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Real Property, Valuations & Land Records
Understanding Real Property and Appraisal in Pitt County
In Pitt County, real property refers to land and anything permanently attached to it. This includes:
- Land, including undeveloped or vacant lots
- Buildings, such as homes, businesses and barns
- Structures attached to the land, like garages, decks, or mobile homes on permanent foundations
- Improvements that add value, such as driveways, wells and septic systems
Real property does not include personal property like vehicles or household items not permanently attached to land or buildings.
- Land Records & OPIS
- Land Records Legal Changes & Updates
- Property Reappraisal
- Property Value Reappraisal & Appeals FAQ
Search and Understand Pitt County Land and Parcel Information
The Land Records Division of Pitt County Tax Administration maintains detailed property ownership records and digital cadastral maps for all real estate in Pitt County. These records are essential for accurate property assessments and include:
- Current owner name(s)
- Physical (situs) address
- Mailing address used for tax notices
- Legal description of the property
Explore Property Data with OPIS
Online Parcel Information System (OPIS) is a web-based mapping tool that allows you to search and view parcel-level data. With OPIS, you can:
- Search by owner name, address, parcel number or deed reference
- View floodplain zones, municipal boundaries and digital cadastral maps
- Access property boundaries and legal data
- Print maps and reports
These digital maps help visualize and understand property lines and location information.
Use the Online Parcel Information System (OPIS) Now
Note: Read the disclaimer on the OPIS site before using the data.
Keep Your Property Records Accurate and Up to Date
Changing the Property Owner’s Name
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, a business update or court order, you need to provide legal documentation to update your parcel record. Accepted documents include:
- Marriage certificate
- Certified court order
- State or business registration documents
Documents can be submitted in person or via email to Pitt County Tax Administration.
Parcel Combinations & Ownership Transfers
The proper deed and or documentation must be filed with the Register of Deeds. If you're not familiar with how to prepare legal documents, you may consult a real estate attorney.
Updating Property Ownership Due to Death
If a property owner has passed away, the necessary steps vary based on how the property was titled:
- Tenants by Entirety (typically married couples): A copy of the death certificate is sufficient for removal of the deceased’s name.
- Tenants in Common, Individual Ownership, or Heirs: A death certificate and additional documentation (such as a probated will or estate file) will be required.
New or Physical Address Assignments
Physical addresses in Pitt County are assigned by the Pitt County Planning Department, except within the City of Greenville’s jurisdiction.
Mailing Address Changes
If you need to update your mailing address for tax purposes, use the online change of address form. Submit Your Address Update Now.
Understanding Property Reappraisal in Pitt County
Under North Carolina General Statute §105-286, counties must conduct a countywide reappraisal of real property at least once every eight years. Pitt County exceeds this standard by performing reappraisals every four years to ensure assessments reflect current market values. The most recent reappraisal became effective January 1, 2024, using sales data from 2022 and 2023. The next reappraisal will be effective January 1, 2028.
The final day to file an appeal for the reappraisal year was May 2, 2024.
How Property Is Appraised
North Carolina law requires real property to be appraised at its true value in money, the amount it would likely sell for on the open market. This ensures fair and equitable taxation. The Tax Assessor’s Office is responsible for conducting these appraisals. The work may be completed by County staff, contracted firm, consultants or a combination. Appraisals must follow the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and the North Carolina Department of Revenue guidelines.
What Is Market Value?
As defined in North Carolina General Statute §105-283, market value is the price a property would bring in a transaction between a willing buyer and a willing seller, with both parties fully informed and under no pressure to act.
Reappraisal Methods
Pitt County uses mass appraisal techniques and three standard valuation approaches:
- Cost Approach: Based on the cost to replace the property, minus depreciation.
- Market Approach: Compares the property to similar recently sold properties.
- Income Approach: Used for income-producing properties; values are based on potential income.
These methods follow the Schedule of Values adopted for Pitt County.
Contact the Tax Office
If you have questions about a property assessment or appeal:
- Address: 110 Evans St, Greenville NC 27858
- Phone: 252-902-3380
- Email: taxadmin.realproperty@pittcountync.gov
- What Is a Reappraisal?
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A property reappraisal, also known as revaluation, is a process where a taxing jurisdiction (like a county or municipality) reassesses the value of all properties (land and buildings) within its boundaries to reflect their current market value as of a specified date.
- What Is Market Value?
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Market value is defined by North Carolina law as the price a property would sell for between a willing buyer and a willing seller, both knowledgeable about the property and under no pressure to buy or sell.
- How Is Property Value Determined?
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Pitt County appraisers research recent property sales in the local market to estimate values. The following methods may be used:
- Sales Comparison Approach: Compares your property to similar ones recently sold.
- Cost Approach: Estimates how much it would cost to rebuild your property, minus depreciation.
- Income Approach: Used for income-producing properties and based on rental income.
- Why Are Reappraisals Conducted?
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State law requires reappraisals at least every eight years. Pitt County conducts reappraisals every four years to ensure property values reflect the current market and the tax burden is fairly distributed.
- Who Conducts the Reappraisals?
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Pitt County’s own certified real property appraisers—who have over 100 combined years of experience—conduct the reappraisals. No outside firms are used.
- Why Was There Another Reappraisal So Soon?
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More frequent reappraisals reduce the chance of large value changes and ensure values stay accurate over time. This improves fairness between personal and real property assessments.
- Will My Property Be Visited?
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Appraisers may visit your property to verify or update information. They may or may not come to your door based on what’s needed to confirm records.
- Will My Taxes Increase?
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Not necessarily. Changes in taxes depend on your updated property value and the tax rate set by the Board of Commissioners.
- What If I Disagree With My Assessment?
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If you disagree with your assessment, you may file an informal appeal. These began in February 2024. If unresolved, you may then appeal to the Board of Equalization and Review (BOER).
- What are Appeal Levels?
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- Informal Appeal: Reviewed with the Tax Assessor’s Office.
- Formal Appeal: A quasi-judicial hearing before the BOER where both sides present sworn testimony.
- Can I Skip to a Formal Appeal?
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Yes. You may appeal directly to the BOER if you choose.
- What Are Valid Reasons to Appeal?
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- Your assessed value is significantly higher or lower than market value.
- Your property is not assessed consistently with similar properties.
Note: You cannot appeal based on the percent change in value or your ability to pay the bill. However, you may qualify for one of the the state tax relief programs.
- What Should I Bring to Support My Appeal?
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- Recent appraisal or realtor listings
- Comparable property sales
- Photos showing interior or condition issues
- Corrections to property data (square footage, number of baths, etc.)
- Do I Have to Provide Evidence
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Yes. The County’s value is presumed correct. Taxpayers must provide proof to support a lower value.
- What If My Informal Appeal Isn't Processed in Time?
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You do not need to file again. Your Informal Appeal secures your right to continue through the process. Any changes must still be approved by the BOER.
- Do I Need a Private Appraiser?
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No. Pitt County provides free tools to help: