The programs have different requirements and provide differing levels of relief. Individuals qualifying for more than one of these programs will be placed in the one which provides the greatest level of tax relief. Some programs require only a one-time application, while others require annual application. One of the program defers taxes which may have to be repaid if disqualified, while the others do not.
Property Tax Exclusion for Senior Citizens or Permanently Disabled Citizens
North Carolina excludes from property taxes a portion of the appraised value of a permanent residence owned and occupied by North Carolina residents who are at least 65 years of age OR who are certified as totally and permanently disabled, AND whose income does not exceed $31,500. (Income limit for 2021 -- limit is adjusted annually based on any cost of living adjustments to Social Security Benefits)
The amount of the appraised value of the residence that may be excluded from taxation is the greater of $25,000 or 50% of the appraised value of the residence. Income means all monies received from every source other than gifts or inheritances received from a spouse, lineal ancestor, or lineal descendant.
If you did not receive the exclusion last year, but are now eligible, you may obtain an application from the Tax Assessor’s Office or below under Related Documents. Those 65 or older need to complete Form AV-9 (Application for Property Tax Relief) only, others must also file Form AV-9A (Disability Certification) completed by a medical professional authorized to do so. This is a one-time application. It must be filed with the Tax Assessor's Office by June 1.
If you received this exclusion last year, you do not need to apply again unless you have changed your permanent residence or your income has increased to exceed the program limit. If you received the exclusion last year but the property no longer qualifies for any reason, please notify the assessor. Failure to notify the assessor that the property no longer qualifies for the exclusion may cause the property to be subject to discovery with penalties and interest pursuant to G.S. 105-312.
Senior Citizens / Permanently Disabled Citizens - Circuit Breaker Deferment
North Carolina defers a portion of the property taxes on the appraised value of a permanent residence owned and occupied by a North Carolina resident who has owned and occupied the property at least five years, is at least 65 years of age or is totally and permanently disabled, and whose income does not exceed $47,250. If the owner’s income is $31,500 or less, then the portion of property taxes imposed on the residence that exceeds 4% of the owner’s income may be deferred. If the owner’s income is more than $31,500 but less than or equal to $47,250, then the portion of the property taxes on the residence that exceeds 5% of the owner’s income may be deferred.
The deferred taxes become a lien on the residence and the most recent three years of deferred taxes preceding a disqualifying event become due with interest upon one of the following disqualifying events:
- The owner transfers the residence.
- The owner dies
- The owner ceases to use the property as a permanent residence.
Disabled Veterans Exclusion
North Carolina excludes from property taxes $45,000 of the appraised value of a permanent residence owned and occupied by a qualifying owner, if you are an Honorably Discharged Veteran with a 100% total and permanent “service connected” disability, or the unmarried surviving spouse. Applicants must file Form AV-9 (Application for Property Tax Relief) as well as Form NCDVA-9 (Certification of Veteran Disability) to qualify. This is a one-time application and must be filed with the Tax Assessor's Office by June 1 of the year.
Tax Relief Programs (Elderly, Disabled, and Veterans)