Have you just received your Forsyth County property tax revaluation & assessment and wondered, “Why the sudden increase in property value?” If this scenario sounds familiar, rest assured that you’re in good company. Numerous homeowners share the surprise (and occasional frustration) of seeing higher property tax values, potentially resulting in increased tax bills.
Here’s the good news: You’re not stuck with that number if you believe it’s inaccurate. In fact, understanding how Forsyth County’s property tax revaluation process works—and knowing how to dispute your assessment—can save you money and a lot of headaches.
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Is Property Tax Revaluation in Forsyth County, NC?
Every few years, Forsyth County reassesses property values to make sure everyone is paying their fair share of property taxes. This process is called property tax revaluation, and it’s done every four years to reflect changes in the real estate market. The most recent revaluation took effect on January 1, 2025.
Why do they do this? It’s pretty simple. The county needs to ensure that property values used to calculate taxes are accurate and based on current market conditions. That way, you’re not overpaying—or underpaying—compared to your neighbors.
But here’s the thing: Revaluations are based on mass data and automated systems, which means mistakes can happen. That’s why it’s important to understand the process and know how to challenge your assessment if something doesn’t seem right.
Why Did My Property Tax Assessment Go Up?
If you’re staring at your new tax assessment wondering why it’s so much higher than last time, here are some common reasons:
- Real Estate Market Changes: If home prices in your neighborhood have gone up, your property’s value likely increased too. This is especially true if nearby homes have sold for more than they did a few years ago.
- Home Improvements: Have you added a new deck, renovated your kitchen, or finished your basement? Any upgrades that add value to your home can also increase your tax assessment.
- Neighborhood Developments: New schools, parks, shopping centers, or road improvements in your area can drive up property values.
- Corrections from Previous Assessments: Sometimes, mistakes from past assessments are corrected during revaluation, which can cause unexpected changes.
If none of these apply to you, and your property’s value still seems off, it’s definitely worth looking into.
How Does Forsyth County Determine Property Values?
The Forsyth County Tax Assessor’s Office uses something called a mass appraisal system to determine property values. This means they look at large sets of data—like recent home sales, property characteristics, and neighborhood trends—to calculate an estimated value for your home.
Here’s what they typically consider:
- Recent Home Sales: They compare your property to similar homes that have sold recently in your area (often referred to as “comps”).
- Property Details: Things like square footage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, lot size, and the age of your home are all factored in.
- Neighborhood Trends: If your neighborhood has become more desirable (thanks to new amenities or rising demand), that can push values up too.
The problem is, mass appraisals aren’t perfect. They don’t account for things like a leaky roof, outdated kitchen, or that weird slope in your backyard. That’s why some assessments end up being too high—or even too low.
How to Dispute Your Property Tax Assessment in Forsyth County
If you think your property has been overvalued, don’t worry—you have the right to appeal. Here’s how the process works:
1. Start with an Informal Appeal
Before jumping into a formal dispute, start with an informal appeal. Sometimes, all it takes is a quick conversation with the Tax Assessor’s Office to clear things up.
- Review Your Assessment: Compare your home’s assessed value with similar properties in your neighborhood. Are there big differences?
- Gather Evidence: Take photos, pull recent sales data, or even get a professional appraisal if you think it’ll help your case.
- Contact the Assessor’s Office: You can reach out online, by mail, or in person. (Forsyth County Tax Revaluation Info)
If they agree with your evidence, they might adjust your assessment without any further steps.
2. File a Formal Appeal with the Board of Equalization and Review (BER)
If the informal appeal doesn’t go your way, you can file a formal appeal with the Forsyth County Board of Equalization and Review (BER). This is a panel that reviews property tax disputes.
- Fill Out the Appeal Form: Explain why you believe your assessment is incorrect. Be specific and include any supporting documents.
- Submit Before the Deadline: Appeals usually need to be filed by June 30 of the assessment year, but double-check with the county to be sure.
- Present Your Case: You’ll have the chance to present your evidence in person (or virtually) to the board.
3. Appeal to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission
If you’re still not satisfied after the BER review, you can appeal to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission. This is a more formal process, and you might want legal representation, especially if the disputed amount is significant. (NC Property Tax Appeal Process)
Tips for a Successful Property Tax Appeal
- Stick to the Facts: Saying, “My taxes are too high” won’t help. Focus on why the assessed value is wrong, not the tax bill itself.
- Use Comparables: Find recently sold homes in your area that are similar to yours but have lower assessments.
- Document Everything: Photos of damage, repair estimates, and appraisals can be powerful evidence.
- Be Professional: Whether you’re dealing with the Assessor’s Office or presenting to the board, staying calm and respectful goes a long way.
What If Your Property’s Value Is Higher Than You Expected?
While a higher property assessment might mean a bigger tax bill, it’s not always bad news. In fact, it could be a sign that your home has gained significant value—which might be the perfect opportunity to consider selling.
At Mantle Realty, we don’t just help people buy and sell homes—we help homeowners understand how changes in the market (and yes, even their property tax assessments) can impact their financial goals. Whether you’re:
- Thinking about selling to capitalize on your increased home value,
- Unsure if your assessment matches your home’s real market value, or
- Just need some advice on the local real estate market,
We’re here to help.
Want to know if your home is really worth what the county says it is?
Thinking about selling?
Not sure if it’s even the right time?
Reach out to Mantle Realty. We’ll provide a free market analysis to help you understand your home’s true value—whether you’re appealing your tax assessment or thinking about making a move.
