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Haywood County tax collector reports 98.19% collection rate for 2023; $929,003 remains uncollected
Summary
Tax collector Sebastian Cawthorn told commissioners the county's net levy was $51,405,939 for 2023 and collections totaled $50,007,065 (98.19% collection rate), with $929,003.48 uncollected; enforcement actions included hundreds of garnishments and attachments and 266 active payment plans remain.
Sebastian Cawthorn, Haywood County tax collector, presented the annual settlement of collections for 2023, reporting a net levy of $51,405,939 and collections totaling $50,007,065 — a collection rate of 98.19% and an uncollected balance of $929,003.48. "We collected $50,007,065 to leave an uncollected balance at the end of the fiscal year of $929,003.48 for a collection rate of 98.19%." Cawthorn said enforcement activity increased and cited 393 wage garnishments, 293 bank attachments and 266 active payment plans.
Commissioners discussed the economic context and the increase in enforcement activity; the tax collector noted a 10‑year statute of limitations on enforcement and said the office is using payment plans and garnishments to work with residents. Several commissioners commended the tax office staff for achieving one of the county’s highest historic collection rates under difficult economic conditions. The board voted to approve the settlement as presented.
Cawthorn clarified that ACH automatic payments were not included in some summary counts and that some payment plans were closed as taxpayers paid off balances during the year. He said foreclosure sales have increased compared with last year but many delinquent accounts are still resolved by payments before sale.
