If your property tax bill just went up, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options. Many property owners in Forsyth County are facing higher assessed values following the most recent property tax revaluation, and the ripple effects can be felt in your wallet.
Whether you’re new to the process or just want a better grasp of what’s happening (and what to do about it), this guide explains how Forsyth County handles real property valuation, why your assessment may have changed, and how to challenge it if you believe it’s wrong.
What Is a Property Tax Revaluation?
A property tax revaluation is Forsyth County’s method for updating property values to reflect current real estate market conditions. This process, conducted by the Forsyth County Tax Assessor’s Office, occurs every four years. The most recent revaluation went into effect on January 1, 2025.
The goal? To ensure that every property owner is paying their fair share of property taxes—no more, no less. By revaluing all taxable property in the county, the local government ensures equity in how the tax rate is applied.
Why Did My Property Tax Assessment Go Up?
There are several reasons why your real property may now have a higher assessed value—and consequently, a higher property tax bill:
- Market Changes: If home sales in your neighborhood have surged, your assessment likely increased.
- Improvements: Renovations or upgrades like finished basements, new kitchens, or additional bathrooms can raise value.
- Neighborhood Development: New schools, shopping centers, or parks nearby can boost desirability (and value).
- Error Corrections: Sometimes previous assessments contained inaccuracies now corrected by the county.
Even if you haven’t made any changes to your home, your value might have risen due to trends across property in Forsyth County.
Who Oversees Forsyth County Real Estate Tax Revaluation?
The Forsyth County Tax Assessor’s Office is responsible for completing revaluations using a method called mass appraisal. Instead of appraising each property individually, the office analyzes large data sets—home sales, construction data, property types, and more—to assign a market value to every parcel.
While this system works efficiently on a county-wide scale, it isn’t perfect. If your property has unusual features, deferred maintenance, or hasn’t kept pace with neighborhood improvements, your value might be overstated.
Understanding Property Tax Rates in Forsyth County
After your new assessed value is set, it’s multiplied by the property tax rate established by Forsyth County Government and local county commissioners. The rate is applied uniformly to all taxable property, including personal property like business equipment or vehicles, as well as real property like land and homes.
Changes in property tax rates often coincide with budget decisions made by local government. So even if your property value doesn’t increase dramatically, a tax rate change could still raise your overall bill.
How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment
If you believe your home was overvalued, you have the right to file a property tax appeal. Here’s how:
1. Start with an Informal Review
Before filing a formal appeal, contact the tax assessor’s office directly. Sometimes the issue can be resolved quickly by providing updated photos, comps, or clarifications.
- Compare your home to similar types of property in your neighborhood
- Look for discrepancies in square footage, condition, or improvements
- Collect documentation such as recent appraisals or home inspection reports
2. File a Formal Appeal
If the informal route doesn’t work, file a formal appeal with the Forsyth County Board of Equalization and Review (BER).
- Submit your appeal by the published deadline (usually in early summer)
- Clearly state why you believe the assessed value is incorrect
- Provide detailed supporting evidence
- Attend the hearing (virtually or in person) and present your case calmly and clearly
3. Escalate to the State Level (If Needed)
If the Forsyth County Board upholds the original valuation and you still disagree, you can appeal to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission. This appeal may eventually land in Superior Court if unresolved. At this point, legal representation is recommended, especially if substantial money is at stake.
Tip: Focus on the property value, not the tax amount. Saying “my taxes are too high” isn’t enough—you must prove your property’s assessed value is inaccurate.
What About Personal Property?
In addition to real estate, Forsyth County also taxes personal property such as:
- Boats, RVs, and trailers
- Business machinery and equipment
- Mobile homes not permanently affixed
If you own any of these, they are likely included in your annual property tax bills. Each type is assessed separately and may also be appealed if overvalued.
Does a Higher Assessment Always Mean Higher Taxes?
Not necessarily. While higher values usually mean higher bills, the impact depends on:
- Your home’s new value compared to others in the county
- Changes to the county tax rate
- Whether your local county commissioners increase or decrease the rate during the budget process
For example, if everyone’s assessments increase by the same percentage, and the tax rate stays the same (or drops), your bill might not go up significantly.
What Can You Do as a Property Owner?
If you’re unhappy with your new Forsyth County tax assessment, start by educating yourself. Visit the county’s website for updated forms and instructions. Then take action—especially if the value seems inconsistent with recent sales in your area.
Need help understanding how your new value compares to market prices? At Mantle Realty, we offer free home value assessments to help property owners make smart decisions.
Considering Selling After a Higher Assessment?
Sometimes, a higher property valuation signals a real opportunity. If your home’s value has genuinely increased, it might be the perfect time to consider selling.
At Mantle Realty, our team of local real estate agents can help you determine whether your assessed value aligns with what the home would actually sell for in today’s market. That’s especially helpful if you’re deciding whether to appeal your property taxes, refinance, or list your home.
➡️ Request a free home valuation from a Mantle agent
➡️ Browse current Forsyth County homes for sale
Final Thoughts: Know Your Rights, Know Your Numbers
The property tax revaluation process in Forsyth County, North Carolina can feel confusing and even frustrating—but it doesn’t have to be. By understanding how assessments are calculated, what your options are, and how to work with the tax assessor’s office, you can take control of your real estate investments.
Whether you’re planning to appeal, explore selling, or just need to talk with a professional, our team at Mantle Realty is here to help you navigate every step.
