AppealDesk

Buncombe County Property Tax Appeal, North Carolina

Travis BunnTravis Bunn·Updated July 24, 2026

Buncombe County is located in western North Carolina, with Asheville serving as the county seat and largest city. The 2026 property reappraisal saw the county's tax base grow by 43%, with current assessments estimated to be 50-70% higher than four years ago, making property tax appeals especially important this year. The county's median effective property tax rate of 0.68% is lower than both the national median of 1.02% and the North Carolina median of 0.81%, and the median annual tax bill of $2,072 is below the national median of $2,400.

Notable cities: Asheville, Black Mountain, Weaverville, Woodfin, Montreat

Median Home

$446,500

Tax Rate

0.68%

Annual Tax

$2,072

Population

275,607

On the typical Buncombe County home, valued near $446,500 at the county’s effective tax rate of 0.68%, an over-assessment of even 10% means you are overpaying year after year until you appeal it. Here is how to find out if yours qualifies.

2026 Appeal Deadline: May 5, 2026 (or 30 days from notice date)

The formal appeal deadline is May 5, 2026, when the Board of Equalization and Review adjourns. Property owners who receive their notice of value late have 30 days from the date on their notice to file an appeal, even if that extends past May 5.

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North Carolina home with wide green lawn. Buncombe County appeal guide.

How Buncombe County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Buncombe County Tax Assessment Office

Assessment cycle: quadrennial

Notices typically mailed: February-March 2026

North Carolina requires all real estate to be assessed at 100% of its market value as of January 1 of each general reappraisal year. Market value is defined as the price at which property would change hands between a willing buyer and willing seller. For example: If your home's market value is $446,500, at North Carolina's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $446,500, resulting in approximately $3,036 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 0.68%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Board of Equalization and Review. After filing a formal appeal to BOER, you will be notified of your hearing date. During the hearing, you will present your evidence and explain why you believe your assessed value is incorrect. The board will review all evidence and issue a written decision.

1

Review your property record card online at tax.buncombenc.gov to verify all information is accurate, including square footage, bedroom/bathroom count, acreage, and condition.

2

Gather evidence including at least three comparable property sales from your neighborhood sold before January 1, 2026 (preferably within the last 6 months to 2 years), photos of property condition, contractor estimates for needed repairs, recent appraisals, or property surveys.

3

File an informal appeal online at tax.buncombenc.gov, by phone at (828) 250-4940, by mail to 182 College Street, or in person before the May 5, 2026 deadline. Include all supporting documentation with your submission.

4

Participate in the informal review where a Tax Department appraiser will review all submitted information, area property values, and recent comparable sales. You will receive a formal letter within 30-60 days stating whether your value increases, decreases, or remains unchanged.

5

If you disagree with the informal appeal result, file a formal appeal to the Board of Equalization and Review (BOER) within 30 days of the date on your informal appeal decision notice. The BOER will schedule a hearing where you can present your case in person.

6

If the BOER decision is unsatisfactory, appeal to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission within 30 days of receiving the BOER decision.

7

As a final step, if needed, appeal the Property Tax Commission decision to the North Carolina Court of Appeals and ultimately the North Carolina Supreme Court.

Required form: Online appeal form via tax.buncombenc.gov or paper form available by request

Filing Methods

online:https://tax.buncombenc.gov - Search for your property and select 'Tax Appeal Request'
phone:Call (828) 250-4940 to schedule an appointment with an appraiser
mail:Property Assessment, 182 College Street, Asheville, NC 28801
in-person:182 College Street, Asheville, NC 28801 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Evidence to Bring

Comparable property sales (at least 3 from your neighborhood sold before January 1, 2026)Photos documenting property condition or damageContractor estimates for needed repairsRecent professional appraisalProperty survey or floor plansDocumentation of property characteristics that may affect value

Buncombe County Assessor Contact

Buncombe County Tax Assessment Office

Phone: (828) 250-4940

Address: 182 College Street, Asheville, NC 28801

Website: https://www.buncombenc.gov/589/Tax-Assessment

Online Portal: https://tax.buncombenc.gov

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tax Exemptions in Buncombe County

Elderly or Disabled Homestead Exclusion

Greater of $25,000 or 50% of appraised value

Excludes from taxation the greater of $25,000 or 50% of the appraised value of a permanent residence for qualifying seniors and disabled homeowners.

Eligibility: Age 65 or older OR permanently and totally disabled; North Carolina resident; own and occupy property as permanent residence; 2025 household income not exceeding $38,800Deadline: June 1, 2026

Disabled Veteran Homestead Exclusion

$45,000 exclusion from appraised value

Excludes $45,000 of the appraised value of a permanent residence for qualifying disabled veterans or their unmarried surviving spouses.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veteran with 100% permanent and total service-connected disability from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or receives benefits for specially adapted housing; unmarried surviving spouse also qualifiesDeadline: June 1, 2026

Property Tax Homestead Circuit Breaker Deferment

Caps tax at 4-5% of household income; deferred amount must be repaid when property is sold or no longer qualifies

Allows qualifying seniors and disabled residents to defer property taxes that exceed 4% of income (for income up to $38,800) or 5% of income (for income between $38,801 and $55,050). Deferred taxes accumulate as a lien with 6% annual interest.

Eligibility: Age 65 or older OR permanently and totally disabled; owned and occupied property at least 5 years; North Carolina resident; household income within limitsDeadline: June 1, 2026 (must reapply annually)

Present-Use Value

Varies based on present-use assessment rather than market value

Property tax deferment for land designated as agricultural, horticultural, historical, forestland, or with a wildlife conservation easement.

Eligibility: Land must meet specific use requirements for agriculture, horticulture, forestry, or conservation purposesDeadline: January-June annually

Buncombe County Appeal Packet · $49

Comparable sales evidence, county-specific filing guide, and professional cover letter. Enter your address to get started.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Buncombe County for 2026?
The deadline to appeal your 2026 property value assessment in Buncombe County is May 5, 2026, which is when the Board of Equalization and Review adjourns. However, if you received your notice of value late, you have 30 days from the date printed on your notice to file an appeal, even if that extends past May 5. It's strongly recommended to file your appeal as early as possible to allow adequate time for the informal review process before the formal deadline. No new appeals will be accepted after the Board adjourns on May 5, so don't wait until the last minute.
How do I file a property tax appeal online in Buncombe County?
To file a property tax appeal online in Buncombe County, visit tax.buncombenc.gov and search for your property using your address or parcel number. Once you've located your property, review your property record card to ensure all information is accurate, then select 'Tax Appeal Request' to begin the online appeal process. The online system allows you to upload supporting documentation such as comparable sales data, photos, appraisals, and contractor estimates. You'll receive immediate email confirmation of your submission, and the typical review time is 4-6 weeks. The appeal process is completely free and can be completed in 15-20 minutes using the county's guided online system.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Buncombe County?
Buncombe County offers an Elderly or Disabled Homestead Exclusion that excludes the greater of $25,000 or 50% of your home's appraised value from taxation. For example, if your home is assessed at $446,500, you would receive a $223,250 exclusion (50%), which at the county's effective tax rate of 0.68% would save you approximately $1,518 annually in property taxes. To qualify, you must be age 65 or older or permanently and totally disabled, be a North Carolina resident, own and occupy the property as your permanent residence, and have a household income not exceeding $38,800 for 2025. The application deadline is June 1, 2026, and you only need to apply once unless your circumstances change.
What happens at a Board of Equalization and Review hearing in Buncombe County?
If your informal appeal is denied and you file a formal appeal to the Board of Equalization and Review (BOER), you will be notified by mail of your scheduled hearing date. During the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present your case in person, including all evidence such as comparable sales, photos, appraisals, and any other documentation supporting your claim that your assessed value is incorrect. The board members will review your evidence, ask questions, and may also consider testimony from county appraisers. After considering all information, the BOER will issue a written decision that either upholds, reduces, or increases your assessed value. If you disagree with the BOER decision, you have 30 days to appeal to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission.
How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Buncombe County?
The amount you can save depends on how much your property is over-assessed and the evidence you provide. With Buncombe County's 2026 reappraisal showing increases of 50-70% over 2021 values and the tax base growing by 43%, many properties may be over-assessed. At the county's effective tax rate of 0.68%, even a 10% reduction on a median-value home of $446,500 could save you approximately $303 annually, or $3,030 over ten years. For higher-valued properties or larger over-assessments, the savings can be substantially greater. The appeal process is completely free in Buncombe County, so there's no financial risk in filing if you believe your assessment is too high.
What evidence do I need for a successful Buncombe County property tax appeal?
To win a property tax appeal in Buncombe County, officials emphasize that you must submit verifiable information with documentation. The most effective evidence is three or more comparable property sales from your neighborhood that sold before the January 1, 2026 appraisal date, preferably within the last 6 months to 2 years, showing that similar homes sold for less than your assessed value. Additional strong evidence includes photos documenting property condition or damage (especially storm damage from Hurricane Helene), contractor estimates for needed repairs, a recent professional appraisal, property surveys or floor plans, and documentation of any property characteristics that negatively affect value. The county provides a Comper tool at tax.buncombenc.gov to help you find comparable sales in your area.
Can I still appeal my Buncombe County property taxes if I missed the May 5 deadline?
If you received your notice of value from Buncombe County after early April 2026, you have 30 days from the date printed on your notice to file an appeal, even if that extends past the May 5, 2026 formal deadline. However, if you received your notice before May 5 and simply missed the deadline, new appeals cannot be accepted after the Board of Equalization and Review adjourns on that date. Late applications for property tax exemptions (such as the elderly or disabled homestead exclusion) may be considered through the end of 2026 for reasons such as physical or mental illness, hospitalization, death of a taxpayer or immediate family member, or military deployment. Each late exemption request will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Does Buncombe County offer tax relief programs for seniors or disabled homeowners?
Yes, Buncombe County administers several North Carolina tax relief programs specifically for elderly residents, disabled residents, and disabled veterans. The Elderly or Disabled Homestead Exclusion excludes the greater of $25,000 or 50% of your home's value from taxation if you're 65 or older or permanently disabled and your 2025 household income didn't exceed $38,800. The Disabled Veteran Exclusion provides a $45,000 exclusion for veterans with 100% permanent service-connected disability with no income limit. The Circuit Breaker Deferment caps your property tax at 4-5% of income if you've owned your home for at least 5 years and meet income requirements. All of these programs require application by June 1, 2026, and you can contact the Tax Assessment Office at (828) 250-4940 or call (828) 250-4915 to see if you qualify.

Official Resources

Buncombe County Tax Assessment Office →

Official county tax assessment office with information on property values, appeals, and exemptions.

Buncombe County Property Tax Lookup & Online Appeals →

Search property records, view assessment notices, file appeals online, and access property record cards.

Buncombe County 2026 Reappraisal Information (MyValueBC) →

Comprehensive information about the 2026 countywide reappraisal including FAQs, appeal resources, and comparable sales tools.

Buncombe County Property Tax Relief Programs →

Information on elderly, disabled, and veteran property tax exemptions and how to apply.

For state-wide appeal information including North Carolina's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our North Carolina Property Tax Appeal Guide →

Considering professional help with your appeal? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Appeal Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

More North Carolina Counties

Cumberland County (Fayetteville)Durham County (Durham)Forsyth County (Winston-Salem)Gaston County (Gastonia)Guilford County (Greensboro)Mecklenburg County (Charlotte)
← All North Carolina property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.buncombenc.gov/588/MyValueBC-2026-Reappraisal | https://www.buncombenc.gov/603/Property-Value-Appeals | https://tax.buncombenc.gov | https://www.buncombenc.gov/602/Senior-Disability-Property-Tax-Relief | https://www.buncombenc.gov/589/Tax-Assessment | https://wlos.com/news/local/appeal-buncombe-county-property-value-assessment-2026-documentation-evidence-comparable

Last verified: 2026-07-24