LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH CENTER
File #: 19-3237    Version: 1
Type: Agenda Item Status: Passed
File created: 9/3/2019 In control: Tax Office Assessor
On agenda: 9/16/2019 Final action: 9/16/2019
Title: Vote on a request to approve Tax Department - Write-off of Outstanding Real and Personal Property Taxes
Attachments: 1. 2019 Write off
Title
Vote on a request to approve Tax Department - Write-off of Outstanding Real and Personal Property Taxes

Abstract
Action Requested: Vote on a request to approve write-off of outstanding real and personal property taxes.

Introduction & Background: The Tax Collections office uses all resources available and due diligence in trying to collect all outstanding taxes that are afforded by the state of North Carolina. However, the ten-year statute of limitations prevents the Tax Collector from using remedies to collect taxes that are more than ten years past due. NCGS 105-378a "USE OF REMEDIES BARRED" states that no county or municipality may maintain an action or procedure to enforce any remedy provided by law for the collection of taxes or enforcement of any tax liens unless the action or procedure is instituted within ten years from the date the taxes became due.

Discussion & Analysis: The yearly totals listed below should be charged off in September 2019 when the 2019 taxes became due.

2007 $135.70

2009 $84,162.62

The totals include taxes for real estate and personal property (includes solid waste disposal and availability fees, late list penalties and advertisement fees, and interest) and registered motor vehicles. The NC General Statutes will not allow us to use forced collection measures after September 1, 2019 to collect these taxes. We have attempted to use enforcement remedies to collect all past due taxes, but have been unable to collect the remaining taxes. Any taxes that have been turned over to our attorney for foreclosure will remain as accounts receivables and will not be written off. A detailed list of those accounts is available in the Tax Administrator's office.

How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: N/A

Budgetary Impact: N/A

Recommendation: Motion to approve write-off of all outstanding real and personal property taxes as of September 1, 2009 for Chatham County and all municipal jurisdictions for which the coun...

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