The Dare County Tax Department reminds residents and non-residents who own personal property in Dare County that the 2026 property listing period is January 1, 2026 to January 31, 2026.
Individuals and businesses in Dare County are required by North Carolina law to list their personal property for taxation during the month of January each year. This includes all personal property and business personal property owned as of January 1, 2026.
Property tax listing forms were mailed to all taxpayers who previously owned and listed personal property as of January 1, 2025. The front of the tax listing form must be completed and mailed or delivered to the Dare County Tax Department by Monday, February 2, 2026, to avoid penalty.* The back of the form includes instructions and notices.
*Please note that because January 31, 2026 falls on a Saturday, G.S. 105-395.1 allows listing forms to be accepted, without penalty, the next business day which is Monday, February 2, 2026.
If you need to list personal property and do not receive a listing form in the mail by Monday, January 12, 2026, please call the tax office at 252-475-5965 or 252-475-5958 to request one. You may also request one via email atListings@DareNC.gov. A penalty will be charged for anyone who does not list their required personal property with the Dare County Tax Department on or before the Monday, February 2, 2026 deadline.
Examples of Personal Property
- Aircrafts
- Boats
- Boat motors
- Golf carts
- Jet skis
- Mobile homes
- Non-tagged motor vehicles
- Multi-year and permanent plate tagged vehicles (i.e. boat, utility and horse trailers)
- Rental home furnishings
Unlike motor vehicle registration and tax, watercraft are required to be listed with the Dare County Tax Department. Even though you register your vessel with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission or the U.S. Coast Guard, they must be reported to the Tax Department. Vessels that are not listed create an undue burden on individuals who have listed their vessel. Vessels are required to be listed where they are located, not where they are registered. For instance, if you register your vessel in Virginia but keep it at your home in Dare County, then it must be listed in Dare County for personal property tax purposes.
Examples of Business Personal Property
- Machinery and equipment
- Furniture and fixtures
- Computers/office business equipment
- Leasehold improvements
- Supplies
- Airplanes
- Unlicensed vehicles
- Leased equipment
- Farm equipment
- Charter boats and fishing equipment
Any personal property that is used in connection with a business must be listed.
Real Property
Real estate is permanently listed in Dare County, so it no longer has to be listed each year. However, you must list any improvements made to the property during the previous year (i.e. additions, remodels, pools). Any improvements in excess of $100 are required to be listed.
Licensed Motor Vehicles
Licensed motor vehicles and trailers are not included on property tax listing forms because they are listed automatically when you first register or renew your motor vehicle or trailer registration through the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Extensions
Extensions can be requested, and may be granted until April 15, 2026, if requested in writing on or before February 2, 2026.*
*Please note that because January 31, 2026 falls on a Saturday, G.S. 105-395.1 allows listing forms to be accepted, without penalty, the next business day which is Monday, February 2, 2026.
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