Real Estate Assessment

The real estate assessment office appraises and assesses all real estate in Buncombe County. North Carolina General Statutes require that real estate be assessed at 100% of its market value as of January 1 of each reappraisal year. The assessment of new construction is based on its percent of completion as of January 1. The Assessment Office also administers the present land use and exemption programs.

Real estate includes land, buildings, structures, and improvements. A mobile home located on land owned by the owner of the mobile home is also considered to be real estate. Property owners as of January 1 are required to list any new buildings, additions, improvements, or deletions that occurred during the previous year. A construction permit does not fulfill this requirement. The listing must be filed during the listing period January- January 31 of each year. Painting reroofing,and landscaping are considered maintenance and do not require a listing form.

Ownership of real estate is established on January 1 of the tax year. Transfer of ownership during the year does not relieve the seller of tax liability. Prorations at the time of closing are part of a private contract between buyer and seller. The owner as of January 1 will receive any bills issued for the year and is responsible to see that the appropriate party pays the tax bill. If you have questions about how your taxes were prorated, contact your realtor or closing attorney.

Contact Information
Linda Brown
Real Estate Assessment Manager
(828) 250-4940
linda.brown@buncombecounty.org

To download a file containing more information about Real Property in Buncombe County, follow the link below:

• Tax Information Download
  
  

North Carolina excludes from property taxes the greater of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) or fifty percent (50%) of the appraised value of a permanent residence owned and occupied by a qualifying owner. Claimant must be a North Carolina resident, 65 years of age or totally and permanently disabled (physician's statement required), and has a combined income of both spouses for the preceding year not to exceed $18,500. Applications must be made prior to June 1 of the year for which exemption is desired. (828) 250-4920 or email Sheila McPeters. You can download the Senior Citizen and Disability Exclusion Application (*large file - 1.04 MB). The application includes the physician's statement form.