AppealDesk

Kanawha County Property Tax Appeal — West Virginia

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 9, 2026

Kanawha County is West Virginia's most populous county, encompassing the state capital Charleston and serving as the economic and cultural hub of the state. With over 180,000 residents, the county features a diverse economy including government, healthcare, and chemical industries.

Notable cities: Charleston, South Charleston, St. Albans, Dunbar, Nitro

Median Home

$98,500

Tax Rate

0.76%

Annual Tax

$804

Population

180,000+

2026 Appeal Deadline: February 20

Property tax appeals must be filed with the County Commission sitting as a Board of Equalization and Review no later than February 20 each year

Property in Kanawha County, West Virginia — local tax assessment and appeal guide

How Kanawha County Assesses Property

60%of market value

Assessed by: Kanawha County Assessor's Office

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: April-May

In Kanawha County, your property tax is calculated on the assessed value, which is 60% of the market value determined by the Assessor. For example, if your home's market value is $100,000, your assessed value would be $60,000.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the County Commission. You must attend the appeal hearing to provide oral testimony and present evidence supporting your opinion of value. The Assessor's valuation is presumed correct, so the burden of proof is on you.

1

Step 1: Contact the Kanawha County Assessor's Office at(304) 357-0250 to request a property tax appeal form

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Step 2: Gather evidence including recent sales of comparable properties, photos of property condition, and any professional appraisals

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Step 3: Complete the appeal form and file it with the County Commission by February 20

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Step 4: Attend the hearing before the Board of Equalization and Review to present your evidence

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Step 5: Receive the Board's decision - if denied, you may appeal to Circuit Court within 30 days

Required form: Property tax appeal form (contact Assessor's Office)

Filing Methods

mail:Kanawha County Commission, 407 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV 25301
in-person:File at the County Commission office during business hours

Evidence to Bring

Recent sales of comparable propertiesProfessional appraisalPhotos documenting property conditionRepair estimates

Kanawha County Assessor Contact

Kanawha County Assessor's Office

Phone: (304) 357-0250

Address: 409 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV 25301

Website: https://kanawhacountyassessor.com/

Online Portal: https://kanawha.wvassessor.com/

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tax Exemptions in Kanawha County

Homestead Exemption

$20,000 reduction in assessed value

Exempts the first $20,000 of assessed value for qualifying homeowners

Eligibility: Age 65+ by June 30 or permanently and totally disabled; must be WV resident for 2 years and lived in home for 6 monthsDeadline: December 1

Disabled Veteran Exemption

$20,000 reduction in assessed value

Exemption for honorably discharged veterans with service-connected disability

Eligibility: Veterans who are 90-100% disabled with honorable dischargeDeadline: December 1

Official Resources

Kanawha County Assessor's Office →

Official county assessor website providing property assessments, tax information, and assessment appeals process.

West Virginia State Tax Department - Property Tax Division →

State-level property tax information, including laws, regulations, and statewide property tax resources.

Kanawha County Property Search →

Online portal to search and view property records, assessments, and tax information for Kanawha County properties.

Check Your Kanawha County Assessment

Enter your address to see if your Kanawha County property is overassessed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Kanawha County?
Property tax appeals in Kanawha County must be filed by February 20 each year with the County Commission sitting as a Board of Equalization and Review. You should contact the Assessor's Office at(304) 357-0250 well before this date to obtain the necessary forms and prepare your evidence.
How do I file a property tax appeal in Kanawha County if I believe my assessment is too high?
Call the Kanawha County Assessor's Office at(304) 357-0250 to request a property tax appeal form. Complete the form with evidence of comparable property sales and file it with the County Commission before February 20. You'll need to attend a hearing to present your case.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Kanawha County and who qualifies?
The homestead exemption in Kanawha County reduces your assessed value by $20,000. You qualify if you're 65 or older by June 30, or permanently and totally disabled, have been a West Virginia resident for 2 years, and have lived in your home for at least 6 months. Apply by December 1.
What happens at a Board of Equalization hearing in Kanawha County?
At your Kanawha County appeal hearing, you'll present evidence to the County Commission showing why your property is overassessed. You must attend in person to give oral testimony and present comparable sales, appraisals, or other evidence. The Assessor's valuation is presumed correct, so you bear the burden of proof.
Can I appeal my Kanawha County property tax assessment online?
No, property tax appeals in Kanawha County cannot be filed online. You must request a form from the Assessor's Office at(304) 357-0250 and file it in person or by mail with the County Commission before the February 20 deadline.
How is my Kanawha County property tax calculated from my home's market value?
Kanawha County assesses property at 60% of market value. If your home's market value is $100,000, your assessed value would be $60,000. This assessed value is then multiplied by the levy rate (approximately 0.76% effective rate) to determine your annual tax bill.
What evidence should I bring to my property tax appeal hearing in Kanawha County?
Bring recent sales data for at least 3-5 comparable properties in your area, photographs showing any property defects or needed repairs, professional appraisals if available, and repair estimates from licensed contractors. The more specific evidence you have, the stronger your appeal.

For state-wide appeal information including West Virginia's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our West Virginia 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 →

← All West Virginia property tax appeal info

Sources: https://kanawhacountyassessor.com/ | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/west-virginia/kanawha-county | https://www.tax-rates.org/west_virginia/kanawha_county_property_tax | https://app.taxproper.com/main/content/west-virginia-property-taxes

Last verified: 2026-02-09