Homeowners/Selma, NC/Tax Liens
Tax Liens & Delinquent Property Taxes in Selma, NC
Homeowners in Selma, NC facing property tax liens need to act before advertising begins. Find county tax office contacts, payment plans, and legal resources.
✓Local Selma resources✓Verified contacts✓Updated regularly
Situation overview
Property tax delinquency in Selma, NC follows a strict county timeline — taxes are due September 1, become delinquent after January 5, and the county advertises liens from March through June. Early contact with your county tax office is critical.
What to do first
Property tax delinquency in Selma follows a strict county timeline. Early contact with the tax office opens payment plan options that disappear once advertising begins.
Start with
- Call your county tax collector before the delinquent date to ask about installment plans.
- Check if you qualify for any property tax relief programs, especially for seniors, veterans, or disabled homeowners.
- Appeal your property assessment if the tax bill seems based on an inflated valuation.
Avoid
- Ignore tax notices — interest accrues monthly and advertising deadlines are strict.
- Assume the lien will resolve itself or that the county will negotiate after advertising.
- Sign any property transfer agreement without understanding the outstanding lien amounts.
NC law reference
Key legal facts for tax liens situations in North Carolina.
- Property tax due
- September 1
- Delinquent after
- After January 5
- Tax lien interest
- 2% first month, then 3/4% each additional month
- Advertising period
- March 1 through June 30
- Upset bid period
- 10 days after sale
Step-by-step action plan
A starting path you can follow before committing to any contract or agreement.
- Contact your county tax office immediately to ask about payment plan options before advertising begins.
- Gather your property tax bill, any notices received, and recent assessment records.
- Consult a tax attorney or HUD counselor to understand redemption periods and your rights.
Who to contact in Selma
Tax Lien Attorneys
Lucas, Denning & Ellerbe, P.A.
Founded in 1979 by Robert V. Lucas, this firm has served Johnston County for over 46 years from its Selma office at 208 N Webb St — one of only two law firms physically located in Selma. Handles real estate closings, foreclosure defense, title disputes, and property transactions. Also practices estate planning, probate, and business law.
Lucas Denning & Ellerbe Selma attorneysHousing Counseling and Foreclosure Prevention
HUD Housing Counselor Referral Line
Federal HUD counselor locator and hotline for Selma homeowners needing foreclosure-prevention counseling, loan-workout planning, and loss-mitigation guidance in Johnston County.
Find a HUD-approved housing counselorNorth Carolina Housing Finance Agency Homeowner Help
State mortgage-delinquency and foreclosure-prevention guidance for North Carolina homeowners, with referrals to HUD-approved counseling agencies serving Johnston County.
NCHFA homeowner assistanceFree and Low-Cost Legal Aid
Legal Aid of North Carolina — Raleigh Office
Legal Aid office serving Johnston County residents with free civil legal assistance including housing, foreclosure, family law, and consumer issues for income-qualifying individuals.
(919) 828-46471425 Promise Beacon Circle, Suite 201, Raleigh, NC 27610
Legal Aid of North Carolina RaleighLegal Aid of North Carolina — Statewide Helpline
Statewide legal aid helpline for North Carolina residents needing assistance with housing, foreclosure, family law, and consumer issues. Serves Johnston County residents who qualify based on income guidelines.
Legal Aid of North CarolinaJohnston County Government Offices
Johnston County Clerk of Superior Court
Handles probate filings, estate administration, foreclosure proceedings, and civil case records for Johnston County. Located in the Johnston County Courthouse in Smithfield.
(919) 209-5400207 E Johnston St, Smithfield, NC 27577
Monday–Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Johnston County Clerk of CourtJohnston County Tax Administration
Collects property taxes for Johnston County including the Town of Selma. Online search and payment available. Office in the Johnston County Courthouse in Smithfield.
Johnston County tax administrationTown of Selma — Planning & Code Enforcement
The Town of Selma maintains its own code enforcement, zoning compliance, and development permitting under its Unified Development Ordinance (adopted 2004). Contact the Planning & Economic Development Department for property maintenance complaints, zoning permits, and building inspections.
Town of Selma permits and planningU.S. Bankruptcy Court — Eastern District of North Carolina
Federal bankruptcy court serving Johnston County. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 petitions for Selma residents are filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina, Raleigh Division.
Eastern District NC Bankruptcy CourtCommunity Resources
Harbor, Inc. — Johnston County
Domestic violence shelter serving Johnston County since 1984. Provides 24/7 temporary emergency shelter, crisis intervention, safety planning, support groups, victim advocacy, and court advocacy. Call the 24-hour crisis hotline for immediate help.
Harbor Inc. crisis servicesJohnston County Veterans Services
Assists eligible veterans, dependents, and surviving spouses with VA benefits applications, disability claims, and referrals to federal and state veteran programs.
Johnston County veterans servicesCentral Pines Regional Council — Area Agency on Aging
Regional Area Agency on Aging supporting Johnston County seniors with caregiver support, long-term care options counseling, and benefits navigation. The Harrison Center for Active Aging in Selma — a certified Center of Excellence — provides local programming for Selma-area older adults.
Central Pines Area Agency on AgingTax Liens Real Estate Agents in Selma
Chamiese Evans — Licensed Realtor
Specializing in helping Selma homeowners navigate tax liens situations — whether that means selling, negotiating, or exploring every option before making a decision. NorthGroup Real Estate.
Visit listrobin.comCommon questions
How long do I have before my property is sold for delinquent taxes in Selma?
In North Carolina, property taxes are due September 1 and become delinquent after January 5. Interest begins accruing immediately. The county advertises delinquent properties March through June, and tax sales follow. Contact your county tax office in Selma early to negotiate a payment plan.
Can I sell my home in Selma if there is a tax lien on it?
Yes, but the tax lien must be satisfied at closing. A cash buyer experienced with liens can often close faster because they understand the payoff process and work directly with the county.
What happens during the upset bid period after a tax sale in Selma?
In NC, there is a 10-day upset bid period after a tax sale where higher bids can be submitted. Understanding this timeline is critical if you are trying to redeem or sell your property before the sale finalizes.
Related situations in Selma
Homeowners dealing with tax liens often face overlapping issues. These resources may also help.
Tax Liens in other cities
Charlotte, NC
Charlotte, NC
View resourcesClover, SC
Clover, SC
View resourcesConcord, NC
Concord, NC
View resourcesCornelius, NC
Cornelius, NC
View resourcesDavidson, NC
Davidson, NC
View resourcesFort Mill, SC
Fort Mill, SC
View resourcesResearched by CC Evans, Marketing Analyst — RobinOffer
Last reviewed: February 2026
This directory is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Confirm all options with licensed counsel or a qualified financial professional before signing any agreement.
Sources: NC General Statutes · HUD.gov · CFPB.gov
Need help with a tax lien?
Share your Selma property details and get clear options for resolving tax liens before the deadline.
No obligationFree to useYour info stays private