Wake Forest, North Carolina 2026
Wake Forest, North Carolina Property Taxes: Complete 2026 Guide
The combined Wake County and Town of Wake Forest property tax rate for FY 2025-26 is $0.9371 per $100 of assessed value. Here is a full breakdown of what that means for your annual tax bill.
How it works
How property taxes work in Wake Forest, North Carolina
If your home is inside Wake Forest town limits, your annual property tax bill includes two components: the Wake County rate and the Town of Wake Forest municipal rate. Both apply to the assessed value of your property as determined by Wake County Tax Administration.
For FY 2025-26, the Wake County rate is $0.5171 per $100 of assessed value and the Town of Wake Forest rate is $0.42 per $100. Combined, that is $0.9371 per $100, or roughly 0.94 percent of your home's assessed value per year.
Property taxes are billed annually, due September 1, and become delinquent after January 5. Most homeowners with a mortgage pay property taxes through escrow, meaning your lender collects the taxes monthly alongside your mortgage payment and pays the bill on your behalf.
2025-2026 rates
Wake Forest, North Carolina property tax rates for FY 2025-26
Wake County rate
$0.5171 per $100
Town of Wake Forest rate
$0.42 per $100
Combined rate (in-town)
$0.9371 per $100
Example annual tax bills at the combined $0.9371 rate
| Assessed value | Annual tax bill (approx.) | Monthly escrow (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| $350,000 | $3,280 | $273 |
| $450,000 | $4,217 | $351 |
| $550,000 | $5,154 | $430 |
| $700,000 | $6,560 | $547 |
Calculations use the combined FY 2025-26 rate of $0.9371 per $100. Rates are subject to change annually. Properties in the downtown municipal service district pay an additional $0.14 per $100. Verify current rates at wake.gov and wakeforestnc.gov.
Relief programs
North Carolina property tax relief programs available in Wake Forest
Elderly or Disabled Exclusion
Homeowners who are 65 or older or permanently disabled and meet the income limit may exclude a portion of their home's assessed value from taxation. Contact Wake County Tax Administration for current income thresholds.
Disabled Veteran Exclusion
Honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected total and permanent disability may exclude up to $45,000 of assessed value. A surviving spouse of a qualifying veteran may also be eligible.
Circuit Breaker Tax Deferment
Available to elderly or disabled homeowners with lower incomes. The program defers a portion of the property tax bill, which becomes a lien on the property paid when it is sold. Contact Wake County at (919) 856-5400 for details.
Property tax questions for Wake Forest, North Carolina homeowners
For properties inside Wake Forest town limits in FY 2025-26, the combined rate is $0.9371 per $100 of assessed value. This includes the Wake County rate of $0.5171 per $100 and the Town of Wake Forest rate of $0.42 per $100. On a home with an assessed value of $450,000, the combined annual property tax bill is approximately $4,217.
Wake County's property tax rate for FY 2025-26 is $0.5171 per $100 of assessed value. This is the county-wide rate that applies to all properties in Wake County. Properties inside incorporated towns like Wake Forest also pay the town's separate municipal rate on top of the county rate.
Wake County property taxes are due on September 1 and become delinquent if not paid by January 5 of the following year. You can pay online at the Wake County tax portal, by mail, or in person at the Wake County Tax Administration office.
Wake County revalues all real property on a regular cycle. The assessed value is meant to reflect the market value of the property as of the revaluation date. Between revaluations, values generally stay the same unless there is a change to the property such as a renovation, addition, or appeal. You can look up your property's assessed value at the Wake County Real Estate Search portal.
Yes. Wake County offers several property tax relief programs, including: the Elderly or Disabled Exclusion for homeowners who are 65 or older or permanently disabled and meet income requirements; the Disabled Veteran Exclusion for honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected total disability; and the Circuit Breaker Tax Deferment Program. Contact Wake County Tax Administration at (919) 856-5400 or visit wake.gov for eligibility details.
Property taxes and homeowners insurance are separate costs, but both are typically collected through your mortgage escrow account if you have a home loan. Your lender collects a portion of each along with your mortgage payment and pays the bills on your behalf when due. IronHaven Insurance can help you understand your full annual home ownership costs including insurance. Call (919) 249-8448.
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