Buncombe County Property Tax Appeal, North Carolina

Rob Hartley·Updated May 15, 2026

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

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

Median Home

$271,900

Tax Rate

0.68%

Annual Tax

$2,072

On the typical Buncombe County home, valued near $271,900 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

Buncombe County property owners who wish to appeal their 2026 property value assessment must do so by the May 5, 2026, deadline . Appeals for the current tax year can usually be filed anytime between January 1 and the end of April of the same year, dependent on when the Board of Equalization and Review adjourns. This year the Board of Equalization will adjourn on May 5, which is the formal appeal deadline and new appeals will not be accepted after that date .

See if your Buncombe County home is over-assessed

Free analysis in 30 seconds. If the numbers support a appeal, your complete evidence packet is $49.

✓ All 50 states✓ Instant results✓ $49 flat fee

Property in Buncombe County, North Carolina, local tax assessment and appeal guide

How Buncombe County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Buncombe County Tax Assessor / Property Assessment Office

Assessment cycle: quadrennial (every four years)

Notices typically mailed: February-March (Spring)

North Carolina General Statute 105-283 defines Market Value as the price the property would change hands between a willing buyer and seller, neither under compulsion . North Carolina uses a 100% assessment ratio, meaning your assessed value equals market value. For example, if your home's market value is $271,900 (the county median), at the 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would also be $271,900, resulting in approximately $1,849 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. Once the appeal is received, a tax department appraiser will review all submitted information, area property values, and recent comparable sales. The result of informal review is mailed to the property owner in a formal letter stating if there is an increase, decrease or no change to the property value. The appellant has 30 days after the date on the notice to file a formal appeal .

Review your 2026 notice of value carefully and access your property's data online at tax.buncombenc.gov to verify property characteristics (square footage, bedrooms, condition).

Gather supporting evidence including comparable property sales from before January 1, 2026 (the appraisal date), photos showing property condition, and any recent independent appraisals.

File an informal appeal online at www.buncombenc.gov/MyValueBC, by phone at (828) 250-4940, by mail, or in person at 182 College Street before the May 5, 2026 deadline.

Participate in the informal review where a Tax Department appraiser will review your submitted information, area property values, and recent comparable sales; you'll receive a written decision by mail.

If dissatisfied with the informal result, request a formal appeal form within 30 days and present your case to the Buncombe County Board of Equalization and Review (BOER).

If still dissatisfied after the BOER decision, appeal to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission in Raleigh.

As a final option, appeal to the North Carolina Court of Appeals and ultimately to the North Carolina Supreme Court.

Required form: Informal Appeal Request Form (available on notice of value); Formal Appeal Form for Board of Equalization and Review

Filing Methods

online:https://www.buncombenc.gov/MyValueBC or tax.buncombenc.gov

phone:Call (828) 250-4940 to schedule a call with a Buncombe County property appraiser

in-person:Buncombe County Tax Assessment, 182 College Street, Asheville, NC 28801

mail:Buncombe County Tax Department, 94 Coxe Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801

Evidence to Bring

Comparable property sales (three is recommended) sold before January 1, 2026 appraisal datePhotos showing property condition or factors that justify a lower valuationIndependent appraisal report completed within two years prior to appraisal dateSales contract or closing statement dated before appraisal dateList of similar properties offered for sale on or before appraisal date

Buncombe County Assessor Contact

Buncombe County Tax Assessment / Property Assessment Office

Phone: (828) 250-4940

Address: 182 College Street, Asheville, NC 28801

Website: https://www.buncombenc.gov/581/Tax-Department

Online Portal: https://www.buncombenc.gov/MyValueBC

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tax Exemptions in Buncombe County

Elderly or Disabled Homestead Exclusion

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

North Carolina excludes from property taxes the greater of $25,000 or 50% percent of the appraised value of a permanent residence owned and occupied by a qualifying owner .

Eligibility: Be at least 65 years of age, or totally & permanently disabled–verified by a physician's statement, And have a combined income of both spouses for the preceding year not to exceed $36,700 Deadline: June 1, 2026

Disabled Veteran Exclusion

Up to $45,000 of appraised value

This program excludes up to the first $45,000 of the appraised value of the permanent residence of a disabled veteran . Requires Form NCDVA-9 certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Eligibility: Veterans with 100% permanent and total service-connected disability; surviving spouses who have not remarried may also qualify. No age or income restrictions.Deadline: June 1, 2026

Circuit Breaker Property Tax Deferment

Deferral of taxes exceeding 4% or 5% of income

If the owner's income is $36,700 or less, then the portion of property taxes imposed on the residence that exceeds 4% of the owner's income may be deferred. If the owner's income is more than $36,700 but less than or equal to $55,050, then the portion of the property taxes on the residence that exceeds 5% of the owner's income may be deferred .

Eligibility: Property must be owned and occupied at least 5 years by a North Carolina Resident who is at least 65 years of age or totally and permanently disabled Deadline: June 1, 2026 (annual application required)

Buncombe County Appeal Packet — $49

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

✓ All 50 states✓ Instant results✓ $49 flat fee

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Buncombe County for 2026?

Buncombe County property owners who wish to appeal their 2026 property value assessment must do so by the May 5, 2026, deadline . This is the date the Board of Equalization and Review adjourns, and no new appeals will be accepted after that date. You can begin the informal appeal process anytime between January 1 and May 5, 2026. It's strongly recommended to file as early as possible to allow time for the informal review before the formal deadline.

How do I file a property tax appeal in Buncombe County online?

You can file your appeal online through the MyValueBC portal at www.buncombenc.gov/MyValueBC or through the tax dashboard at tax.buncombenc.gov. Any property owner can schedule a call with a Buncombe County property appraiser by calling (828) 250-4940 or from the link on their notice of value. The appeal process also can be started online. There is no cost to appeal . You'll need to provide your property identification information and explain why you believe the assessed value is incorrect.

What is the homestead exemption worth in Buncombe County?

North Carolina excludes from property taxes the greater of $25,000 or 50% percent of the appraised value of a permanent residence owned and occupied by a qualifying owner . To qualify, you must be at least 65 years of age or totally and permanently disabled, and your combined household income cannot exceed $36,700. Applications must be filed with the Buncombe County Tax Department prior to June 1 each year. Once approved, you don't need to reapply annually, though the county may periodically audit accounts.

What happens at a Buncombe County Board of Equalization and Review hearing?

The property owner will need to contact the Tax Department and request a formal appeal form within 30 days of the date of the result of informal appeal notice if they do not agree with the value. Once the formal appeal form has been signed and submitted, a Tax Department appraiser will meet with the property owner, verify information, and discuss the value with the property owner . You'll present evidence such as comparable sales, photos, and appraisals to support your opinion of value. According to North Carolina General Statute, property owners have the burden of proving the property under appeal is incorrectly valued .

How much can I save by appealing my Buncombe County property taxes?

Savings vary based on the size of the assessment reduction and the final tax rate. The County Manager's recommended budget has a proposed property tax rate of 43.52 cents per $100 of assessed property value , so every $10,000 reduction in assessed value saves roughly $43.52 in county taxes annually. Statistics show that about 25% of homes in America are unfairly overassessed, and pay an average of $1,346 too much in property taxes every year . Given the recent 43% tax base growth from the 2026 reappraisal, many homeowners may find significant reductions are warranted.

What evidence do I need for a Buncombe County property tax appeal?

Comparable property sales (three is good) in your neighborhood sold before the appraisal date of Jan. 1, 2026, but preferably in the last 6 months to 2 years are the most valuable evidence. You should also gather photos showing the condition of your property, any independent appraisal reports completed within two years of the appraisal date, and a sales contract or closing statement if you recently purchased the home. Buncombe County offers a web tool to help find comparable sales near you through the Comper tool at tax.buncombenc.gov.

When were Buncombe County properties last reappraised?

The last Buncombe General Reappraisal, or revaluation, was conducted five years ago with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2021. By state law, counties must conduct revaluations of all real property at least every eight years, with Buncombe County conducting them on a typical four-year cycle. The Board of Commissioners voted to delay the General Reappraisal scheduled for Jan. 1, 2025, to account for impacts from Tropical Storm Helene . The new 2026 reappraisal reflects market values as of January 1, 2026, and many homeowners have seen substantial increases.

What happens after I file my appeal in Buncombe County?

Once an appeal is submitted, it can take 30-60 days to receive a notice of the appeal results by mail. You can always check on tax.buncombenc.gov to see the status of your appeal. You can also expect emails about your appeals. Once a decision is made, you will receive a notice of value . If you disagree with the informal review result, you have 30 days to request a formal appeal before the Board of Equalization and Review. Beyond that, you can escalate to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission and ultimately to the state court system.

Official Resources

Buncombe County Tax Department →

Official Buncombe County Tax Department site with forms, FAQs, and reappraisal information.

MyValueBC 2026 Reappraisal Portal →

Official portal to view your 2026 property value and begin the appeal process online.

Property Value Appeals Information →

Detailed guidance on the informal and formal appeal process in Buncombe County.

Senior/Disability Property Tax Relief →

Information and application forms for elderly, disabled, and veteran property tax exclusions.

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://www.buncombenc.gov/602/Senior-Disability-Property-Tax-Relief | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/north-carolina/buncombe-county | https://www.buncombenc.gov/593/Circuit-Breaker-Program

Last verified: 2026-05-15