This news item expired on Friday, March 23, 2007 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
North Carolina General Statutes require local tax collectors to advertise annually all current year unpaid taxes levied on real estate. While the Buncombe County Tax Department does not wish to embarrass property owners by publishing their names in the newspaper, the advertisement of property tax liens is mandatory, because it is the beginning of the foreclosure process.
The 2006 real estate taxes were past due on January 6, 2007. The Tax Department has mailed several notices to taxpayers regarding past due accounts. A letter was also mailed to real estate owners informing them that their name and property will be advertised in the Asheville Citizens-Times on April 1 if not paid by March 23, 2007.
The advertisement of tax liens is divided into three sections. A description of the contents is shown at the beginning of each section. The amount due for each property reflects payments received in the Tax Department through March 28, 2007.
The Tax Department is currently using various collection methods such as bank and wage attachments, debt set-off (income tax refunds) and foreclosure action. Properties subject to foreclosure may be referred to an independent attorney and additional cost will be added to the taxes already owed. The additional cost for each foreclosure suit will be determined according to law.
If you have questions about the names and properties appearing in this advertisement, or want to contact us about payment of your taxes, please call the collections office at (828) 250-4910. Our office hours are 8:30am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. If you have already paid your taxes and want to check on your current status, visit the Tax section of the Buncombe County website.