HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Buncombe County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Buncombe County, NC. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$0.5176 per $100 assessed value (base county rate, varies by municipality and special districts)
1st Due
Sep 1
2nd Due
Jan 6
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Buncombe County, North Carolina operates on a property tax system that serves as a primary funding source for essential county services, including public schools, emergency services, infrastructure maintenance, and local government operations. The county assesses property taxes based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property, with the current tax rate at 0.5176 per $100 of assessed value for the 2025 tax year. This rate represents the base county levy, though actual tax bills may vary significantly depending on your location within the county due to additional special taxing districts.

Property owners should note that Buncombe County contains multiple municipal areas and special districts that impose additional tax levies beyond the base county rate. Cities like Asheville, Black Mountain, and Weaverville each have their own municipal tax rates, while fire districts and other special assessment areas may add supplemental charges. The effective tax rate for property owners typically ranges from the base county rate of approximately 0.52% up to 1.2% or higher when combining county, municipal, and special district taxes. Property assessments in Buncombe County are conducted periodically, with the county maintaining a collection rate of 95.82% as of January 2025.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County Base Rate$0.5176Base Buncombe County levy for FY 2025-2026
Municipal TaxesVaries by cityAdditional rates for incorporated areas (Asheville, Black Mountain, etc.)
Fire District AssessmentsVaries by districtSpecial assessments for rural fire protection services
School BondsIncluded in baseDebt service for school construction projects
Special AssessmentsVaries by locationWater/sewer districts, lighting districts, other improvements

The levy year 2025-2026 rates shown above reflect the base county assessment only. Property owners within municipal boundaries will see additional charges on their tax bills corresponding to their city's tax rate. Rural areas may have fire district assessments ranging from $0.10 to $0.25 per $100 of assessed value. Special taxing districts for services like water, sewer, or street lighting will appear as separate line items on your tax bill with their own rates and assessments.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Buncombe County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Sep 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Jan 6
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Buncombe County are additional property tax assessments issued when there are changes in property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. The most common triggers include the sale or transfer of property, completion of new construction, major renovations that increase assessed value, and changes in property classification (such as converting from residential to commercial use). These supplemental assessments ensure that property taxes reflect current ownership and value throughout the tax year rather than waiting for the next regular assessment cycle.

When a supplemental tax is triggered, the county assessor calculates the difference between the previous assessment and the new assessed value, then applies the current tax rate to determine the additional tax owed. For example, if you purchase a home in March that was previously assessed at $250,000 but now has a market value of $350,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the $100,000 increase in assessed value, prorated for the remaining months of the tax year. The supplemental tax would be approximately $518 (based on the county rate of $0.5176 per $100), plus any applicable municipal or special district taxes, calculated from the date of ownership change through the end of the fiscal year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home (County Only)

  • Market/Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$25,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $275,000
  • Annual Tax: $275,000 ÷ 100 × $0.5176 = $1,423
  • Monthly Escrow: $119

Example 2: $600,000 Home (County + Municipal)

  • Market/Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$25,000 (requires application)
  • Disabled Veteran Credit: -$45,000 (requires application and qualification)
  • Net Taxable Value: $530,000
  • Combined Tax Rate: $0.5176 (county) + $0.45 (municipal) = $0.9676
  • Annual Tax: $530,000 ÷ 100 × $0.9676 = $5,128
  • Monthly Escrow: $427

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home (All Districts)

  • Market/Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Credit Applied: -$25,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $975,000
  • Combined Rate: $0.5176 (county) + $0.45 (municipal) + $0.15 (fire district) = $1.1176
  • Annual Tax: $975,000 ÷ 100 × $1.1176 = $10,897
  • Monthly Escrow: $908

Note: All tax credits shown require separate applications and approval. Credits are not automatically applied.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Buncombe County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers, particularly those with less than 20% down payment or specific loan types. Your lender collects a portion of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Buncombe County when they become due. Since property taxes are due by January 5th each year, lenders typically pay the full annual amount in December or early January to ensure timely payment and avoid penalties.

Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing the previous year's tax payments and projecting the coming year's costs. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender may adjust your monthly escrow payment and could require an immediate payment to cover any shortage. Conversely, if taxes decrease or the lender has collected too much, you may receive a refund or see reduced monthly payments. Property owners should verify that their lender has paid taxes correctly by checking with Buncombe County's online tax records system, as errors or delays can result in penalties being assessed to the property owner regardless of escrow arrangements.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes for FY 2025-2026 are due by January 5, 2026. Payments received after this date will incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they apply automatically? A: Buncombe County offers several tax credits including homestead credits, disabled veteran credits, and elderly/disabled person credits. None of these credits are automatic - all require separate applications and approval. Contact the county assessor at (828) 250-5500 or visit buncombecounty.org/homeownergrant to begin the application process.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit typically limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing the actual market value of your home. This credit caps how much your assessed value can increase each year, providing tax stability. You must apply for this credit - it is not automatically granted when you purchase a home.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Buncombe County conducts periodic reassessments, with the assessment date typically being January 1st of the tax year. The most recent data shows assessment activities with appeal deadlines of April 6, 2026.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. The county may also initiate tax lien proceedings on properties with delinquent taxes, which can eventually lead to tax foreclosure.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Buncombe County offers online payment options through their official website. You can also pay by mail, in person, or through authorized payment centers.

Q: I live in Asheville - why is my tax rate different from my county neighbor? A: Municipal areas like Asheville impose additional city taxes on top of the base county rate. Your total tax bill includes both county taxes ($0.5176 per $100) plus municipal taxes, resulting in a higher effective rate.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessment appeals must be filed by April 6, 2026, for the current tax year. The typical review time is 4-6 weeks. Contact the county assessor's office to initiate the appeal process.

Q: Do I need to file annual property tax forms? A: Property tax listing forms must be returned by February 2, 2026. These forms help the county maintain accurate records of property ownership and characteristics.

Q: What if I'm a senior citizen or disabled - are there special credits available? A: Yes, Buncombe County offers tax credits for elderly and disabled residents, as well as disabled veterans. These credits can significantly reduce your tax bill but require annual application and income/qualification verification.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
April 22 BOC Budget Session: Commissioners Direct Staff ...buncombenc.gov
02
County
2025 TAX RATES BUNCOMBE COUNTY ...buncombenc.gov
03
County
Next County 2024-25 2023-24 2022-23 2021-22 2020-21ncdor.gov
04
County
Buncombe County Property Appeals: Property Tax Appealstaxappeal.buncombenc.gov
05
County
Tax Collections | Buncombe County, NCbuncombenc.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Bills Should be Paid by Jan. 5 to Avoid ...buncombenc.gov
07
County
Buncombe County Homeowner Grant Program and ...ashevillenc.gov
08
County
City of Asheville joins Buncombe County in Homeowner ...ashevillenc.gov
09
Tax Doc
APPLICATION FOR PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION OR ...buncombenc.gov
10
County
In the Mail: 2025 Mecklenburg County Property Tax Bills | Mecklenburg County News Releasesnews.mecknc.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate