For 2019, the Orange County Tax Office has modified its procedures for returning Tax Listing Forms. In previous years, residents who did not have any real property changes to report did not have to take action upon receiving the form from the tax office.
This year, however, the tax office included different instructions asking all taxpayers to return the form, even if there are no changes to report, to help the tax office verify addresses and ensure homeowners are aware of the listed value of their property.
“Those with no changes to their real estate have not been asked to return the form in prior years,” said Orange County Tax Administrator Dwane Brinson. “This year we asked everyone to return the form.” Personal Property is required to be listed every year as well.
Brinson said his office made the change because many taxpayers had been confused in recent years if they needed to return the form. Some did when they didn’t need to, and others didn’t when they were required to.
Brinson said the county had to issue more than 3,000 personal property discoveries last year when it was discovered that taxpayers had failed to list properly. By requiring all forms to be returned, Brinson hopes to reduce this number. He said it would have the added benefit of ensuring the county’s tax base is as current and equitable as possible.
“We felt by asking all forms to be returned that much more attention would be given to the statutory listing process, which in turn is better for our community,” said Brinson. “Even if no changes are made to one’s real estate, it still is advantageous to have the listing forms returned to verify addresses and property on record. It also confirms that the taxpayer has visually seen their 2019 tax value and may begin an appeal if the value appears incorrect.” Brinson went on to say that the tax office will always take into account feedback from the community to ensure our processes continually improve.
Taxpayers and residents who have previously discarded their form can request a new copy from the tax office by calling (919) 245-2100, emailing tax@orangecountync.gov or visiting the tax office at: Gateway Center Building; 228 S Churton Street, Suite 200; Hillsborough, NC 27278. 2019 Tax Listing Forms also can be submitted electronically via email to tax@orangecountync.gov.