Lenoir County property tax reappraisal sparks concern among homeowners
Lenoir County residents are reacting with concern and frustration to the county’s 2025 property tax reappraisal, with some homeowners seeing significant increases in their assessed property values. While county officials emphasize that reappraisals are a routine process required by North Carolina law, many citizens worry about the financial impact of these changes.
The Lenoir County Tax Assessor’s Office recently mailed reappraisal notices, which reflect updated market values of all properties in the county. The process, conducted every eight years as required by state law, aims to ensure property values align with current market trends and maintain an equitable tax burden among property owners.
However, homeowners have voiced concerns over dramatic increases in valuations. Melissa R. Ott, a local property owner, expressed frustration by starting a social media thread on a popular local group, stating, “How shocked was every Lenoir County property owner when they opened their mail today? My property value supposedly increased 150k since last assessment 5 years ago. In Deep Run...someone make that make sense please..”
According to information found on the Lenoir County Tax Department website, property values are determined based on market data, with appraisers using methods such as sales comparisons, cost evaluations, and income approaches to establish fair assessments. The tax office clarifies that while property values may increase, it does not automatically mean an increase in tax bills—final tax amounts depend on the rate set by the county commissioners.
Lenoir County officials emphasize that property owners who disagree with their new valuation have multiple options to appeal. Residents can file appeals online, by mail, or in person at the Lenoir County Tax Office. The online appeals portal opens February 24, with formal hearings by the Board of Equalization and Review beginning April 9. The deadline for appeals is May 7.
“Appeal if you feel your values are totally out of line with today's markets,” said Lenoir County Commissioner J. Mac Daughety on social media. “It is your right and we the County want these values correct. Now it is up to you to appeal and for the independent County Board of Adjustments to hear your appeal and do their work to honestly and fairly validate or change your rate.”
For many homeowners, the sharp increase in property valuations raises concerns about affordability. Matt Young, a homeowner near Hugo, shared his personal experience: “My wife and I purchased our home in the county, near Hugo, in 2022 for about $40,000 more than the assessed tax value of the home, which was from 2017. We love Lenoir County and want to stay in the area. However, this recent evaluation now shows a $30,000 increase in the home in only two years. I work three jobs just to stay afloat and provide for my family. I hope that the county commissioners will adjust the tax rates down accordingly so my mortgage payments don’t drastically rise and financially force me to go somewhere else.”
Terry Malpass, another Lenoir County homeowner, expressed frustration over inaccuracies in the assessment, stating, "My Lenoir County tax assessment showed a 225% increase on my house with inaccurate information. No, I don't have central HVAC, and the house was built in 1901, not 1935."
Next Steps and How to Appeal
Homeowners who wish to challenge their property valuations are encouraged to review their assessment online before filing an appeal. If discrepancies are found, supporting documents such as recent appraisals, property listings, or sales of comparable homes can strengthen their case.
Key dates in the appeals and tax rate process include:
February 21, 2025 – Change of value notices mailed
February 24, 2025 – Online appeals module opens
April 9, 2025 – Board of Equalization and Review (BOER) convenes
May 7, 2025 – Deadline for property owners to file valuation appeals
Through Fall 2025 – BOER considers all timely filed appeals
June 2025 – County and municipalities adopt 2025 tax rates
July 2025 – Annual tax bills mailed
Residents with questions or concerns about the reappraisal process can visit the Lenoir County Tax Assessor’s website at https://lenoircountync.gov/tax-department/ or call the office at (252) 527-7174 for assistance.
As the process unfolds, homeowners and county officials alike will be closely watching how the reassessments impact the overall tax rate and financial burden on residents. Whether tax rate adjustments will be made to ease the transition remains a pressing concern for many in the community.
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