Do I need to file any paperwork or forms for a small vacant parcel of land I own? – North Carolina

Short Answer

Usually, no ongoing “ownership forms” must be filed in North Carolina just because a parcel is vacant. The main paperwork issues are (1) making sure the deed (or other ownership document) is properly recorded with the county Register of Deeds, and (2) making sure the county tax office has the correct owner and mailing address so property taxes get billed and paid. If the land is remote, additional optional steps—like a survey or boundary marking—can help prevent future disputes.

Understanding the Problem

In North Carolina, a landowner can ask: must any paperwork be filed to keep ownership of a small, unimproved parcel in a rural or mountain area? The decision point is whether there is any required filing with the county (such as the Register of Deeds or the county tax office) to keep the ownership record current and avoid problems like missed tax bills or later title disputes. This question focuses on basic “keep it in good standing” paperwork, not selling the land or building on it.

Apply the Law

North Carolina does not require an owner to file periodic “renewal” forms to keep title to land. Instead, ownership is tracked through recorded instruments in the county Register of Deeds, and taxation is handled through the county’s property tax listing system. Separately, long-term possession issues can arise if boundaries are unclear and someone else occupies or treats the land as their own for the required time period.

Key Requirements

Recorded ownership record: The deed (or other instrument that created the ownership) should be recorded in the county where the land is located so the public record reflects ownership and later transactions can be handled cleanly.
Tax account accuracy and payment: The county tax office should have the correct owner name and mailing address, and property taxes must be paid to avoid liens and tax foreclosure risk.
Clear location and boundaries (risk management): For remote parcels, practical steps like confirming the legal description, obtaining a survey when needed, and addressing encroachments early can reduce boundary and possession disputes.

What the Statutes Say

N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-308 (Duty to list; penalty for failure) – Requires property to be listed as required by the Machinery Act and sets penalties for willful failure to list when listing duties apply.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 105-303 (Real property transfers; permanent listing) – Addresses how counties track real property for taxation and how transfer information may be collected; also describes permanent listing systems used in many counties.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-38 (Seven years’ possession under color of title) – Describes when possession under color of title for seven years can bar claims, and includes provisions about boundary marking and recording a survey map as evidence related to possession.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-40 (Twenty years adverse possession) – Provides that 20 years of adverse possession under known and visible boundaries can ripen into title against others (subject to legal requirements and proof).

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: With a small, unimproved parcel in a rural/mountain area, there is typically no recurring form that must be filed just to “keep” the land. The practical paperwork question is whether the deed is properly recorded in the county Register of Deeds and whether the county tax office has the correct owner and mailing address so tax bills are received and paid. Because the land is vacant and remote, confirming boundaries and watching for encroachments can matter more than filing new documents.

Process & Timing

Who checks: The landowner (or attorney). Where: County Register of Deeds (for deed records) and the county Tax Assessor/Tax Office (for tax billing records) in the North Carolina county where the parcel sits. What: A copy of the recorded deed and the parcel/tax ID record; if an address is wrong, an ownership/mailing address update request per the county’s procedure. When: As soon as possible after purchase, inheritance, or any change in mailing address.
If the deed is not recorded or the record is unclear: Identify the last recorded deed and the legal description, then correct the chain of title (often by locating missing instruments or recording a corrective instrument when appropriate). Timing depends on what is missing and whether signatures/notarization can be obtained.
If the concern is “someone using the land”: Document the condition, confirm boundary lines (often with a survey if the description is old or unclear), and address encroachments early. If litigation becomes necessary, the correct forum is typically North Carolina Superior Court in the county where the land is located.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

“No tax bill” does not mean “no taxes owed”: A wrong mailing address or a recording/transfer mismatch can cause missed bills; unpaid taxes can become a lien and can lead to enforced collection.
Unrecorded or hard-to-find deeds: If the deed was never recorded or the legal description is inconsistent, future sales, financing, or boundary enforcement can become difficult and expensive to fix later.
Boundary uncertainty on mountain/rural tracts: Old metes-and-bounds descriptions, missing markers, and informal neighbor use can create disputes. A survey and clear boundary evidence can reduce risk, especially where lines are not “known and visible.”
Easements and access issues: If access depends on an easement or right-of-way, recording and confirming those documents can matter for marketability and for preventing later disputes.

For more on verifying ownership records, see confirm the title is in my name and documents to review to make sure the deed and ownership records are correct.

Conclusion

In North Carolina, owning a small vacant parcel usually does not require filing ongoing forms just to keep ownership. The key paperwork is making sure the deed is properly recorded with the county Register of Deeds and that the county tax office has the correct owner and mailing address so taxes are billed and paid. A practical next step is to pull the most recent recorded deed from the Register of Deeds and confirm the tax record matches it.

Talk to a Real Estate Attorney

If you’re dealing with a rural vacant parcel and are unsure whether the deed records, tax listing, or boundaries are in order, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Call us today at [919-341-7055].

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.