Quick Answer: Signed into law via Senate Bill 889, North Carolina placed a one-year moratorium on 2026 property revaluations for 12 NC counties, freezing Guilford County property assessments at 2025 levels. To cover local operating budgets and public school needs, Guilford County increased its property tax rate by 5.9 cents (to 78.95¢ per $100), while the City of Greensboro raised its rate by 12.6 cents (to 79.85¢ per $100). The delayed 2026 revaluation numbers will now take effect for the 2027 tax year.
What Is Senate Bill 889 and the 2026 NC Property Tax Moratorium?
On June 19, 2026, Governor Josh Stein signed Senate Bill 889, freezing 2026 property tax reappraisals across 12 North Carolina counties, including Guilford.
The Immediate Effect: The state placed a "pause" button on higher 2026 assessed home values. For the upcoming tax bill cycle, property values remain frozen at their 2025 assessed values.
The Tax Rate Adjustment: Because city and county governments could not utilize the higher 2026 revaluation amounts to generate budgeted revenues for emergency services, public infrastructure, and school systems, local tax rates were raised against the lower 2025 base values.
How Did Guilford County and the City of Greensboro Adjust Tax Rates?
Both local governing bodies passed revised budgets in late June 2026 to reflect the state moratorium:
| Government Jurisdiction | Previous Tax Rate | New Tax Rate (FY 2026–2027) | Rate Increase |
| Guilford County | 73.05¢ per $100 | 78.95¢ per $100 | +5.9 cents |
| City of Greensboro | 67.25¢ per $100 | 79.85¢ per $100 | +12.6 cents |
| Combined City + County Rate | 140.30¢ per $100 | 158.80¢ per $100 | +18.5 cents |
Critical Factors Homeowners Need to Know
Tax Bills Are Issued on a Delayed Schedule
Property tax notices typically arrive in July. Due to required budget revisions following Senate Bill 889, Guilford County scheduled tax bill mailings for August 15, 2026. The standard early payment discount remains unchanged: homeowners paying by August 31, 2026 receive a 1% early payment discount.
The Revaluation Is Postponed Until 2027
The state law delayed rather than cancelled the revaluation. The higher market revaluations issued in early 2026 will go into effect for the 2027 tax year. Property owner appeals submitted during spring 2026 will still be processed by Guilford County, with approved adjustments applied to 2027 tax bills. Homeowners have until May 17, 2027 to file an appeal.
Tax Assessments Do Not Dictate Real Estate Market Value
Tax assessments reflect administrative valuation schedules rather than fair market value. The state freezing tax assessments at 2025 levels does not reduce accumulated equity or open market values. Buyer demand and recent neighborhood comps determine current resale prices.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tax Moratorium
Does the Moratorium Affect Approved Property Tax Relief Programs?
No. Homeowners receiving state-approved property tax relief (such as the Elderly/Disabled Exclusion or Disabled Veteran Exclusion) do not need to reapply. Relief benefits automatically transfer and apply to updated August bills.
Will My Monthly Escrow Payment Increase?
If your mortgage payment includes an escrow account for property taxes, your lender may recalculate and adjust your monthly escrow contribution following the release of August tax bills to prevent an escrow shortage.
When Is Guilford County’s Next General Reappraisal?
Following the implementation of the delayed values in 2027, Guilford County will return to its standard 5-year cycle, setting the next scheduled general property reappraisal for 2032.
How to Calculate Your Updated Tax Bill:
Multiply your 2025 Assessed Value by the combined tax rate ($158.80\text{¢ per } \$100$ or $0.01588$ for Greensboro residents), then divide by 100:
Formula: (2025 Assessed Value ÷ 100) × Tax Rate
Example: A home assessed at $350,000 in 2025:
Old Combined Rate (140.30¢): $350,000 × 0.01403 = $4,910.50
New Combined Rate (158.80¢): $350,000 × 0.01588 = $5,558.00
- Net Annual Change:
+$647.50per year (approx.+$54/month
For Home Buyers
Because tax assessments remain frozen at 2025 levels, new buyers won't face immediate assessment spikes upon purchase. However, budget slightly higher monthly escrow allocations to account for the increased base tax rates (+18.5¢ combined).
For Home Sellers
The assessment freeze means your official tax valuation won't artificially spike your property tax burden before you sell. Focus on recent neighborhood market comps rather than tax card values when pricing your home.
How Are Property Taxes Affected in Surrounding Towns Like Summerfield or High Point?
Unincorporated areas in Guilford County (or low-density towns like Summerfield and Oak Ridge without municipal property taxes) will only see the Guilford County tax rate increase (+5.9¢ to 78.95¢). Municipalities like High Point adjusted their municipal rates separately to balance local operational budgets alongside county shifts.
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