Administration of Listing.
§ 105-301. Place for listing real property.
All taxable real property that is not required by this Subchapter to be appraised originally by the Department of Revenue shall be listed in the county in which it is situated. If all or part of the real property is situated within the boundaries of a municipal corporation, this fact shall be specified on the abstract as required by G.S. 105-309. Nothing in this section shall be construed to conflict with the provisions of G.S. 105-326 through 105-328. (1939, c. 310, s. 700; 1971, c. 806, s. 1; 1973, c. 476, s. 193.)
§ 105-302. In whose name real property is to be listed.
(a) Taxable real property shall be listed in the name of the owner, and it shall be the owner's duty to list it unless the board of county commissioners shall have adopted a permanent listing system as provided in G.S. 105-303(b). For purposes of this section, the board of county commissioners may require that real property be listed in the name of the owner of record as of the day as of which property is to be listed under G.S. 105-285.
(b) If real property is listed in the name of one other than the person in whose name it should be listed, and the name of the proper person is later ascertained, the abstract and tax records shall be corrected to list the property in the name of the person in whose name it should have been listed. The corrected listing shall have the same force and effect as if the real property had been listed in the name of the proper person in the first instance.
(c) For purposes of this Subchapter:
(1) The owner of the equity of redemption in real property subject to a mortgage or deed of trust shall be considered the owner of the property, and such real property shall be listed in the name of the owner of the equity of redemption.
(2) Real property owned by a corporation shall be listed in the name of the corporation.
(3) Real property owned by an unincorporated association shall be listed in the name of the association.
(4) Real property owned by a partnership shall be listed in the name of the partnership.
(5) Real property held in connection with a sole proprietorship shall be listed in the name of the owner, and the name and address of the proprietorship shall be noted on the abstract.
(6) Real property of which a decedent died possessed, if not under the control of an executor or administrator, shall be listed in the names of the heirs or devisees if known, but such property may be listed as property of "the heirs" or "the devisees" of the decedent, without naming them, until they have given the assessor notice of their names and of the division of the estate. It shall be the duty of an executor or administrator having control of real property to list it in his fiduciary capacity, as required by subdivision (c)(7), below, until he is divested of control of the property. However, the right of an administrator or executor of a deceased person to petition for the sale of real property to make assets shall not be considered control of the real property for the purposes of this subdivision.
(7) Real property, the title to which is held by a trustee, guardian, or other fiduciary, shall be listed by the fiduciary in his fiduciary capacity except as otherwise provided in this section.
(8) A life tenant or tenant for the life of another shall be considered the owner of real property, and it shall be his duty to list the property for taxation, indicating on the abstract that he is a life tenant or tenant for the life of another named individual.
(9) Upon request to and with the approval of the assessor, undivided interests in real property owned by tenants in common who are not copartners may be listed by the respective owners in accordance with their respective undivided interests. Otherwise, real property held by tenants in common shall be listed in the names of all the owners.
(10) Real property owned by husband and wife as tenants by the entirety shall be listed on a single abstract in the names of both tenants, and the nature of their ownership shall be indicated thereon.
(11) When land is owned by one party and improvements thereon or special rights (such as mineral, timber, quarry, waterpower, or similar rights) therein are owned by another party, the parties shall list their interests separately unless, in accordance with contractual relations between them, both the land and the improvements and special rights are listed in the name of the owner of the land.
(12) If the person in whose name real property should be listed is unknown, or if title to real property is in dispute, the property shall be listed in the name of the occupant or, if there be no occupant, in the name of "unknown owner." Such a listing shall not affect the validity of the lien for taxes created by G.S. 105-355. When the name of the owner is later ascertained, the provisions of subsection (b), above, shall apply.
(13) Real property, owned under a time-sharing arrangement but managed by a homeowners association or other managing entity, shall be listed in the name of the managing entity. (1939, c. 310, s. 701; 1971, c. 806, s. 1; 1983, c. 785, s. 1; 1987, c. 45, s. 1.)
§ 105-302.1. Reports on properties listed in name of unknown owner.
In order to promote the discovery of "State lands" as defined by G.S. 146-64(6), it shall be the duty of all assessors upon request to furnish the State of North Carolina a report on all properties listed in the name of "unknown owner" pursuant to G.S. 105-302(c)(12) in their respective tax jurisdictions. Such report shall be forwarded to the Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Administration. The report shall contain all information available to the assessor concerning the location and identification of the properties in question. (1979, c. 45, s. 1; 1987, c. 45, s.1)
§ 105-303. Obtaining information on real property transfers; permanent listing.
(a) To facilitate the accurate listing of real property for taxation, the board of county commissioners may require the register of deeds to comply with the provisions of subdivision (a)(1), below, or it may require him to comply with the provisions of subdivision (a)(2), below:
(1) When any conveyance of real property (other than a deed of trust or mortgage) is recorded, the board of county commissioners may require the register of deeds to certify to the assessor:
a. The name of the person conveying the property.
b. The name and address of the person to whom the property is being conveyed.
c. A description of the property sufficient to locate and identify it.
d. A statement as to whether the parcel is conveyed in whole or in part.
(2) When any conveyance of real property (other than a deed of trust or mortgage) is submitted for recordation, the board of county commissioners may require the register of deeds to refuse to record it unless it has been presented to the assessor and the assessor has noted thereon that he has obtained the information he desires from the conveyance and from the person recording it.
(b) The board of commissioners of each county must install a permanent listing system. Each county must obtain the approval of the Department of Revenue for its permanent listing system. Under such a system the provisions of subdivisions (b)(1) through (b)(4) of this subsection apply.
(1) The assessor is responsible for listing all real property on the abstracts and tax records each year in the name of the owner of record as of the day as of which property is to be listed under G.S. 105-285.
(2) Persons whose duty it is to list real property under the provisions of G.S. 105-302 are relieved of that duty, but annually, during the listing period established by G.S. 105-307, these persons must furnish the assessor with the information concerning improvements on and separate rights in real property required by G.S. 105-309(c)(3) through (c)(5).
(3) The penalties imposed by G.S. 105-308 and 105-312 do not apply to failure to list real property for taxation, but they apply to failure to comply with the provisions of subdivision (b)(2) of this subsection with respect to reporting the construction or acquisition of improvements on and separate rights in real property. In such a case, the penalty prescribed by G.S. 105-312 shall be computed on the basis of the tax imposed on the improvements and separate rights.
(4) The Department of Revenue may authorize the board of county commissioners to make additional modifications of the listing requirements of this Subchapter, as long as the modifications do not conflict with subdivisions (b)(1) through (b)(3) of this subsection. (1939, c. 310, s. 701; 1971, c. 806, s. 1; 1973, c. 476, s. 193; c. 789; 1987, c. 43, s. 4; c. 45, s. 1; 1999-297, s. 3.)
§ 105-304. Place for listing tangible personal property.
(a) Listing Instructions. - This section applies to all taxable tangible personal property that has a tax situs in this State and that is not required by this Subchapter to be appraised originally by the Department of Revenue. The place in this State at which this property is taxable is determined according to the rules provided in this section. The person whose duty it is to list property must list it in the county in which the place of taxation is located, indicating on the abstract the information required by G.S. 105-309(d). If the place of taxation lies within a city or town that requires separate listing under G.S. 105-326(a), the person whose duty it is to list must also list the property for taxation in the city or town.
(a1) Repealed by Session Laws 2011-238, s. 1, effective June 23, 2011.
(b) Definitions. - The following definitions apply in this section:
(1) Situated. - More or less permanently located.
(2) Business premises. - The term includes, for purposes of illustration, the following: Store, mill, dockyard, piling ground, shop, office, mine, farm, factory, warehouse, rental real estate, place for the sale of property (including the premises of a consignee), and place for storage (including a public warehouse).
(3) Repealed by Session Laws 2011-238, s. 1, effective June 23, 2011.
(c) General Rule. - Except as otherwise provided in subsections (d) through (h) of this section, tangible personal property is taxable at the residence of the owner. For purposes of this section:
(1) The residence of an individual person who has two or more places in this State at which the individual occasionally dwells is the place at which the individual dwelt for the longest period of time during the calendar year immediately preceding the date as of which property is to be listed for taxation.
(2) The residence of a domestic or foreign taxpayer other than an individual person is the place at which its principal North Carolina place of business is located.
(d) Property of Taxpayers With No Fixed Residence in This State. -
(1) Tangible personal property owned by an individual nonresident of this State is taxable at the place in this State at which the property is situated.
(2) Tangible personal property owned by a domestic or foreign taxpayer (other than an individual person) that has no principal office in this State is taxable at the place in this State at which the property is situated.
(e) Farm Products. - Farm products produced in this State, if owned by their producer, are taxable at the place in this State at which they were produced.
(f) Property Situated or Commonly Used at Premises Other Than Owner's Residence. - Subject to the provisions of subsection (e) of this section:
(1) Tangible personal property situated at or commonly used in connection with a temporary or seasonal dwelling owned or leased by the owner of the personal property is taxable at the place at which the temporary or seasonal dwelling is situated.
(2) Tangible personal property situated at or commonly used in connection with a business premises hired, occupied, or used by the owner of the personal property (or by the owner's agent or employee) is taxable at the place at which the business premises is situated. Tangible personal property that may be used by the public generally or that is used to sell or vend merchandise to the public falls within the provisions of this subdivision.
(3) Tangible personal property situated at or commonly used in connection with a premise owned, hired, occupied, or used by a person who is in possession of the personal property under a business agreement with the property's owner is taxable at the place at which the possessor's premise is situated. For purposes of this subdivision, the term "business agreement" means a commercial lease, a bailment for hire, a consignment, or a similar business arrangement.
(4) In applying the provisions of subdivisions (1), (2), and (3) of this subsection, the temporary absence of tangible personal property from the place at which it is taxable under one of those subdivisions on the day as of which property is to be listed does not affect the application of the rules established in those subdivisions. The presence of tangible personal property at a location specified in subdivision (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection on the day as of which property is to be listed is prima facie evidence that it is situated at or commonly used in connection with that location.
(g) Decedents. - The tangible personal property of a decedent whose estate is in the process of administration or has not been distributed is taxable at the place at which it would be taxable if the decedent were still alive and still residing at the place at which the decedent resided at the time of death.
(h) Beneficial Ownership. - Tangible personal property within the jurisdiction of the State held by a resident or nonresident trustee, guardian, or other fiduciary having legal title to the property is taxable in accordance with the following rules:
(1) If any beneficiary is a resident of the State, an amount representing that beneficiary's portion of the property is taxable at the place at which it would be taxable if the beneficiary owned that portion.
(2) If any beneficiary is a nonresident of the State, an amount representing that beneficiary's portion of the property is taxable at the place at which it would be taxable if the fiduciary were the beneficial owner of the property. (1939, c. 310, s. 800; 1947, c. 836; 1951, c. 1102, s. 1; 1955, c. 1012, ss. 2, 3; 1969, c. 940; 1971, c. 806, s. 1; 1973, c. 476, s. 193; c. 1180; 2001-279, s. 1; 2006-30, s. 1; 2011-238, s. 1.)
§ 105-305. Place for listing intangible personal property.
(a) Listing Instructions. - This section applies to all taxable intangible personal property that has a tax situs in this State and is not required by this Subchapter to be appraised originally by the Department of Revenue. The place in this State at which this property is taxable shall be determined as provided in this section. The person whose duty it is to list property shall list it in the county in which the place of taxation is located, indicating on the abstract the information required by G.S. 105-309(d). If the place of taxation lies within a city or town that requires separate listing under G.S. 105-326(a), the person whose duty it is to list shall also list the property for taxation in the city or town.
(b) Repealed by Session Laws 1997-456, s. 43(a).
(c) Intangible personal property representing an interest or interests in real property that is situated in this State shall be taxable in the place in which the represented real property is located.
(d), (e) Repealed by Session Laws 1997-456, s. 43(a). (1939, c. 310, s. 801; 1971, c. 806, s. 1; 1973, c. 476, s. 193; 1995, c. 41, s. 8; 1997-456, s. 43(a).)
§ 105-306. In whose name personal property is to be listed.
(a) Taxable personal property shall be listed in the name of the owner on the day as of which property is to be listed for taxation, and it shall be the duty of the owner to list the property.
(b) If personal property is listed in the name of a person other than the one in whose name it should be listed, and the name of the proper person is later ascertained, the abstract and tax records shall be corrected to list the property in the name in which it should have been listed. The corrected listing shall have the same force and effect as if the personal property had been listed in the name of the proper person in the first instance.
(c) For purposes of this Subchapter:
(1) The owner of the equity of redemption in personal property subject to a chattel mortgage shall be considered the owner of the property.
(2) The vendee of personal property under a conditional bill of sale, or under any other sale contract through which title to the property is retained by the vender as security for the payment of the purchase price, shall be considered the owner of the property if he has possession of or the right to use the property.
(3) Personal property owned by a corporation, partnership, or unincorporated association shall be listed in the name of the corporation, partnership, or unincorporated association.
(4) Personal property held in connection with a sole proprietorship shall be listed in the name of the owner, and the name and address of the proprietorship shall be noted on the abstract.
(5) Personal property of which a decedent died possessed, if not under the control of a personal representative, shall be listed in the names of the next of kin or devisees if known, but such property may be listed as property of "the next of kin" or "the devisees" of the decedent, without naming them, until they have given the assessor notice of their names and of the division of the estate. It shall be the duty of a personal representative having control of personal property to list it in the personal representative's fiduciary capacity, as required by subdivision (c)(6), below, until the personal representative is divested of control of the property.
(6) Personal property, the title to which is held by a trustee, guardian, or other fiduciary, shall be listed by the fiduciary in his fiduciary capacity except as otherwise provided in this section.
(7) If personal property is owned by two or more persons who are joint owners, each owner shall list the value of his interest. However, if the joint owners are husband and wife, the property owned jointly shall be listed on a single abstract in the names of both the husband and the wife.
(8) If the person in whose name personal property should be listed is unknown, or if the ownership of the property is in dispute, the property shall be listed in the name of the person in possession of the property, or if there appears to be no person in possession, in the name of "unknown owner." When the name of the owner is later ascertained, the provisions of subsection (b), above, shall apply.
(9) Personal property, owned under a time-sharing arrangement but managed by a homeowners association or other managing entity, shall be listed in the name of the managing entity. (1939, c. 310, s. 802; 1971, c. 806, s. 1; 1983, c. 785, s. 2; 1987, c. 45, s. 1; 2011-284, s. 71.)
§ 105-307. Length of listing period; extension; preliminary work.
(a) Listing Period. - Unless extended as provided in this section, the period during which property is to be listed for taxation each year begins on the first business day of January and ends on January 31.
(b) General Extensions. - The board of county commissioners may, by resolution, extend the time during which property is to be listed for taxation as provided in this subsection. Any action by the board of county commissioners extending the listing period must be recorded in the minutes of the board, and notice of the extensions must be published as required by G.S. 105-296(c). The entire period for listing, including any extension of time granted, is considered the regular listing period for the particular year within the meaning of this Subchapter.
(1) In nonrevaluation years, the listing period may be extended for up to 30 additional days.
(2) In years of octennial appraisal of real property, the listing period may be extended for up to 60 additional days.
(3) If the county has provided for electronic listing of personal property under G.S. 105-310.1, the period for electronic listing of personal property may be extended up to June 1. A resolution that provides a general extension of time for the electronic listing of personal property shall continue in effect until revised or rescinded unless otherwise stated in the resolution.
(c) Individual Extensions. - The board of county commissioners shall grant individual extensions of time for the listing of real and personal property upon written request and for good cause shown. The request must be filed with the assessor no later than the ending date of the regular listing period. The board may delegate the authority to grant extensions to the assessor. Extensions granted under this subsection shall not extend beyond April 15. Notwithstanding the individual extension time limitation in this subsection, if the county has provided for electronic listing of personal property under G.S. 105-310.1, extensions granted for electronic listing of personal property shall not extend beyond June 1.
(d) Preliminary Work. - The assessor may conduct preparatory work before the listing period begins, but may not make a final appraisal of property before the day as of which the value of the property is to be determined under G.S. 105-285. (1939, c. 310, s. 905; 1971, c. 806, s. 1; 1973, cc. 141, 706; 1975, c. 49; 1977, c. 360; 1987, c. 43, s. 5; c. 45, s. 1; 2001-279, s. 2; 2006-30, s. 2; 2011-238, s. 3.)
§ 105-308. Duty to list; penalty for failure.
Every person in whose name any property is to be listed under the terms of this Subchapter shall list the property with the assessor within the time allowed by law on an abstract setting forth the information required by this Subchapter.
In addition to all other penalties prescribed by law, any person whose duty it is to list any property who willfully fails or refuses to list the same within the time prescribed by law shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. The failure to list shall be prima facie evidence that the failure was willful.
Any person who willfully attempts, or who willfully aids or abets any person to attempt, in any manner to evade or defeat the taxes imposed under this Subchapter, whether by removal or concealment of property or otherwise, shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. (1939, c. 310, s. 901; 1957, c. 848; 1971, c. 806, s. 1; 1977, c. 92; 1987, c. 43, s. 4, c. 45, s. 1; 1993, c. 539, s. 717; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).)
§ 105-309. What the abstract shall contain.
(a) Each person whose duty it is to list property for taxation shall file each year with the assessor a tax list or abstract showing, as of the date prescribed by G.S. 105-285(b), the information required by this section. Subject to the provisions of subdivisions (a)(1) and (a)(2), below, each person whose duty it is to list property for taxation shall file a separate abstract.
(1) Tenants by the entirety shall file a single abstract listing the real property so held, together with all personal property they own jointly.
(2) Tenants in common shall file a single abstract listing the real property so held, together with all personal property that they own jointly, unless, as provided in G.S. 105-302(c)(9), the assessor allows them to list their undivided interests in the real property on separate abstracts.
(b) Each abstract shall show the taxpayer's name; residence address; and, if required by the assessor, business address.
(1) An individual trading under a firm name shall show his name and address and also the name and address of his business firm.
(2) An unincorporated association shall show both the name and address of the association and the names and addresses of its principal officers.
(3) A partnership shall show both the name and address of the partnership and the names and addresses of its full partners.
(c) Each tract, parcel, or lot of real property owned or controlled in the county shall be listed in accordance with the following instructions:
(1) Real property not divided into lots shall be described by giving:
a. The township in which located.
b. The total number of acres in the tract, or, if smaller than one acre, the dimensions of the parcel.
c. The tract name (if any), the names of at least two adjoining landowners, a reference to the tract's designation on any map maintained in the office of the assessor or on file in the office of the register of deeds, or some other description sufficient to identify and locate the property by parol testimony.
d. If applicable, the number of acres of:
1. Cleared land;
2. Woods and timberland;
3. Land containing mineral or quarry deposits;
4. Land susceptible of development for waterpower;
5. Wasteland.
e. The portion of the tract or parcel located within the boundaries of any municipality.
(2) Real property divided into lots shall be described by giving:
a. The township in which located.
b. The dimensions of the lot.
c. The location of the lot, including its street number (if any).
d. The lot's designation on any map maintained in the office of the assessor or on file in the office of the register of deeds, or some description sufficient to identify and locate the property by parol testimony.
e. The portion of the lot located within the boundaries of any municipality.
(3) In conjunction with the listing of any real property under subdivisions (c)(1) and (c)(2), above, there shall be given a short description of any buildings and other improvements thereon that belong to the owner of the land.
(4) Buildings and other improvements having a value in excess of one hundred dollars ($100.00) that have been acquired, begun, erected, damaged, or destroyed since the time of the last appraisal of property shall be described.
(5) If some person other than the owner of a tract, parcel, or lot shall own any buildings or other improvements thereon or separate rights (such as mineral, quarry, timber, waterpower, or other rights) therein, that fact shall be specified on the abstract on which the land is listed, together with the name and address of the owner of the buildings, other improvements, or rights.
a. Buildings, other improvements, and separate rights owned by a taxpayer with respect to the lands of another shall be listed separately and identified so as to indicate the name of the owner thereof and the tract, parcel, or lot on which the buildings or other improvements are situated or to which the separate rights appertain.
b. In accordance with the provisions of G.S. 105-302(c)(11), buildings or other improvements or separate rights owned by a taxpayer with respect to the lands of another may be listed either in the name of the owner of the buildings, other improvements, or rights, or in the name of the owner of the land.
(d) Personal property shall be listed to indicate the township and municipality, if any, in which it is taxable and shall be itemized by the taxpayer in such detail as may be prescribed by an abstract form approved by the Department of Revenue. The assessor may require additional information as follows:
(1) If the assessor considers it necessary to obtain a complete listing of personal property, the assessor may require a taxpayer to submit additional information, inventories, or itemized lists of personal property.
(2) At the request of the assessor, the taxpayer shall furnish any information the taxpayer has with respect to the true value of the personal property the taxpayer is required to list.
(e) At the end of the abstract each person whose duty it is to list property for taxation shall sign the affirmation required by G.S. 105-310.
(f) The assessor must print a homestead tax relief notice on each abstract or on an information sheet distributed with the abstract. The abstract or sheet must include the address and telephone number of the assessor below the notice required by this section. The notice must be in the form required by the Department of Revenue designed to notify the taxpayer of his or her rights and responsibilities under the homestead property tax exclusion provided in G.S. 105-277.1 and the property tax homestead circuit breaker provided in G.S. 105-277.1B.
(g) Any person who fails to give the notice required by G.S. 105-309(f) shall not only be subject to loss of the exemption, but also to the penalties provided by G.S. 105-312, and also if willful to the penalty provided in G.S. 105-310. For the purpose of determining whether a penalty is levied, whenever a taxpayer has received an exemption under G.S. 105-277.1 for one taxable year but the property of taxpayer is not eligible for the exemption the next year, notice given of that fact to the assessor on or before April 15 shall be considered as timely filed. (1939, c. 310, s. 900; 1941, c. 221, s. 1; 1953, c. 970, s. 6; 1955, c. 34; 1971, c. 806, s. 1; 1973, c. 448, s. 2; c. 476, s. 193; 1975, c. 881, s. 3; 1977, c. 666, s. 2; 1979, c. 846, s. 2; 1981, c. 54, ss. 4-6; c. 1052, s. 1; 1985, c. 656, ss. 47, 51; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 947, s. 9; c. 982, s. 23; 1987, c. 43, s. 6; c. 45, s. 1; 1993, c. 360, s. 2; 1996, 2nd Ex. Sess., c. 18, s. 15.1(b); 1998-98, s. 111; 2001-308, s. 2; 2007-484, s. 43.7T(b); 2007-497, s. 2.5; 2014-3, s. 14.20(a).)
§ 105-310. Affirmation; penalty for false affirmation.
There shall be annexed to the abstract on which the taxpayer's property is listed the following affirmation, which shall be signed by an individual qualified under the provisions of G.S. 105-311:
Under penalties prescribed by law, I hereby affirm that to the best of my knowledge and belief this listing, including any accompanying statements, inventories, schedules, and other information, is true and complete. (If this affirmation is signed by an individual other than the taxpayer, he affirms that he is familiar with the extent and true value of all the taxpayer's property subject to taxation in this county and that his affirmation is based on all the information of which he has any knowledge.)
Any individual who willfully makes and subscribes an abstract listing required by this Subchapter which he does not believe to be true and correct as to every material matter shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. (1939, c. 310, s. 902; 1971, c. 806, s. 1; 1993, c. 539, s. 718; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).)
§ 105-310.1. Electronic listing of personal property.
(a) Personal property may be listed by electronic listing as provided in this section.
(b) The Department of Revenue may establish, after consultation with the counties, the standards and requirements for electronic listing of personal property, including the minimum requirements that must exist before electronic listing will be allowed in a county.
(c) The board of county commissioners may, by resolution, provide for electronic listing of personal property in accordance with the standards and requirements prescribed by the Department of Revenue. The board of county commissioners may, by resolution, delegate its authority to provide for electronic listing of personal property to the county assessor.
(d) Definitions. - The following definitions apply in this section:
(1) Electronic. - Defined in G.S. 66-312.
(2) Electronic listing. - The filing by electronic means of the abstract required by G.S. 105-309 and the affirmation required by G.S. 105-310. (2011-238, s. 4.)
§ 105-311. Listing and signing affirmation; use of agents, mail, and electronic listing.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the person whose duty it is to list property for taxation shall file the completed abstract with the assessor for purposes of listing and shall sign the affirmation required by G.S. 105-310 to be annexed to the completed abstract on which the property is listed. The abstract must be filed with the assessor on a form approved by the Department of Revenue.
(1) In the case of an individual taxpayer who is unable to list his property, a guardian, authorized agent, or other person having knowledge of and charged with the care of the person and property of the taxpayer shall file the completed abstract and shall sign the required affirmation in the name of the taxpayer, noting thereon the capacity in which he signs.
(2) In the case of a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or unincorporated association, a person specified in sub-subdivision a., b., or c. below, shall file the completed abstract and shall sign the required affirmation in the name of the taxpayer, noting thereon the capacity in which he signs, and no other agent shall be permitted to sign the affirmation required on such a taxpayer's abstract:
a. A principal officer of the taxpayer.
b. A full-time employee of the taxpayer who has been officially empowered by a principal officer of the taxpayer in his behalf to list the taxpayer's property for taxation in the county and to sign the affirmation annexed to the abstract or abstracts on which its property is listed.
c. An agent of the taxpayer authorized by a principal officer of the taxpayer in a manner prescribed by the Department of Revenue.
(3) Repealed by Session Laws 2011-238, s. 5, effective June 23, 2011.
(b) Abstracts may be submitted in person or by mail. Additionally, if the county has provided for electronic listing of personal property under G.S. 105-310.1, personal property abstracts may be submitted by electronic listing.
(1) Submission by mail. - In no event shall an abstract submitted by mail be accepted unless the affirmation on the abstract is signed by the individual prescribed in subsection (a) of this section. For the purpose of this Subchapter, abstracts submitted by mail are considered filed as of the date shown on the postmark affixed by the United States Postal Service. If no date is shown on the postmark, or if the postmark is not affixed by the United States Postal Service, the abstract is considered filed when received in the office of the assessor.
(2) Submission by electronic listing. - In no event shall an abstract submitted by electronic listing be accepted unless the affirmation on the abstract is signed by the individual prescribed in subsection (a) of this section. The affirmation may be signed using an electronic signature method approved by the Department of Revenue. For the purpose of this Subchapter, abstracts submitted by electronic listing are considered filed when received in the office of the assessor as denoted by timestamps applied by the receiving equipment or programs.
(c) In any dispute arising under this Subchapter, the burden of proof is on the taxpayer to show that the abstract was timely filed. (1939, c. 310, ss. 901, 903, 904; 1957, c. 848; 1971, c. 806, s. 1; 1973, c. 476, s. 193; 1977, c. 327, s. 1; 1987, c. 43, s. 7; c. 45, s. 1; 2001-279, s. 3; 2001-487, s. 70; 2011-238, s. 5.)
§ 105-312. Discovered property; appraisal; penalty.
(a) Repealed by Session Laws 1991, c. 34, s. 4.
(b) Duty to Discover and Assess Unlisted Property. - It shall be the duty of the assessor to see that all property not properly listed during the regular listing period be listed, assessed and taxed as provided in this Subchapter. The assessor shall file reports of such discoveries with the board of commissioners in such manner as the board may require.
(c) Carrying Forward Real Property. - At the close of the regular listing period each year, the assessor shall compare the tax lists submitted during the listing period just ended with the lists for the preceding year, and he shall carry forward to the lists of the current year all real property that was listed in the preceding year but that was not listed for the current year. When carried forward, the real property shall be listed in the name of the taxpayer who listed it in the preceding year unless, under the provisions of G.S. 105-302, it must be listed in the name of another taxpayer. Real property carried forward in this manner shall be deemed to be discovered property, and the procedures prescribed in subsection (d), below, shall be followed unless the property discovered is listed in the name of the taxpayer who listed it for the preceding year and the property is not subject to appraisal under either G.S. 105-286 or G.S. 105-287 in which case no notice of the listing and valuation need be sent to the taxpayer.
(d) Procedure for Listing, Appraising, and Assessing Discovered Property. - Subject to the provisions of subsection (c), above, and the presumptions established by subsection (f), below, discovered property shall be listed by the assessor in the name of the person required by G.S. 105-302 or G.S. 105-306. The discovery shall be deemed to be made on the date that the abstract is made or corrected pursuant to subsection (e) of this section. The assessor shall also make a tentative appraisal of the discovered property in accordance with the best information available to him.
When a discovery is made, the assessor shall mail a notice to the person in whose name the discovered property has been listed. The notice shall contain the following information:
(1) The name and address of the person in whose name the property is listed;
(2) A brief description of the property;
(3) A tentative appraisal of the property;
(4) A statement to the effect that the listing and appraisal will become final unless written exception thereto is filed with the assessor within 30 days from date of the notice.
Upon receipt of a timely exception to the notice of discovery, the assessor shall arrange a conference with the taxpayer to afford him the opportunity to present any evidence or argument he may have regarding the discovery. Within 15 days after the conference, the assessor shall give written notice to the taxpayer of his final decision. Written notice shall not be required, however, if the taxpayer signs an agreement accepting the listing and appraisal. In cases in which agreement is not reached, the taxpayer shall have 15 days from the date of the notice to request review of the decision of the assessor by the board of equalization and review or, if that board is not in session, by the board of commissioners. Unless the request for review by the county board is given at the conference, it shall be made in writing to the assessor. Upon receipt of a timely request for review, the provisions of G.S. 105-322 or G.S. 105-325, as appropriate, shall be followed.
(e) Record of Discovered Property. - When property is discovered, the taxpayer's original abstract (if one was submitted) may be corrected or a new abstract may be prepared to reflect the discovery. If a new abstract is prepared, it may be filed with the abstracts that were submitted during the regular listing period, or it may be filed separately with abstracts designated "Late Listings." Regardless of how filed, the listing shall have the same force and effect as if it had been submitted during the regular listing period.
(f) Presumptions. - When property is discovered and listed to a taxpayer in any year, it shall be presumed that it should have been listed by the same taxpayer for the preceding five years unless the taxpayer shall produce satisfactory evidence that the property was not in existence, that it was actually listed for taxation, or that it was not his duty to list the property during those years or some of them under the provisions of G.S. 105-302 and G.S. 105-306. If it is shown that the property should have been listed by some other taxpayer during some or all of the preceding years, the property shall be listed in the name of the appropriate taxpayer for the proper years, but the discovery shall still be deemed to have been made as of the date that the assessor first listed it.
(g) Taxation of Discovered Property. - When property is discovered, it shall be taxed for the year in which discovered and for any of the preceding five years during which it escaped taxation in accordance with the assessed value it should have been assigned in each of the years for which it is to be taxed and the rate of tax imposed in each such year. The penalties prescribed by subsection (h) of this section shall be computed and imposed regardless of the name in which the discovered property is listed. If the discovery is based upon an understatement of value, quantity, or other measurement rather than an omission from the tax list, the tax shall be computed on the additional valuation fixed upon the property, and the penalties prescribed by subsection (h) of this section shall be computed on the basis of the additional tax.
(h) Computation of Penalties. - Having computed each year's taxes separately as provided in subsection (g), above, there shall be added a penalty of ten percent (10%) of the amount of the tax for the earliest year in which the property was not listed, plus an additional ten percent (10%) of the same amount for each subsequent listing period that elapsed before the property was discovered. This penalty shall be computed separately for each year in which a failure to list occurred; and the year, the amount of the tax for that year, and the total of penalties for failure to list in that year shall be shown separately on the tax records; but the taxes and penalties for all years in which there was a failure to list shall be then totalled on a single tax receipt.
(h1) Repealed by Session Laws 1991, c. 624, s. 8.
(i) Collection. - For purposes of tax collection and foreclosure, the total figure obtained and recorded as provided in subsection (h) of this section shall be deemed to be a tax for the fiscal year beginning on July 1 of the calendar year in which the property was discovered. The schedule of discounts for prepayment and interest for late payment applicable to taxes for the fiscal year referred to in the preceding sentence shall apply when the total figure on the single tax receipt is paid. Notwithstanding the time limitations contained in G.S. 105-381, any property owner who is required to pay taxes on discovered property as herein provided shall be entitled to a refund of any taxes erroneously paid on the same property to other taxing jurisdictions in North Carolina. Claim for refund shall be filed in the county where such tax was erroneously paid as provided by G.S. 105-381.
(j) Tax Receipts Charged to Collector. - Tax receipts prepared as required by subsections (h) and (i) of this section for the taxes and penalties imposed upon discovered property shall be delivered to the tax collector, and he shall be charged with their collection. Such receipts shall have the same force and effect as if they had been delivered to the collector at the time of the delivery of the regular tax receipts for the current year, and the taxes charged in the receipts shall be a lien upon the property in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 105-355.
(k) Power to Compromise. - After a tax receipt computed and prepared as required by subsections (g) and (h) of this section has been delivered and charged to the tax collector as prescribed in subsection (j), above, the board of county commissioners, upon the petition of the taxpayer, may compromise, settle, or adjust the county's claim for taxes arising therefrom. The board of commissioners may, by resolution, delegate the authority granted by this subsection to the board of equalization and review, including any board created by resolution pursuant to G.S. 105-322(a) and any special board established by local act.
(l) Municipal Corporations. - The provisions of this section shall apply to all cities, towns, and other municipal corporations having the power to tax property. Such governmental units shall designate an appropriate municipal officer to exercise the powers and duties assigned by this section to the assessor, and the powers and duties assigned to the board of county commissioners shall be exercised by the governing body of the unit. When the assessor discovers property having a taxable situs in a municipal corporation, he shall send a copy of the notice of discovery required by subsection (d) to the governing body of the municipality together with such other information as may be necessary to enable the municipality to proceed. The governing board of a municipality may, by resolution, delegate the power to compromise, settle, or adjust tax claims granted by this subsection and by subsection (k) of this section to the county board of equalization and review, including any board created by resolution pursuant to G.S. 105-322(a) and any special board established by local act. (1939, c. 310, s. 1109; 1971, c. 806, s. 1; 1973, c. 476, s. 193; c. 787; 1977, c. 864; 1981, c. 623, ss. 1, 2; 1987, c. 45, s. 1; c. 743, ss. 1, 2; 1989, c. 522; 1991, c. 34, s. 4; c. 624, s. 8; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 961, s. 12; 1999-297, s. 2.)