Property Tax Appeals

If you believe the value of your property as established by the Assessor's office is not a reflection of the true market value as of the effective date (January 1, 2020), and you have information to support your position, you may appeal the value.

There are multiple levels of appeal available in order to ensure that property owner's concerns are addressed. The levels begin with an Informal Review and gradually become more formal as they progress if needed.

• Informal Review
• Board of Equalization and Review
• NC Property Tax Commission
• NC Court of Appeals
• NC Supreme Court

Informal Review

We encourage all property owners having concerns or reasons for appeal to address those concerns using the informal review process. This is an opportunity for the property owner and the appraiser to exchange information, review the characteristics of the property and further analyze the real estate market affecting the property.

There are a number of valid reasons for appeal that could result in an adjustment to the value of your property. If the property is not reflective of a fair market value, meaning it is appraised significantly higher or significantly lower that what a willing buyer and willing seller would agree to in a purchase of the property, or if the property is appraised inconsistently as compared to similar properties within the market, then there may be need for adjustment. The best means of determining fair market value for residential properties is the sales comparison approach, or comparing recent qualified sales activity of the most similar properties in the area. Other means include the cost and income approaches to value.

The first step in the appeal process is requesting an informal review by an appraiser in the County Assessor's Office. Informal Review Requests must be initiated by completing the Informal Review Form attached to the Notice of Real Estate Assessed Value. This form must be completed in its entirely and returned to the Office of the County Assessor within 30 days of the date on the Notice of Assessed Value. An appraiser will review your property along with the information you provide to support your appeal, and adjustments may be made based on the review. Once the informal review is complete you will be sent a Notice of Decision - Informal Review, you may accept the value or appeal further.

The next step is a more formal appeal to the Board of Equalization and Review. The members of this Board are appointed by the County Commissioners and are citizens of Cabarrus County who are familiar with the local real estate market. Appeals to the Board of Equalization and Review must be initiated by sending a written request to appear before the Board to the Cabarrus County Board of Equalization and Review, PO Box 707, Concord, N.C. 28026-0707. This request must be returned to the Office of the County Assessor within 30 days of the date on the Notice of Decision - Information Review or anytime prior to the adjournment of the Board. The adjournment date for the Board is advertised in the local newspaper and usually occurs in late April. Once your request is received, you will be asked to complete an Application for Hearing Form, and upon the timely return of this form, you will be notified of the date of your appointment before the Board.

After receiving the Board of Equalization and Review decision, if you are still unsatisfied with the value, you may appeal to the NC Property Tax Commission. The members of the Commission are appointed by the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House. Applications must be filed within thirty (30) days of the date of the Notice of Decision of the Board of Equalization and Review. Appeals of decisions by the Commission can be made to the North Carolina Court of Appeals and are based on the record made at the hearing before the Commission.

Contact the Revaluation Office at (704) 920-2126 with any questions on the Appeals process.