What if I Disagree with my Reappraisal?

Of course, no matter how thorough and fair a reappraisal may be, there are still instances when only the property owner has all the information necessary for an accurate appraisal. That is why there is a relatively easy appeal process. First, an "informal appeal form" is provided for your initial appeal. The form must be completed and returned to the Tax Department prior to April of the year in which the appeal is being made. Please include any documentation, i.e. photographs, sales records, appraisals, you may have. We will thoroughly review and consider your appeal. If you have marked on the appeal form that you want a face to face meeting, we will contact you to schedule a time convenient for you. Remember, you can appeal only property values, not property taxes, through this process.

Adjustments to values will be made based on a reanalysis of appealed property. Once you are notified of the results of the reanalysis, you have the option of accepting the value or appealing further. The next step in the appeal process is to appeal to the "Board of Equalization and Review." The Board of Equalization and Review is a special board appointed by the County Commissioners and consists of long time Buncombe County residents who have a solid real estate or business background and are quite familiar with local real estate values.

If you are still dissatisfied with your property values, the next step is to appeal to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission in Raleigh. Very rarely is this step required. From the Property Tax Commission, you may appeal to the North Carolina Court of Appeals and finally to the North Carolina Supreme Court. Again, these appeals are very rare since every effort is made by the Tax Department to resolve our issues locally among people who are most familiar with property values in Buncombe County.