N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-365.1 — When and against whom collection remedies may be used

(a) Date of Delinquency. - A tax collector may collect a tax using the remedies provided in G.S. 105-366 through G.S. 105-375 on or after the date the tax is delinquent. A tax is delinquent on the following date: (1) For a tax that is not a deferred tax, the date the tax accrues interest. (2) For a deferred tax, other than a tax described in subdivision (3) of this subsection, the date a disqualifying event occurs. (3) For a deferred tax under G.S. 105-277.1B that lost its eligibility for deferral due to the death of the owner, the first day of the ninth month following the date of death. (b) Enforced Collection. - For purposes of using the collection remedies provided in G.S. 105-366 through G.S. 105-375 to collect delinquent taxes, the taxing unit shall proceed against property of the following taxpayer: (1) To collect delinquent taxes assessed on real property, the owner of record of property on which tax is due as of the date of delinquency and any subsequent owner of record of the property. (2) To collect delinquent taxes assessed on personal property, the owner of record as of January 1 of the calendar year in which the fiscal year of taxation begins. (3) To collect delinquent taxes assessed on a registered motor vehicle, the owner of record as of the date on which the current vehicle registration is renewed or the date on which a new registration is applied for. (2008-35, s. 2.8.)