Customers may pay water and sewer bills monthly using our automatic bank draft process, pay online or by simply mailing or bringing payments in-person to Town Hall. We also have a drop-boxes located at the main entrance and in the rear parking lot of Town Hall for our customers’ convenience. If you are a new town resident, there are some details on how to set up or transfer your water services below. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions.
Using our online payment system, you can set up automatic payments and pay for other miscellaneous bills / fees such as:
Simply choose your payment option from the dropdown menu and enter the required information to pull up your account. Manage your payments and payment methods from your account settings.
Are you one of those Buncombe County residents who gets a little anxious when that property tax bill arrives in your mailbox? Maybe you’re wondering about the different payment methods available, or maybe you’re concerned about those new processing fees that just kicked in. Well I’ve been there too, and today I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about paying your Buncombe County tax bills in 2025.
Important Updates for 2025 Tax Payments
Before diving into payment methods, let me share some critical updates that might affect how you choose to pay:
- New Processing Fees: Starting July 1, 2025, payment processors are adding fees to all debit/credit card payments. Buncombe County doesn’t keep any portion of these fees.
- Tax Department Relocation: The Tax Department has moved to 182 College St.
- Payment Deadlines: Tax bills are typically mailed in early August, due September 1st, but you have until January 5th before interest kicks in.
Payment Methods for Buncombe County Tax Bills
1. Pay Online
The most convenient option for many of us is paying online. Buncombe County has partnered with PayIt to create an online payment system.
How to pay online:
- Visit the Buncombe County Tax Lookup portal
- Search for your property using your name or account number
- Select your bill and follow the payment instructions
Processing Fees (effective July 1, 2025):
- Electronic checks: No fee (best value!)
- VISA Debit: $3.95 per transaction
- Credit/Debit: 2.35% per transaction
2. Pay by Phone
If you’re not comfortable with online payments or prefer speaking with someone, phone payments are available.
How to pay by phone
- Call the toll-free number: 828-656-5636
- Have your tax bill ready
- Follow the automated prompts to complete your payment
Remember: The same processing fees apply to phone payments as online payments since July 1, 2025.
3. Pay by Mail
Traditional mail payment remains a reliable option for many residents.
How to pay by mail:
- Include your payment coupon with your check
- Mail in the self-addressed envelope that came with your bill
- If you don’t have the coupon, write your bill number on the check’s memo section
Mailing address
Buncombe County Tax CollectionsP.O. Box 3140Asheville, NC 28802-31404. Drop-Box Payment
If you prefer to drop off your payment without waiting in line, several drop boxes are available throughout the county.
Drop box locations:
- 35 Woodfin St., Asheville
- 182 College St. (Front door of tax department)
- Weaverville Library at 41 N Main St., Weaverville (available through January 2026)
- Black Mountain Library at 105 N Dougherty St., Black Mountain (available through January 2026)
Payment Plans: Making Your Tax Bill More Manageable
Let’s be honest – sometimes that tax bill is too large to pay all at once. Fortunately, Buncombe County offers payment plans to help spread out the cost.
Casual Payment Plan
This plan allows you to send a predetermined amount monthly without automatic bank drafts.
Key features:
- Send payments monthly until bill is paid in full
- Mail a check with “Prepayment” and your PIN or account number on the memo line
- For 2025 bills, you must finish payments by April 2026
Preauthorized Debit Payment Plan
Prefer something more hands-off? This plan automatically withdraws a predetermined amount from your bank account monthly.
Key features:
- Automatic monthly withdrawals
- No need to remember to send payments
- For 2025 bills, you must finish payments by May 2026
To enroll in either payment plan, call 828-250-4910 to speak with a County Account Representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I receive my tax bill?
Tax notices are mailed in early August each year. They’re due September 1st, but you have a grace period until January 5th before interest is added.
What if I buy/sell property during the year?
The owner of the property as of January 1st of the current tax year is responsible for taxes for the entire year, unless the property changes ownership. The Tax Department does not prorate real estate taxes; this should be handled between buyer and seller at the time of sale.
I don’t own this vehicle anymore. Why did I get a bill?
You’re billed for the vehicle you owned on the registration date. If you sold your vehicle AND turned in the tag to DMV, send a copy of the DMV receipt to the Tax Department within one year to qualify for a release or refund.
How do I get a receipt for property taxes paid to the DMV?
To access vehicle property taxes paid to the NC DMV, visit the MyDMV Portal. You’ll need your NC driver’s license/ID number, last 4 digits of SSN, and birthdate.
Understanding Tax Rates and Determination
Tax rates in Buncombe County are determined through a careful process:
- The Tax Department values all taxable property in the County
- County agencies submit annual operating budgets
- The County Manager presents a recommended budget to commissioners
- Public hearings are conducted to get resident input
- Commissioners adopt the budget by the end of June
- The tax rate is calculated based on the budget and tax base value
The tax rate is expressed as amounts per each $100 in value, and a similar process occurs for each municipality and fire district.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay Your Taxes?
I don’t mean to scare you, but unpaid taxes can lead to serious consequences:
Advertisement of Tax Liens
North Carolina law requires local tax collectors to advertise annually all current year unpaid taxes levied on real estate. The most recent advertisement included unpaid taxes as of May 30, 2025.
Potential Foreclosure
If taxes remain unpaid, the Buncombe County Tax Department may foreclose on the tax lien to satisfy all claims on unpaid taxes.
Tax Department Contact Information
Need help? Here’s how to reach the Tax Department:
Physical Address:
182 College Street
Asheville, NC 28801
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 3140
Asheville, NC 28802
Phone: 828-250-4910
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm
My Personal Experience With Buncombe County Tax Payments
Last year, I nearly missed my payment deadline because I was traveling during the holiday season. I quickly learned that the online payment system was actually super convenient – I was able to pay from my phone while waiting at the airport! However, I did notice that credit card fee which was a bit annoying. This year, I’ve switched to using the electronic check option to avoid those fees.
Final Thoughts
Paying your Buncombe County tax bill doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With multiple payment options and even payment plans available, you can choose what works best for your situation. Just remember to keep those deadlines in mind (especially that January 5th date before interest kicks in) and be aware of the new processing fees for card payments.
Whether you prefer the convenience of online payments, the tradition of mailing a check, or the simplicity of a drop box, Buncombe County has made it relatively easy to fulfill your tax obligations. And if you’re ever confused or have questions, don’t hesitate to contact the Tax Department directly – they’re there to help!
Have you paid your Buncombe County tax bill yet? Which method do you prefer? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below!
Pay in Person or by Drop Box
Visit Town Hall at 30 S Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787 between normal business hours to pay in person or drop your payment in our drop-boxes at the main entrance and in the rear parking lot of Town Hall.
To pay using the automatic bank draft process, complete the following form and submit on-line: BANK DRAFT FORM
Town Hall Business Hours
Monday – Friday from 8:30 to 5:00
