Buncombe County details 2026 reappraisal: notices to mail mid-February, appeals due May 5

Buncombe County officials told viewers on a county livestream that notices of new assessed values for the 2026 general reappraisal will begin mailing 'mid February' and continue through 'early March,' and that property owners have until May 5 to file an appeal.

The information session was led by Leonard Jones, a Buncombe County community engagement specialist, with Property Assessor Eric Kreger and Exemption Manager Whitney Meadows. Kreger said the reappraisal sets estimated market value for every parcel 'as of January 1' of the reappraisal year and is intended to equalize assessments across the county. 'Reappraisal is basically the process ... where all properties ... are reappraised in the county to its true market value as of January 1,' Kreger said.

Why it matters: assessed values affect the base used to calculate property tax bills, although the final tax owed also depends on the tax rate set annually by elected officials. 'Our job in the assessor's office is to assign value only. We have no control over the tax rate,' Meadows said, underlining that a higher assessed value does not automatically mean a higher tax bill.

What the notice includes and how to appeal: officials said each mailed notice will show the office's estimated market value, contact information and an appeal form. Kreger described an online appeals tool and said the notice will include a QR code linking to the form. 'Now you can appeal until May 5,' the assessor said, and the office advised owners to file by that date even if they do not yet have all supporting documents. The county plans public appeal clinics in March and April to help residents prepare submissions.

Timing and processing: Kreger asked that the public 'give our staff 60 days or so to finalize your appeal,' noting the office expects many filings and will reach out to applicants as reviews proceed. If an appeal does not change a value, the county will send a notice explaining the decision and how to continue the process.

Special topics raised during the session: Kreger said the office created a dedicated team to review high‑value properties after an audit by the Keane study recommended focused attention on luxury parcels. 'We actually had a small team of appraisers assigned to luxury properties ... so we signed a luxury appraisal team,' he said, adding that those reviews include site visits and detailed market tracking.

Mobile homes and damaged properties: officials explained that mobile homes permanently attached ('pinned') to the land are treated as real property and will receive a notice of value; mobile homes in parks or not attached are treated as personal property and property owners should have received a list sheet to report ownership. Kreger also described post‑storm work after tropical storm Helene: staff tracked damage and adjusted values where structures or land were destroyed, including some parcels left with no value on record. He encouraged any owners who believe damage was missed to contact the assessor's office.

Tax-relief programs: Meadows summarized relief programs residents may qualify for, including an elderly/disabled program (eligibility thresholds were stated during the session; the office noted applicants must meet age or disability criteria and income limits) and a disabled-veteran relief that requires a 100% disability and provides a $45,000 reduction from assessed value where applicable. Meadows said these programs are applied locally and have specific application windows and requirements.

Next steps: Kreger encouraged residents to review their property information online, attend appeal clinics and contact the assessor's office or request staff to speak at community or HOA meetings. He confirmed the next scheduled county reappraisal after 2026 will be Jan. 1, 2029. The county will notify filers when appeals are finalized and will publish updated values online.