WS Chronicle

Staff Report

The Winston-Salem Chronicle

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Forsyth County officials this week approved more than $705,000 in property tax refunds after a surge in appeals from property owners who successfully challenged their tax assessments before the Board of Equalization and Review. 

At its Jan. 29 meeting, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution directing the Tax Assessor/Collector to issue refunds for taxes that were “levied and assessed illegally or through clerical error” in recent years, as determined by the county’s tax office. 

The total refund package — spanning fiscal years 2023 through 2025 — includes:

• $705,586.11 for 2025, the largest share by far;
• Smaller amounts for 2023 and 2024.  

Of that total, $365,554.01 will be returned directly to county taxpayers, while another $340,120.86 will be paid on behalf of the City of Winston-Salem and other municipalities, which authorized the county to process refunds under interlocal agreements. 

How refunds came about

The refunds stem largely from adjustments by the Board of Equalization and Review (BER) — the local panel that hears formal challenges from property owners who dispute the tax value placed on their homes or commercial parcels. Each line item in the county’s refund list notes “BER Adjustment” as the reason for the reduced tax liability. 

Under state law, property owners who believe their assessment is inaccurate must first file an informal appeal with the tax office. If that doesn’t resolve concerns, they can bring their case to the BER, which independently reviews evidence and can reduce assessed values. 

Officials said the refunds represent overpayments legally due back to taxpayers, as certified by Tax Assessor/Collector Amanda Markle. The resolution states taxpayers submitted timely written demands under North Carolina statutes governing excess tax payments. 

Impacts for residents and next steps

For many homeowners and businesses, the refunds offer tangible financial relief as property valuations have risen sharply across the state in recent years — putting pressure on household budgets and business operating costs. Increased assessments can push more owners into formal appeals when valuations outpace actual market conditions or equity expectations. 

“This action ensures that taxpayers are not paying more than what is legally due,” county leaders said in adopting the resolution.

Property owners who believe their current assessments remain unfair still have options. Appeals to the BER and, if necessary, to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission are available each year, typically beginning with informal discussions and moving up to formal hearings.