We know everyone is adjusting to life after Hurricane Helene and the numerous and significant changes in our lives. The Tax Department knows many of you are trying to balance immediate needs stemming from the storm with previous priorities. With the deadline for property tax bills approaching and the Commissioners’ decision to postpone the 2025 property reappraisal, we know many of you have questions. Below you will find answers to:
For all other storm-recovery related information, please click here.
Question: Will the property tax payment deadline be extended?
Answer: No. This is a decision Buncombe County does not have the power to make. North Carolina law will not allow the County to extend the date payments are due or stop, adjust, or postpone the date interest starts to accrue on bills deemed past due. Current property tax bills are due on or before Jan. 5, 2025.
We understand this might be frustrating and complicated and we are here to work with you on payment arrangements that can help make the situation easier to manage. For more information on payment plans, please call (828) 250-4910 as soon as possible so our office can work with you to set up a payment plan or arrangements.
Question: Will my property tax bill be prorated?
Answer: No. For the current tax year, North Carolina state law prohibits Buncombe County from having any flexibility to waive or prorate taxes – even after a natural disaster. We understand this might be upsetting and inconvenient and want to find other ways we can work with you.
However, buildings that are still damaged as of Jan. 1, 2025, will see a reduction in 2025’s taxable value. Our assessment team is working hard to survey damaged areas so values can be updated to reflect the current situation. If you have flood-damaged property you need to report, please click here.
We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. Please contact us as soon as possible so we can help you within the capacity of state law. If you think you are going to be unable to pay your taxes, please let us know at (828) 250-4910 as soon as possible so our office can work with you to set up a payment plan.
Question: How do I report my storm-damaged property?
Answer: There is a form you can fill out found here. This can be used for residential or business properties. Filling out this form helps the County’s Emergency Management Agency document Helene-related damage and will be shared with other state and federal agencies also working to inventory damage.
Why should I fill out the form?
Filling out this form will also notify the Assessment team that your property is damaged, please supply detailed information and pictures if possible. An appraiser will review the information and adjust or remove the property from your upcoming 2025 assessment. Also, please be sure to supply accurate contact information in case an appraiser needs to contact you to ask questions about your property. This will also ensure that your 2025 tax bill will accurately reflect this damage.
Should I only report damage to real estate that I own?
No, you can also report damage to your business personal property and individual personal property, and our appraisal team will review your information to ensure you have an accurate listing.
- Business personal property examples: Registered and unregistered motor vehicles, computers, machinery and equipment, furniture, etc.
- Individual personal property examples: Registered and unregistered motor vehicles, mobile homes, trailers, boats, RVs, campers, etc.
Question: I have questions about the upcoming listing period, who can I contact?
Answer: