Cabarrus County Couple Loses Nine Years to Property Tax Overpayment

News Summary

Jan and Tom Keel, a retired couple in Cabarrus County, discovered they have been overpaying their property taxes for nearly nine years due to a square footage error. The couple’s home was recorded inaccurately, leading to financial losses they can no longer recoup. As they navigated the complexities of tax records and appraisals, their experience serves as a cautionary tale for all homeowners to verify their property tax information regularly to avoid similar situations.

CABARRUS COUNTY COUPLE LOSSES NINE YEARS TO PROPERTY TAX OVERPAYMENT

In a story that might just send shivers down the spine of homeowners, an innocent oversight has led a retired couple in Cabarrus County to uncover a shocking truth: they had been overpaying their property taxes for nearly a decade! Yes, you read that right—nine long years! Jan and Tom Keel, who made their way to Cabarrus County from scenic Wilmington back in 2011, were lured in by the affordable property market. They thought they found their forever home in a lovely new build in Concord. But little did they know that their dream home would come with a hidden headache.

A Home Sweet Home Turned Sour

Initially designed for long-term living, the couple had to reconsider their plans due to unforeseen medical challenges. As Tom faced worsening health, especially with his battle against dementia, Jan decided it was time to downsize. With thoughts of their finances spilling over into future care needs for Tom, they began preparing to sell their beloved home in 2020. It was during this process that they stumbled upon a grim discovery that would turn their world upside down.

The Great Square Footage Mix-Up

As the couple started getting their home ready for sale, a professional appraiser arrived and promptly told them the property was significantly smaller than what the county had on record. Imagine their surprise when they found out that the county had listed their home as measuring 2,646 square feet while the actual size was only 2,338 square feet! The discrepancy, as it turns out, arose from a miscalculation where a vaulted ceiling was accidentally counted as livable space. Talk about an unexpected twist!

What Happened Next?

If that wasn’t enough, the official records later surfaced showing a hit for square footage increasing to 2,680 in the tax documents. Jan felt a whirlwind of emotions—anger, disappointment, and disbelief took over as she reflected on how she had accepted the county’s figures without question for almost nine years!

Seeking Answers

After uncovering the glaring inaccuracies, the Keels contacted the tax office, who promptly updated their records. However, despite the correction, the couple received a throat-tightening blow: there would be no recourse for their previous overpayments. So, what happens when the County promises you a certain status, and then it turns out it was all just a clerical mix-up? David Thrift, the Cabarrus County Tax Administrator, acknowledged the estimation error but didn’t quite classify it as a clerical mistake. Instead, he referred to it as a “difference in appraisal.”

The Legal Tangle

To pile on the frustration, it was revealed that state law makes recouping those overtaxed dollars a near-impossible task unless homeowners can prove the payments were illegal or due to sheer clerical blunders. Not quite the smooth sail you’d want when trying to navigate property taxes! Jan took it upon herself to share her experience with the tax office in a bid to help others avoid the same fate. We can’t help but applaud her proactive spirit!

A Lesson for All Homeowners

The Keels’ scenario highlights something critical for all homeowners: always check your property tax information. It’s vital to verify your details, especially through the handy Property Record Card available on the county’s website. Homeowners are encouraged to report any discrepancies before the revaluation appeal window closes mid-April for the most accurate assessments.

Final Thoughts

This couple’s experience serves as a friendly reminder for everyone to keep an eye on property records! It may be tedious, but it’s good practice to ensure you aren’t burying your finances under layers of inaccurate taxes. After all, being informed can save you a pretty penny!