What New State Laws Mean for Your Property Tax Values

Frequently asked questions on the reappraisal moratorium, property tax bills, appeals, and more.

The property tax process this year is confusing, and we apologize for that. As you know, Buncombe County conducted a recent property revaluation, which is mandated by North Carolina law. In June, the County adopted a budget with a tax rate applied to those new values.

In July, the North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation that changed when this year's property reappraisal can take effect in some counties, including Buncombe County. Following that, Buncombe County Commissioners held a special meeting, where a new tax rate was adopted to be applied to the old property values, previously set in 2021. That funding formula maintained the adopted budget that prioritized public education and public safety spending.

What changed?

The new state laws now require the county to delay using the new 2026 values for one more year until 2027. As a result, tax bills for this year are calculated using values based on the county's previous reappraisal, which was in 2021.

Is my 2026 tax value the same as it was for 2025?

Generally, yes. However, just as in any non-reappraisal year, the county may have recognized new construction or other changes to your property since the 2025 value was determined. Your property is valued based on its state as of Jan. 1, 2026, but using the values developed for the county’s last reappraisal, which was 2021.

What does this mean for my tax bill?

Every year, the amount of your tax bill depends on the tax rate(s) adopted by the Board of County Commissioners and any other taxing jurisdictions (city/town, fire district, etc.) in which your property is located. Even if your tax value for 2026 is lower than it would have been under the 2026 reappraisal, your tax bill could still increase from last year, depending on the tax rates of each jurisdiction.

Buncombe County’s current tax rate is 61.54 cents per $100 of assessed value based on your old value, not the updated value you received in the mail earlier this year.

What are my rights to appeal?

If you already appealed your 2026 reappraisal value, that appeal is not canceled. Staff continues to review pending appeals, and the outcome will apply once the reappraisal value takes effect in 2027.

You may also file an appeal of your property’s value (on the current bill) through Dec. 31, 2026.

How do I start an appeal?

You can start an online appeal by following these steps:

1. Enter your address at tax.buncombenc.gov
2. Click View Parcel
3. Then click Tax Appeal Request

Email [email protected] or call 828-250-4940 to request an appeal form by mail.

When will property tax bills be in the mail? 

Property tax bills were delayed to these legislative changes and should be in the mail by late August 2026. In the meantime, most residential property tax bills are available online now at tax.buncombenc.gov.

When are property tax bills due?

Property tax bills are typically due on Sept. 1, with a four-month grace period that allows property owners to pay through Jan. 5, 2027, without penalty. Interest accrues on any amount outstanding as of Jan. 6 and at the beginning of each following month with a delinquent balance.

Are payment plans available?

Buncombe County Tax Collections can develop a manageable payment schedule where property owners can spread payments over several months. Enrolled property owners are not subject to collection actions, such as wage or bank garnishments. 

There are two payment options available: the Casual Payment Plan and the Preauthorized Debit Payment Plan, call 828-250-4910 to speak with a collection specialist. Visit buncombenc.gov/taxcollections for more information.

Is property tax relief available?

Buncombe County administers state-mandated relief programs for the elderly, disabled Veterans, and qualifying agricultural, forestry, or conservation land. Visit buncombenc.gov/taxrelief for more information. Applications for tax relief programs are open Jan. 1-June 1. Note: Our offices have received multiple phone calls from seniors asking about a federal senior property tax exemption, as seen on Youtube videos. These circulating videos appear to use artificial intelligence and misleading commentary to make their claims seem credible. North Carolina does offer legitimate programs that may help qualifying older homeowners, but these programs have specific eligibility guidelines and require an official application. 

Is there other assistance available?

The new General Assistance Program (GAP) aims to help households experiencing temporary financial hardship. The program is designed to provide timely support to qualifying residents for essential expenses such as housing and utility bills. GAP will support both homeowners and renters.  

The program provides short-term assistance, with approved payments issued directly to the vendor on behalf of the applicant. The GAP application period opened on July 1 and continues until funding is exhausted. 

Because funding is limited, applications are prioritized based on availability, particularly for homeowners who apply between July 1 and September 30. While homeowners receive priority during the first six months, renters and other non-property owners remain eligible to receive assistance while funds are available. 

For more information, please visit buncombenc.gov/gap or call Buncombe County Health and Human Services at 828-250-5500. 

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