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Mailing Address:

Assessor's Office 700 E. Stonewall St. Charlotte, NC 28202

Office Location:

Assessor's Office 700 E. Stonewall St. Charlotte, NC 28202

Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m - 5 p.m.


County Assessor's Office

Frequently Asked Questions - Real Property

Why Have a Real Property Tax?



What Is Fair Market Value?

The price, in terms of money, that a property will bring if exposed on the open market, between a willing seller and buyer, both of whom are fully informed of all the uses, advantages and disadvantages of the property, and each acting in a prudent manner.

Finding the market value of your property involves discovering the price most people would pay for it in its present condition.It is not quite that simple, however, because the assessor has to find what this value would be for every property, no matter how big or small.

The property tax is part of a well-balanced revenue system.It is a more stable source of money than sales and income taxes because it does not fluctuate when communities have recessions.When the community spends your tax dollars on better schools, parks, and so on, your property values rise.Some of the windfall benefits you receive are recaptured by the property tax.


How Property Is Appraised

To find the value of any piece of property the assessor must first know what properties similar to it are selling for, what it would cost to replace it, how much it takes to operate and keep it in repair, what rent it may earn, and many other dollar facts affecting its value, such as the current rate of interest charged for borrowing the money to buy or build properties like yours. Using these facts, the assessor can then go about finding the property value in three different ways.

Sales Comparison Approach

The first method compares your property to others that have sold recently.These prices, however, must be analyzed very carefully to get the true picture.One property may have sold for more than it was really worth because the buyer was in a hurry and would pay any price.Another may have sold for less money than it was actually worth because the owner needed cash right away.The property was sold to the first person who made an offer.

When using the sales comparison approach, the assessor must always consider such overpricing or underpricing and analyze many sales to arrive at a fair valuation for your property.Size, quality, condition, location, and time of sale are also important factors to consider.

Cost Approach

A second way to value your property is based on how much money it would take, at current material and labor costs, to replace your property with one similar.If your property is not new, the assessor must also estimate how much a lot like yours would be worth if vacant.

Income Approach

The third way is to evaluate how much income your property would produce if it were rented as an apartment house, a store, or a factory.The assessor must consider operating expenses, taxes, insurance, maintenance costs, and the return most people would expect on your kind of property.


Why Assessed Values May Change

When market value changes naturally so does assessed value.For instance, if you were to add a garage to your home, the assessed value would increase. However, if your property is in poor repair, the assessed value would decrease. The assessor has not created the value.PEOPLE MAKE VALUE by their transactions in the marketplace.The assessor simply has the legal responsibility to study those transactions and appraise your property accordingly.


Assessed Value And The Tax Rate

The assessor's office has nothing to do with the total amount of taxes collected.The assessor's primary responsibility is to find the fair market value of your property, so that you may pay only your fair share of the taxes.

The amount of tax you pay is determined by a TAX RATE applied to your property's ASSESSED VALUE.The tax rate is determined by all the taxing agencies-city or county, school districts, and others -–and depends on what is needed to provide all the services you enjoy.



Why did My Local Taxes Go Up?

The increase might have been the result of any of the following:

  1. A change in the tax rate by the Charlotte city Council, the  county commissioner's or  any of the townships.
  2. The assessed value was increased during a revaluation.
  3. Additional taxable property was acquired (land and/or buildings).
  4. Property is subject to both county and City taxes due to annexation.


How Did The County Determine My House Value?

Real property (land and buildings) are assessed as of January 1st of the latest revaluation and is based on it's market value.


Is There Any Relief Available To Elderly Or Disabled Individuals From Local Real Estate Taxation? 

If you are 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled, you may be eligible for a Low Income Homestead Exclusion.  The Real Property Division can assist you in making application.


What Are Your Rights And Responsibilities?


If you feel taxes are too high, you should make your opinion known to the proper taxing authorities.  Ask about your eligibility for special exemptions.


Can I Appeal My Real Estate Assessment When I Get The Bill?  
NO, an assessment must be appealed by the date of adjournment of the Board of Equalization and Review in a given tax year, OR within fifteen days after a notice of a change in value.


You Cannot Appeal Tax Valuations On The Following Basis:

  1. Taxes are too high
  2. Owner cannot afford to pay the taxes
  3. I was annexed into the city but do not receive city services yet
  4. I compared my property to others in the neighborhood and have based my appeal on  percentage value increases.


My Property Is Exempt From Ad Valorem Tax. Why Was I Billed For A Solid Waste Fee?

The solid waste fee applies to all residences in Mecklenburg county, taxable or exempt.  This includes the Town of Matthews as of July 1, 2008.  An organization can be exempt from taxes but there is no exemption for fees.




Mailing Address:

Assessor's Office 700 E. Stonewall St. Charlotte, NC 28202

Office Location:

Assessor's Office 700 E. Stonewall St. Charlotte, NC 28202

Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m - 5 p.m.


County Assessor's Office