Quick Answer

North Carolina had 20,700 IRS tax lien filings in 2025, up 6.8% year-over-year. The average tax debt is $32,400. Mecklenburg County (Charlotte) leads with the highest filing volume.

North Carolina Tax Intelligence

North Carolina IRS Tax Data

County-level IRS collection trends, industry analysis, and tax resolution data for North Carolina. Covering all 100 counties with focus on the Charlotte metro, Research Triangle, and coastal regions.

2025 Filings

20,700

+6.8% YoY

Avg Tax Debt

$32,400

Top County

Mecklenburg

Primary Issue

Construction/Contractor Tax

County Intelligence

IRS collection data by North Carolina county

Compare Counties
Mecklenburg County
Pop: 1164K | piedmont
5,400 filings
Avg Debt:$34,200
Banking/FinanceHealthcareTechnology
View county data
Wake County
Pop: 1175K | triangle
4,800 filings
Avg Debt:$38,600
TechnologyHealthcareEducation
View county data
Guilford County
Pop: 541K | piedmont
2,800 filings
Avg Debt:$26,400
ManufacturingLogisticsHealthcare
View county data
Forsyth County
Pop: 387K | piedmont
1,900 filings
Avg Debt:$28,800
HealthcareTechnologyFinancial Services
View county data
Durham County
Pop: 333K | triangle
1,400 filings
Avg Debt:$36,400
HealthcareBiotechnologyTechnology
View county data
Buncombe County
Pop: 269K | mountain
1,200 filings
Avg Debt:$28,200
TourismHealthcareCraft Brewing
View county data

Regional Analysis

IRS collection patterns by North Carolina region

Piedmont Triad & Charlotte
Filings:11,100
Avg Debt:$31,200
Growth:+7.2%

Top issues:

Construction payroll, Banking/finance, Small business tax

Research Triangle
Filings:7,300
Avg Debt:$36,400
Growth:+8.1%

Top issues:

Tech stock options, Healthcare professionals, Startup founders

Coastal North Carolina
Filings:1,100
Avg Debt:$30,400
Growth:+5.4%

Top issues:

Tourism seasonality, Film industry, Retirement income

Western North Carolina
Filings:1,200
Avg Debt:$28,200
Growth:+4.8%

Top issues:

Tourism/hospitality, Vacation rentals, Retirement distributions

Industry Tax Analysis

North Carolina industries with highest IRS exposure

Construction Contractors
high risk
Avg debt: $58,400

North Carolina's construction boom has created thousands of rapidly scaling contractors who often outpace their tax compliance infrastructure.

Industry analysis
Trucking Companies
high risk
Avg debt: $48,600

North Carolina's position on I-95 and I-85 creates significant trucking industry concentration with complex multi-state obligations.

Industry analysis
Healthcare Professionals
high risk
Avg debt: $86,400

North Carolina's healthcare sector growth creates significant tax exposure for physicians managing expanding practices.

Industry analysis
Real Estate Professionals
elevated risk
Avg debt: $42,800

North Carolina's rapid real estate appreciation creates substantial tax exposure for professionals dealing with increased transaction volume.

Industry analysis
Data Methodology

North Carolina tax data is compiled from the IRS Data Book, NC Department of Revenue reports, and U.S. Census Bureau demographic data. County-level estimates are derived from state totals proportional to population and economic activity. Data is updated quarterly and is for informational purposes only.

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