Tax Bills - Returned Payments and Delinquent Taxes

Returned Payments

• If a check is returned unpaid or an electronic payment is not honored by the issuer, the taxes for which the payment is given shall be deemed unpaid.
• The Tax Administration Department is unable to resubmit a check or electronic payment.
• A penalty of $25.00 or 10% of the payment amount, whichever is greater, will be charged for returned checks or electronic funds transfers, with a maximum penalty of $1,000.00.
  • Fees are determined per NCGS 105-236.
• This penalty will be added to and collected in the same manner as the taxes for which payment was submitted.
• For further information, please contact the Tax Administration office by submitting an online request from at https://taxhelp.wake.gov/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=43059980412564, or by calling our office at 919-856-5400.

Delinquent Taxes

• Debt collection processes may begin immediately after a payment becomes delinquent.
• Enforced collection remedies may include any of the following:
  • Wage Garnishment
  • Bank Account Attachment
  • Rental Income or Income Tax Refund Seizure
  • Wake County Sheriff's Office seizing and selling personal property
  • Foreclosure on Real Estate
    • First step in the foreclosure process is advertisement of the delinquent account in the News & Observer approximately two months after becoming delinquent.

• Commencement of any of the actions above will result in additional cost and/or fees being added to the unpaid bills.