How can North Carolina counties collect on unpaid property taxes?

In North Carolina, counties can collect on unpaid property taxes primarily by selling the property. This process is known as a tax foreclosure and is a legal mechanism that allows local governments to recover unpaid taxes owed on real estate. When property taxes go unpaid for a certain period, the county can initiate foreclosure proceedings, ultimately leading to the sale of the property at a public auction. This option serves as a means to ensure that local governments can maintain essential services funded by property tax revenues.

The other options are less effective methods for property tax collection. Going door to door is impractical and not a formal procedure utilized for tax collection. Relying on voluntary tax collectors suggests a lack of authority, as tax collection requires enforcement by public entities. Utilizing a collection agency is not a primary method for property taxes due to the legal process involved in liens and foreclosures. Thus, selling the property through foreclosure is the legally supported and effective approach for counties dealing with unpaid property taxes.