Many Guilford County homeowners were stunned when the new 2026 revaluation numbers went live.
Some properties jumped far more than the 40 to 45 percent average increase county officials had previously projected. Some properties spot checked by the Rhino Times included homes that more than doubled in value compared to 2022.
Since those new numbers were posted, county officials say they’ve heard from a lot of concerned residents.
Guilford County Tax Director Ben Chavis and other tax officials are encouraging residents to take a closer look at how their values were calculated by using a new, informative and interesting online tool available through the county’s website.
The county’s main 2026 reappraisal page can be found here:
https://www.guilfordcountync.gov/government/departments-and-agencies/tax-department/2026-reappraisal
Chavis said his department wants the public to use its site as a primary source of information. He added that, if residents can’t find what they need there, they are encouraged to call or email the Tax Department for assistance.
One of the key tools available is called Comper Citizen – a property information and sales-comparison platform designed to make the assessment process more transparent. The direct link to that tool is:
https://nc-guilford-citizen.comper.info/template.aspx
There’s a very short tutorial video, which is surprisingly one of the most calming and relaxing videos of all time. It’s not known if the video tutorial was done in that highly tranquil manner in order to help relax those who are upset about the possibility of much higher property taxes, but, regardless, the training video is very relaxing psychologically and worth watching even if you have no intention of using the tool.
Using Comper Citizen, property owners can:
- View their assessed value
- See the comparable sales used in determining that value
- Explore neighborhood sales trends
- Better understand how the county arrived at its number
The goal, according to county officials, is to help taxpayers see some of the same sales data appraisers reviewed.
Guilford County conducts reappraisals entirely in-house using appraisers familiar with the local market. Tools used in the process include county maps, aerial photography, street-level images, sales analysis, field visits and other data sources.
Reappraisal itself is required under North Carolina General Statutes and is meant to ensure that property values remain equitable and uniform. The county defines reappraisal as an in-depth process of assigning new values to all real property at current market value. If no physical changes are made to a property between reappraisal years, the value shouldn’t change unless market conditions do.
Well, market conditions have certainly changed in recent years in Guilford County.
Commissioner Pat Tillman told the Rhino Times before the board’s Thursday, Feb. 19 meeting that he has heard from many constituents since the values were released. He said he plans to hold one or more individual town halls to communicate with residents who have concerns or questions about the revaluation.
Other commissioners made similar comments from the dais.
It’s also important to understand what the revaluation does – and doesn’t – mean. At least not yet.
A higher assessed value doesn’t automatically translate into a tax increase of that same percentage. What ultimately determines property tax bills is the tax rate that the Board of Commissioners sets for the 2026–2027 fiscal year.
That rate will be adopted in June and will take effect July 1.
Under state law, counties are required to publish a revenue-neutral tax rate after a revaluation. That rate is calculated to bring in the same total property tax revenue as before the revaluation, excluding growth. Commissioners can adopt that rate, go higher or go lower.
For homeowners who believe their value is incorrect, the county also provides an online appeals platform called Appeal Pro. The system allows property owners to submit appeals and supporting documents electronically and communicate securely with appraisal staff.
According to the county, the system is designed to make the appeal process more efficient and transparent.
Information about the appeals process, as well as potential reductions and exemptions – including those available to certain disabled veterans and other qualifying property owners – is available on the Tax Department’s main reappraisal page.
County officials are urging residents to first review their property information and comparables online before filing an appeal. In many cases, officials say, looking at the actual neighborhood sales data can help clarify how a value was determined.
For residents who were shocked by the size of their increase, the Comper Citizen tool may provide either reassurance or ammunition – depending on what the sales data in the comps shows.
Either way, the tax officials say they want taxpayers to start with the information now available online, and to reach out directly to the Tax Department if questions remain.
Commissar Pat Tillman told the Rhino Times before the board’s Thursday, Feb. 19 meeting that he has heard from many constituents since the values were released. He said he plans to hold one or more individual town halls to communicate with residents who have concerns or questions about the revaluation.
No kidding Pat. I’m sure your plan to communicate with us serfs is going to be real effective….not.
“Other commissioners made similar comments from the dais.”
And the results will be the same. The standard answer will come down to too bad, so bad, have a nice day.
Skip the Omnipotent will get his tribute from us.
Comper Citizen has removed the assessed value from your property. It was originally listed but now its gone.
Not sure how you can legally appeal when the assessed value has been removed.
I guess when the City does suspect home valuations they need to cover their tracks electronically.
Greensboro and Guilford County both need to seriously consider some of the things that happen when tax rates become unbearable. No homeowner, particularly those long time residents who are retired and living on fixed incomes, (for you officials that means unable to deal with imposed costs), should EVER have to sell their home because you priced them out of the neighborhood. I always read about the desire to help those less fortunate and we do that, but helping those less fortunate should not require me to sell my home to do so. Homeowners generally have worked hard, saved, bought a house and paid for it, and have been charitable to others, but did not intend to give it all up for those who didn’t. Responsibility must be a part of your decisions regarding taxes.
I am saying, herewith, that threshold has been exceeded. The LAST, RECENT revaluation provided a windfall for the above mentioned entities and whatever reason you give for this latest insult cannot possibly be justified. We are not a cornucopia and the end that feeds it is empty. Quit giving money to those who have learned to live on it, and give those of us who pay your salary a break.
Having lived in Guilford County for over 38 years and in our current location in the Briarwood Subdivision for over 36 years, we have worked hard to do the things needed to take care of our home and property, and we paid off the mortgage in 2009.
It was quite a shock to see that our appraised value went from $161,000 to $276, 000, which is an increase of 71.43%.
For a home that is now 38 years old, and in the county where we have always had to pay extra for water, pay for our own trash collection and recycling, have no street lights, and little access to security from the sheriff department, county ordinances not being enforced, and now our subdivision is being inundated with neighbors moving and selling to leasing companies, (which in itself decreases our property value, as we have 3 homes right across the street from us that are now lease homes) this does not make sense no matter how many tools and meetings the county have in place to explain it.
We also have long-time neighbors who have already shared that they will have to sell, and they do not care if it is to a leasing company or not, which will again decrease the values. They are making this decision without knowing the entire impact on them.
We have spent nearly four decades investing in this home, this neighborhood, and this county and state! We have asked for very little in return. What we are asking for now is simple: that the county not force homeowners to make permanent decisions based on incomplete information. Extending the appeal deadline until after tax impact notices are issued in July is not just fair, it is the right thing to do.
Just one comment regarding rental property in your subdivision. Do you have bylaws? If so, limit the number of houses in your subdivision that can be rental units, regardless of who owns the property. If you do not have bylaws, get together with like-minded neighbors to hire an attorney to write bylaws. Briarwood subdivision description and any restrictions can be found at the Register of Deeds office. Homeowner Association can be a force for good.