Revaluation FAQs: Is property tax relief available? And when is my tax bill due?
On Friday, Mecklenburg County mailed out notices of new property values to all who own property within the county.
It happens every four years and involves property tax values being reassessed to match current market standards. The last revaluation was in 2019, so it’s likely you’ll see the value of your home change since then due to changing market conditions.
Here’s everything you need to know about 2023 property tax bills and how the revaluation works.
Why does the county reassess property tax values?
Mecklenburg County completes the revaluation process to redistribute the property tax base fairly and equitably, said Tax Assessor Ken Joyner. The process also updates property tax valuations to current market levels.
“A revaluation is not a means to increase property tax revenue,” Joyner said.
Revaluation, though, could increase property taxes for some people. Because housing market conditions have changed so drastically since 2019, many property values across the county will go up.
Local governments will set tax rates later this year at which point property tax bills will be sent out.
When do tax bills go out?
Tax bills go out to Mecklenburg County property owners in July after the county and the municipalities set their tax rates.
When are tax bills due?
Mecklenburg County property taxes are due Sept. 1.
What does revenue neutral mean?
A revenue neutral rate is a percentage of property values that will bring in the same amount of revenue for the county as the past year did.
Local officials are required to make the revenue neutral rate public, but they can choose to set it at a different rate to bring in more money to pay for services or infrastructure.
How do you appeal your revaluation?
The new assessed values are not necessarily set in stone.
If something looks wrong, property owners can file an appeal to potentially reduce their value. The form to file an appeal can be found at mecknc.gov/AssessorsOffice/. The deadline to file an appeal is June 9.
Will new homes be part of the revaluation process?
All properties in Mecklenburg County are currently valued based on the same assessment from 2019. This means homes built after 2019 will be assessed as part of the 2023 process.
“(Revaluation) includes homes built 100 years ago and new construction so that everyone is on a level playing field,” Joyner said.
Are tax relief options available?
Tax relief options are available for some elderly, disabled, veteran and low-income property owners in Mecklenburg County.
Elderly and disabled residents can receive up to $25,000 or 50%, whichever is greater, off their taxes. Those interested can apply between January and June each year by calling 980-314-4226.
Elderly and disabled tax relief requirements include:
▪ The applicant’s name must be on the deed or title to the property.
▪ The property must be the applicant’s primary residence.
▪ The applicant must live in North Carolina.
▪ The applicant must be at least 65 or have a disability that “substantially hinders a person from obtaining gainful employment.”
▪ If claiming a disability, the applicant must provide proof of the disability from a North Carolina physician or a government agency.
▪ The applicant’s household income must be below $31,900, based on 2021 income. The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners is working to make this income restriction higher so more people can qualify, Joyner said.
Disabled veterans in North Carolina can receive up to $45,000 off their property taxes. Those interested in applying must fill out a form on milvets.nc.gov.
Disabled Veterans Homestead Exemption requirements include:
▪ The deed or title must be in the applicant’s name as of Jan. 1.
▪ The applicant must live in North Carolina.
▪ The applicant must be a disabled, honorably discharged veteran or receive benefits for specially adapted housing under 38 U.S. Code 2101.
The Helping Out Mecklenburg County homeowners with Economic Support (HOMES) program helps low to moderate-income homeowners get up to $340 off their property tax bill. Those interested can apply at mecknc.gov/4Homes.
HOMES program requirements include:
▪ The applicant’s name must be on the deed, title or on a life estate of the property. A life estate is a legal way to pass the ownership rights of your home to another person after death.
▪ The property must be in Mecklenburg County.
▪ The property must be the applicant’s primary residence at the time of application and consistently for the past three years.
▪ The applicant’s household must make less than 80% of Mecklenburg County’s area median income, or less than $67,000 for a family of four according to data from local affordable housing developer DreamKey Partners.
