Gaston County staff outline appeals options and debunk common myths

Tarbesch described two levels of appeal: an informal review with an appraiser in the tax office and a formal hearing before the independent Board of Equalization & Review, which is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. She noted a further appeal to the Property Tax Commission remains available if taxpayers disagree with the board’s determination.

"You have the informal process…and then you've got the 2nd step…the formal process with our Board of Equalization Review, which is an independent board," Tarbesch said, emphasizing the independence of the board from the tax office.

Both officials addressed common misconceptions: appeals are not punished, taxpayers do not need to hire an attorney or obtain a paid appraisal to file, and the office will visit properties and accept documentation. Pesauer reiterated the volume challenge — roughly 117,000 parcels — and encouraged appeals where interior condition or other unrecorded factors mean the county’s exterior-only data misstate a property’s condition.

The tax office accepts appeals online, by mail or in person and recommends residents who believe their value is incorrect to file so staff can verify and correct records where needed.