Tag & Tax Together Program 

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In 2005, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a law to create a combined motor vehicle registration renewal and property tax collection system. The law transfers responsibility of motor vehicle tax collection to the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles (NC DMV). This new Tag & Tax Together program was designed as a convenient way to pay annual vehicle tag renewals and property taxes in one transaction.

 

How to Pay the New Combined Notice

 

Payment for the new Tag & Tax Together notice cannot be made at the Clay County Tax Office. You will pay both the registration fee and property taxes to the NCDMV using one of these three payment options:

• – Visit DMV's online registration system to pay with your credit or check card.

• By Mail – Send a check or money order to the address listed on your renewal notice.

• In Person – Locate a registration renewal office near you.

 

Vehicle Values

 

Licensed motor vehicles include any motor vehicle that maintains an active North Carolina tag or registration. The term "Motor Vehicle" includes automobiles, trucks, buses, campers, trailers and motorcycles.

 

Motor Vehicles are valued by year, make and model in accordance with the North Carolina Vehicle Valuation Manual. Values are based on the retail level of trade for property tax purposes. A motor vehicle offered for sale by a dealer to the end consumer represents the best example of the retail level of trade.

 

The retail value of the motor vehicle is determined based on the registration renewal month. January through August renewal months use the January 1 value from that period. September through December renewal months use the January 1 value immediately after that period.

 

Licensed motor vehicles are not valued at wholesale, blue book or private party asking price for property tax purposes. Sales transactions between private buyers and sellers and Internet valuation lookup websites typically reflect these levels of trade.

 

For information on vehicles not licensed with NC DMV, please view the Personal Property section of this website.