The details on how to appeal your Buncombe County property tax value

Last week, most Buncombe County property owners received a notice of their updated property values for tax purposes.

But those residents have until mid-April to appeal those initial values. Anyone wishing to appeal their new property values has three options:

• Complete and mail the informal review form attached to the notice.

• Call (828) 250-4940 and schedule an informal review with a Tax Office Appraiser.

• File an appeal on-line here.

This is the first time property values have been reassessed since 2006 and it’s the first time the online appeal form has been available. It allows users to attach information such as photos, sales information or appraisals that are relevant to their appeal, according to the Buncombe County website. The county Tax Department also suggests including information stating why they are appealing the assessed value.

The Buncombe County website also notes: “Values cannot be changed based only on the amount of increase or decrease in value or because the tax bill may increase. Simply writing ‘too high’ or ‘too low’ is not enough information for the appraisal staff to change the assessed value.” 

Initial values were determined by appraisal staff based on “the best sales information available,” according to the site.

“The staff must have a reason to adjust the assessed value based on additional market information that the property owner provides. The information supplied will be reviewed and the property owner will be notified of the results of this review. The assessed value can be decreased, increased or be unchanged based on this review process,” the website adds.