Combined Vehicle Registration and Property Tax Notices
Got a Combined Vehicle Registration and Property Tax Notice in Sampson County? Here's What to Do
This guide explains what to do if you received a combined vehicle registration and property tax notice in Sampson County, North Carolina, as part of the "Tag & Tax Together" program.
Who to Contact
The department you contact depends on the issue you have with the notice. Here's a breakdown:
- NC DMV (919-814-1779):
- Questions about the registration fee on the notice
- You moved your vehicle out of Sampson County and the taxing location is wrong.
- The license plate on the notice was transferred to another car.
- The vehicle information is correct, but the license plate has changed.
- You need a statement showing property taxes paid during registration.
- Sampson County Tax Department (910 592-8146):
- You want to appeal the assessed value of your vehicle (visit their "Appealing Tax Values" page for details).
- Your vehicle was registered in Sampson County last year but is now in a different part of the county (and not reflected on the notice).
- You are active-duty military with a home address outside of North Carolina.
When to Disregard the Notice
- You no longer own the vehicle and surrendered the license plate to the NC DMV.
- You don't plan to register the vehicle in North Carolina (but be aware: if you own an unregistered vehicle on January 1st, you still need to list it for taxation with the Sampson County Tax Department).
How to Pay
You cannot pay this combined notice at the Sampson County Tax Office. You'll need to pay both the registration fee and property taxes to the NC DMV using one of these methods:
- Online: Visit the NC DMV's online registration system and pay with a credit or check card.
- By Mail: Send a check or money order to the address listed on your renewal notice.
- In Person: Find a vehicle registration and license plate renewal office near you.
By following these steps, you can handle your combined vehicle registration and property tax notice in Sampson County.
Tag & Tax Frequently Asked Questions
How will my registration renewal form change?
The new form combines information about your vehicle registration renewal fee and your vehicle property taxes. The new Tag & Tax System allows you to make one payment for both registration renewal and vehicle property tax.
Will my vehicle registration renewal fee remain the same?
Yes. The cost of your annual vehicle registration renewal will remain the same. The notice will increase to reflect your vehicle property tax amount.
When is my vehicle tax due?
Your vehicle tax will be due at the same time you renew your registration. North Carolina law now requires that your vehicle property tax be paid in order to renew the vehicle registration. The due date will be printed on the new combined notice that you receive in the mail.
Can I renew my vehicle registration if I do not pay my property tax?
No. You cannot renew your vehicle's registration, whether it is leased or owned, unless the total taxes and registration fees on the vehicle are paid in full.
Am I paying vehicle property taxes for the coming year or for the preceding year?
Taxes due on the notice are for the coming year and cover the same period as the vehicle registration.
What if I lease my vehicle? Do I need to pay my property taxes to the leasing company?
No. Vehicle property taxes on leased motor vehicles must be paid in full at the time of renewal. A copy of the combined tag and tax notice will now be sent to the vehicle lessee rather than the leasing company.
Is interest charged on late payments?
Yes. State law requires that interest be charged on late vehicle property tax payments and on late registration renewals.
How will I know the amount of vehicle property tax that I owe?
Your property tax amount will be included on the new combined notice along with your county and municipality tax rates.
How can I obtain a statement of the property taxes I paid?
Vehicle property taxes paid to the NC DMV at the time of registration are not available on the County's web site. To obtain a statement of the property taxes paid for your vehicle, call the NC DMV at 919-814-1779 or visit the NC DMV Online Portal to print your property tax receipt.
Will I receive a tax refund if I transfer my license plate to another vehicle during the year?
No. If you have paid your vehicle property tax for the year and then transfer the license plate to another vehicle, you will not be eligible for a refund of the taxes paid. The registered motor vehicle to which the plates are transferred will not be taxed until its current registration is renewed.
When can I apply for a refund of vehicle property taxes paid?
An owner can apply for a refund of taxes paid when a motor vehicle is sold or registered out of state. The refund will be calculated on any full calendar months remaining in the registration period after the license plate is surrendered to the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles. Any municipal vehicle tax assessed in accordance with NC General Statute 20-97 is not subject to proration or refund. Within one year of surrendering the license plates, the owner must present the following to the county tax office: (1) Proof of plate surrender to NCDMV (DMV Form FS20); and (2) Copy of the Bill of Sale or the new state's registration.
Will I have to pay vehicle property tax if I am active duty military?
Active duty non-resident military personnel may be exempt from North Carolina motor vehicle property tax. To qualify for an exemption, you must present a copy of your Leave & Earnings Statement (LES) to the county tax office. The statement should be for the month and year in which you register the vehicle and must include your Estimated Time of Separation (ETS) date and a home of record other than North Carolina. Military spouses may also qualify for exemption if their home of record is the same as the service member's. In addition to providing a copy of the LES as described above, spouses must provide a copy of their military I.D. card and a copy of their out of state driver's license, voter registration card or most current state tax return. If the vehicle is owned by a leasing company and leased to military personnel, the exemption cannot be applied and the taxes must be paid.