[kaz1]

Originally Posted by annabackwards

It's because they react further with water.

Example one - the neutral salt NaCl
It is neutral because the salt does not further react of water in solution.
Na+ + H20 --> Na+ + H20
Cl- + H20 --> Cl- + H20 ---> No Hydronium/Hydroxide ions produced, therefore neutral

Example two - the basic salt NaCH3COO or CH3COONa (doesn't matter which way you write it)
Na+ + H20 --> Na+ + H20
CH3COO- + H20 --> CH3COOH + OH- ---> Hydroxide ions produced, therefore basic

Example three - the acidic salt NH4Cl
NH4+ + H20 --> NH3 + H30+
Cl- + H20 --> Cl- + H20 ---> Hydronium ions produced, therefore *acidic

*fixed.