Buncombe tax assessor briefs Woodfin on 2026 reappraisal, timelines to appeal

Eric Kroeger, Buncombe County tax assessor, told the Woodfin Town Council on Dec. 16 that the county is finalizing a countywide reappraisal effective as of Jan. 1 and will send property-value notices in February. Kroeger said reappraisal aims to set taxable values at 100% of market value as required by state law and that counties typically reappraise on a four-year cycle.

Kroeger described the county’s mass-appraisal methodology, staff capacity and outreach efforts. He said the office has appraisers and data analysts assigned to different property types and emphasized data quality: “If you own real estate in Buncombe County, your property value is gonna change. No doubt about it,” he said, and urged residents to review their property record cards online at tax.buncombecounty.gov to verify square footage, building characteristics and other details.

On appeals, Kroeger outlined two overlapping periods: an informal appeal window that runs through April 7 and a formal Board of Equalization appeal period that continues until May 5. He said notices will include step-by-step instructions for appeals and options to book appointments with an appraiser or file an online appeal.

Council members asked about exemptions, short-term rental treatment and present-use valuation. Kroeger said state law prevents the assessor’s office from distinguishing short-term from long-term rentals for assessment purposes and that present-use valuations (for forestry, agriculture, etc.) have a January cutoff and specific acreage requirements; residents with questions were directed to specialists in the assessor’s office.

Kroeger repeatedly emphasized outreach and the county’s plans to publish reappraisal data and improve online appeal tools to make the process easier for property owners. “I want you to appeal your property value if you think it’s wrong,” he said, adding the office’s goal is a fair, equitable tax roll.