Residents in several North Carolina counties are still paying full property taxes even though their homes were destroyed by Hurricane Helen, officials warned.
In late September, Helen tore through the mountains of western North Carolina and surrounding states, causing massive flooding that washed away many buildings or reduced them to piles of rubble. As a result, some residents are staying in RVs or tents despite winter temperatures, as Blaze News previously reported.
Although the area's devastation is unprecedented, state law requires property taxes to be paid by midnight on January 6 no matter what. So county leaders say their hands are tied.
“Please note: North Carolina law does not allow for exemptions or exceptions to property taxes due to natural disasters.” online statement from buncombe countyone of the most hit by Helen. “Regardless of the circumstances resulting from Hurricane Helen, property taxes must be paid by January 6th. The tax office will help you plan, so please contact us as soon as possible.”
“No one should be forced to pay property taxes on a home that no longer exists. This is common sense.”
Asheville resident Matt Van Swole, who has carefully documented the overwhelming state and federal response to Helen for X magazine, was stunned by the intransigence of local and state leaders.
“No one should be forced to pay property taxes on a home that no longer exists. This is common sense.” van swoll I wrote it on Monday.
government website henderson, jackson, rutherfordand transylvania Counties have issued similar reminders about the Jan. 6 property tax payment deadline, but many are still providing links to people in need of assistance related to Hurricane Helen. .
Additionally, most properties will continue to be taxed at their 2024 pre-storm value. Some of those values went through the roof for residents of eastern North Carolina, which was spared the direct hit of Hurricane Helen, resulting in a shocking 2024 tax bill.
Rumors recently spread throughout Johnson County that taxes would jump by 75% starting in 2023. The county acknowledged a 70.6% increase in countywide values, but sought to quell growing concerns by pointing out that property taxes and property values would not increase in 2023. Same rate.
“It is important to note that a 70.6% increase in property value is not equivalent to a 70.6% increase in property taxes,” Mr. A said. county statement “Tax rates for 2025 will be set by counties, districts, and cities in June, and tax bills will be mailed on or about August 1, 2025.”
In neighboring Tennessee, which was hard hit by Helen, property tax concerns are also prompting action. The tax deadline remains until February, but lawmakers hope to convene a special session this month to pass tax measures and provide some relief.
Republican state Rep. Tim Hicks supports a measure that would waive 2024 taxes for hurricane victims. He also explained in December that “these property taxes will not be levied again until the property is healthy again.”
“I think every legislator across the state would support this.”
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