Top Stories for Dec. 31, 2025

1. Don’t Be Delinquent: Mecklenburg County property owners must submit their tax payments by Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, to avoid delinquency. Real estate and personal property tax payments must be paid or postmarked on or before Jan. 5 to avoid interest charges. Property owners whose payments are received or postmarked after that date will be charged 2% interest for January, and an additional three-quarters of a percent every month thereafter until paid. Payments can be made online, by phone, by mail, or in person.

2. It’s a Boat! It’s a Plane! And It Needs to be Listed: Any person or business that owns property such as boats, aircraft or mobile homes, or income-producing property such as equipment, machinery or furniture associated with a business must list the property for tax purposes with the Mecklenburg County Assessor’s Office between Jan. 1 and Feb. 2, 2026. Individual and business personal property is taxed at the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 property tax rates set by the Board of County Commissioners, the Charlotte City Council, and town boards. Individual personal property is property owned by an individual for personal use. Business personal property is the personal property owned by a business or used by an individual for income purposes.

3. Bringing the Heat: Chilly temperatures and holiday crowds have likely bumped up the thermostat in many homes. And the bills will soon come due. Mecklenburg County residents who have trouble paying their heating bills can get help through the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). Applications from all residents will be accepted starting Jan. 1, 2026. Seniors and disabled individuals have had the opportunity to apply throughout December. The deadline for all residents to apply is March 31, 2026. Visit MeckNC.gov/energy or call 704-336-3000 to begin the application process.

4. Making Critical Repairs Happen: Costs for home repairs can add up in a hurry, especially for low-to-moderate income homeowners. That is why Mecklenburg County supports the Critical Home Repair program, working with partners to address urgent health and safety repairs for those residents in need. Common repairs include roofing and structural stabilization; plumbing, electrical and HVAC upgrades; and accessibility improvements such as ramps and grab bars. The service is offered by local nonprofits such as Habitat for Humanity Charlotte Region, Rebuilding Together Greater Charlotte, Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity and She Built this City.