"My property tax value also increased significantly," Chair Nida Allam said. "My bill is two or three times what it's usually been."
This year, some Durham County residents received sticker shock when they looked at the updated property tax as part of the state's required reappraisal process. The last time Durham County conducted a reappraisal was in 2019.
"It increased by roughly $1,100, I think some $1,100, $1,400," Elaine Martell said about the property tax.
Martell, who lives in Durham County, said the house she bought more than two decades ago nearly doubled in value, meaning a higher bill.
"Not everybody who has paid off their house is going to be able to continue to pay their taxes. That's my big concern," Martell said.
Officials said more than 10,000 property owners have filed an appeal. Although the deadline to file an appeal has passed, property owners may appeal the assessed value further before another commission that's run by the state and not the county.
"A lot of people are not happy with their tax bills, and we understand why," Commissioner Wendy Jacobs said during Tuesday's work session. "I think that it's very important for residents to understand also that not only have property tax values gone up ... it means that our community is economically in a good place and growing."
Despite the impact of rising property taxes being felt countywide, Chair Allam said it's ultimately helping the community.
"They help us provide vital funding to the programs and services that Durham County funds, like public schools, public health, and social services," Allam said. "This local funding is extremely more important right now as we see these cuts at the federal level coming down to these programs."
Durham property taxes are due January 5, 2026. After January 5, 2026, interest will accrue on outstanding accounts.
Low-Income Homeowners Relief
Homeowners who qualify can apply for property tax relief through the County's Low-Income Homeowners Relief Program (LIHR). To be eligible, these homeowners must have incomes less than or equal to 80% of the Average Median Income (AMI).
The LIHR program exclusively serves Durham homeowners who have been living in their homes for 5 years and aren't currently receiving any state tax subsidies for their property.
If you think you qualify and would like to apply, you can call (919) 560-8000 for an appointment with an LIHR specialist or check the DSS website.
Required Documentation
- Proof of residency-the current property tax bill must include the applicant's name on their primary residence.
- Proof of household income-Paycheck stubs; Social Security/SSI Award Letter; Unemployment Benefit Letter; 2024 Income Tax Return
- Photo Identification
SEE ALSO | Durham City Council approves $772M budget for fiscal year 2025-26; property taxes to rise
SEE ALSO | $2.1B budget that comes with property tax increase adopted in Wake County for fiscal year 2026