Pittsboro, NC – Chatham County would like to update residents on the 2025 reappraisal process as they will receive notices in the mail during March.
Reappraisal Process and Key Points
Reappraisal is a process in which all real property (including land and improvements on it) in the county is appraised at its current market value as of a particular date. State law requires all counties to conduct a reappraisal at least once every eight years. Chatham County elected to do a four-year reappraisal cycle. Reappraisal distributes the overall property tax burden equitably across the county based on current market values.
Market value is the most probable price a property would bring in an open and competitive market. There is evidence that market values around the county have changed in different ways since 2021, the last time that reappraisal occurred in Chatham County. Many areas of the county have seen an increase in market value, while a few have experienced a decrease in value. Some areas are staying about the same. For residents who agree with the value, no response is needed. For those who disagree with their value, they may request an appeal after they have taken the opportunity to review and compare other properties using the tools and methods as outlined below.
The amount of the final 2025 tax bill cannot be determined until the tax rate is set. The tax rate is determined by the Chatham County taxing jurisdictions based on their budget needs.
County Reappraisal Preparation
To prepare for this year’s reappraisal, tax office employees have examined recorded sales of property within the county, reviewed building cost data and income/expense information from income-producing properties. This information was used to develop estimates of market values for over 48,000 properties within the county. All Chatham County appraisal staff are certified by the North Carolina Department of Revenue. The tax appraisal staff represent several decades of experience in tax appraisal and strive to follow established industry standard for mass appraisal.
Appealing Assessed Values
Residents who receive their reappraisal notice and believe the 2025 reappraised value is not a reasonable estimate of their property value as of January 1, 2025, have the right to appeal the value.
Before filing an appeal with the tax office, residents are encouraged to compare their assessed value to recent similar sales in the same market area. This can be done by visiting Chatham County’s Comper website at www.chathamcountync.gov/comper.
After review, if the assessed value is deemed unreasonable, taxpayers should begin the appeal process by visiting the county website at www.chathamcountync.gov/appraisal. Here, an online appeal form can be filed, or a paper copy can be printed. Online appeal filings are encouraged. Once an appeal is received by the county, a tax office representative will contact the taxpayer to discuss and review the assessed value.
If there is still a disagreement with the assessed value, residents may file an appeal with the Chatham County Board of Equalization and Review and schedule a hearing. Once the Board of Equalization and Review hears the appeal, the resident will receive written notification of their property value in the mail.
Residents can support their appeal with the following items:
- Comparable sales or comparable sales reports from the property owner, Chatham County’s Comper website, or a real estate professional.
- Pictures showing the property’s inner and outer features and condition, including any upgrades.
- A copy of a recent fee appraisal for the property, such as one completed in connection with the purchase or refinance of the property.
The deadline to appeal is 5:00 p.m. on May 19, 2025.
Tax Relief Programs
There are tax relief programs for low-income, elderly, or disabled residents. Residents may find more information at www.chathamcountync.gov/taxrelief.
Overview of Key Reappraisal Dates
- Effective date of reappraisal – January 1, 2025
- Reappraisal notices mailed – March 2025
- Board of Equalization and Review – Hearings begin after initial meeting on April 7, 2025
- Deadline to submit real property appeal – 5:00 p.m. on May 19, 2025
- First tax bills impacted by reappraisal – Summer 2025
Questions about the reappraisal process may be directed to the tax office at 919-542-8211 or tax.revaluation@chathamcountync.gov