed in the name of the owner as of January 1st each year. If this is a bill for real property that you sold on or after January 1 of the current year, please forward a copy of the tax bill the current owner. It is our policy to notify the new owner as soon as possible, and you can assist in this process by sending this information to the current owner in a timely manner.


When are my taxes due and when does interest begin?
Property taxes are due and payable September 1, of the current year and interest begins on January 6 of the following year at a rate of 2% and increases by 3/4 of 1% per month until paid. Interest and penalties are determined by the U.S. Postal postmark, and not by postal meter dates.


My mortgage company should pay this bill. Why am I getting it?
Even if you have an escrow account with a mortgage company on this property, the bill will be sent to you, with the escrow company being notified electronically. We depend on the mortgage company to determine what bills they require for payment. If you received the bill and you think the mortgage company should pay this bill, please contact your mortgage company.


May I Make Partial Payments?
Partial payments may be made from the time you receive your tax bill until January 6 of the following year.


Back to Top



Motor Vehicles

NCDMV License Plate Agency Telephone - 828-369-8165

Did I pay vehicle taxes when I bought my tag?

The tax bill generated by Macon County is an Ad Valorem tax bill generated yearly by the County. The tax paid when the vehicle is purchased is an excise tax for road improvements.


When does my motor vehicle tax come due?
You are billed within 90 days of tag renewal. You are given 1 month to pay before interest starts. After four (4) months, a block will be put on your tag, and you will have to pay taxes before the block can be removed.


Explain what happens when you transfer or turn in your tag
Tag Transfer: When you transfer a tag to another vehicle, you pay the tax on the current vehicle that is tagged. We will pick up the new vehicle next year.

Tag Turn-In: You should take your tag to the N.C. TAG OFFICE LOCATED AT 118 DEPOT STREET, FRANKLIN, NC 28734 or mail it to NCDMV TAG REGISTRATION, 3148 MAIL SERVICE CENTER DIVISION, RALEIGH, NC 27699.
When you turn in your tag, office staff will give you a FS 20 form. This form should be taken or mailed to the Tax Collector's Office. Once this form is received, we can prorate your taxes and send you a refund if bill has been paid, or reduce your tax bill for the months your vehicle was not tagged. WE CANNOT PRORATE TAXES OR REDUCE TAX BILLS WITHOUT THE FS20 FORM.

Back to Top

Tax Payments

 Macon County offers three ways you can pay your property taxes:

1. Online, here at this web site. Just search your record, add to the cart and pay via PayPal. A 2.2% convenience fee plus a $0.30 transaction fee will be added to your total taxes due. Click HERE to search, view and pay your taxes.
2. Mail your COMPLETE payments to: Macon County Tax Collector, P. O. Box 71059, Charlotte, NC 28272-1059.
3. Mail PARTIAL payments to: Macon County Tax Collector, 5 West Main Street, Annex Building, Franklin, NC 28734-3005.
4. Pay in person, at the Tax Collection office located at 5 West Main Street, Annex Building, Franklin, NC 28734-3005.

What methods of payment can be used to pay taxes online?
Any of the four major credit cards American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa or a PayPal account. A PayPal account is not required to pay by credit card.

Can partial payments be made online?
Partial payments cannot be paid on line. To make partial payment you must pay by mail or at the Tax Office with cash or check.

When will my payment be posted when paid online?
Your payment will be credited on the date of the transaction and will be reflected on our website on the same day.

Why are processing fees and transaction fees charged when paying online?
These fees are charged by PayPal to cover payment transactions made on the web site and this fee is not retained by Macon County.

Can credit card or debit card payments be made at the Tax Department?
Credit cards can be used in the Tax Department and will be charged processing and transaction fees by PayPal. Debit cards without major credit card logos will not be accepted.

Will I receive a receipt when my payment is made online?
After completing your payment transaction you will be able to print a paid receipt.

Will I be able to take a receipt to the tag office to get my renewal?
Yes, after completing the payment transaction you will be able to print a paid receipt.

If I have further questions about online payments, who should I call?
You can call (828)349-2142 or email mperry@maconnc.org. 

Back to Top