What if I disagree with my assessment?
 
There is an appeal process to make sure that your concerns are heard and addressed.  You may appeal the valuation of your real property for several reasons.  They are as follows:

1. Fair Market Value - The value of my property is higher than what it would typically sell for in the open market as of the date of the assessment.  Good evidence of this sale of similar property, or an independent appraisal of your property.
   
   
2. Equity  - My property is assessed higher than similar properties.

There are a number of issues, while important, are not strong reasons to adjust the assessed  value of your property. They are as follows:

1. My Taxes are Too High. - This is a function of the tax rate, which is set by the local legislative body based on the jurisdiction's financial need. While there is opportunity to express your opinion on this subject during the budget process, it is not a reason to appeal your valuation.
   
   
2. The services that I receive are not worth the taxes  - The Real Estate Tax is an Ad Valorem Tax. Ad Valorem means at value or based on value.

Other issues that may be addressed with the appeal process include penalties and exemption status.

The appeal process includes four steps.

1. Contact the Real Estate Division - if you have a concern about the valuation of your property. If you are appealing as a result of a countywide revaluation, please complete the form attached to the notice you received, and return it to the address on the form. Be sure to attach copies of the information you wish to be considered in reviewing your appeal. You may want to review similar sales or check the characteristics of your property. Remember that you need to have some reason or evidence as to why you feel the assessment is wrong. Most issues are resolved at this level.
   
   
2. Appeal to the Board of Equalization – The Board of Equalization is a board of citizens,  appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, that review assessment. Be sure to review the rules for appealing to and presenting to the Board of Equalization (just click on the link). The Board of Equalization may decrease, increase, adjust the other properties for equalization, or leave the assessment the same. Appeals must be made to the Board of Equalization by May 15th or within 30 days of notice. The Board will notify you of their decision within 10 business days of the hearing.
   
   
3. Appeal to the North Carolina Tax Commission – This is like a tax court that hears appeals of the local board of Equalizations decisions. You will need to have a lawyer for this level of appeal.
   
   
4. Appeal to the North Carolina Court of Appeals – This is usually either a question of law or a fair value issue.

[Mecklenburg County Board of Equalization and Review]