The Buncombe County Tax Office says it's experiencing long lines this week as residents try to pre-pay their 2018 property tax bills. This is in response to the tax bill passed by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump. That bill imposes a $10-thousand combined limit on the deduction of state and local income and property taxes. There is no limit for this year. The Buncombe County Tax Office says while residents can prepay to avoid that deduction limit for next year, it's likely that it won't qualify for a deduction since the county does not generate official 2018 property tax bills until next August. Those wishing to prepay would be paying on an estimate of their bill for next year. Buncombe County tax collector Jennifer Pike says those with accountants or tax professionals should consult with them before paying.
Pike says they've increased the number of pay stations they have open and estimated the longest people have waited has been around 30 minutes.