Are Your Property Taxes Too High? Here’s How to Check and Appeal in Wake County

If you’ve noticed home prices dipping in some Triangle neighborhoods this year, it could mean that your property tax assessment is higher than your home’s current market value. Paying more than you need isn’t fun, but the good news is: you can appeal your property taxes and in many cases, the process is simple and online.

Step 1: Check Your Assessed Value vs. Market Value

Start by comparing your home’s tax-assessed value with its current market value. You can:

• Look at recent sales of comparable homes in your neighborhood.

• Pull your home’s listing price if you’ve recently sold or had an appraisal.

• Use online tools for ballpark estimates (but a professional appraisal is more accurate).

If your assessed value seems significantly higher than what buyers are paying for similar homes, you may have a case for an appeal.

Step 2: Understand Potential Savings

Here’s a real-world example:

• Assessed Value: $734,000

• Market/Appraised Value: $660,000

• Wake County Tax Rate (2025): $1.177 per $100 of assessed value

Current annual taxes:
734,000 × 0.01177 ≈ $8,634

If reduced to market value:
660,000 × 0.01177 ≈ $7,758

Annual savings:
8,634 − 7,758 = $876 per year

Over a few years, this can add up to thousands of dollars in savings, all without major effort.

Step 3: File an Appeal (It’s Easier Than You Think)

In Wake County, the appeal process is mostly online. You don’t always have to attend a hearing in person. Here’s how it generally works:

1. Gather evidence: Appraisal reports, recent comps, photos of your property.

2. Submit your appeal online through Wake County’s tax website.

3. Wait for review: The tax assessor’s office may contact you with questions.

4. Decision: You’ll be notified of any changes to your assessment.

Pro tip: Even if your home is near the market value, a small reduction in assessed value can make a meaningful difference on your annual taxes.

Step 4: Keep Your Assessment Accurate

• Review your tax assessment each year.

• Note any major home changes (additions, renovations, or damage) that could affect value.

• Don’t assume that your taxes automatically reflect the current market.

Bottom Line

Appealing your property taxes in Wake County can save you money each year, sometimes a substantial amount. With most of the process online, it’s more convenient than ever, and your wallet will thank you.

If you’re unsure whether your assessed value is accurate or want help evaluating potential savings, I can walk you through it. A quick review can help you decide if an appeal is worth pursuing.