Certain homeowners may qualify for one of these three programs offering property tax relief in the state.

1. LOW-INCOME HOMESTEAD EXCLUSION

North Carolina allows low-income homestead exclusions for qualifying individuals. Qualifying owners must apply with the Assessor's Office between January 1 and June 1. If you qualify, you can receive an exclusion of the taxable value of your residence of either $25,000, or 50%  (whichever is greater).

As of January 1 of the year for which the exclusion is claimed:

• The applicant's name must be on the deed or title to the residence.
• The residence must be the applicant's primary residence.
• The applicant must be:

1. A North Carolina resident.
2. At least 65 years of age or totally and permanently disabled. Total and permanent disability is a disability that substantially hinders a person from obtaining gainful employment.
3. If claiming disability, able to provide proof of disability in the form of a certificate from a physician licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina or from a governmental agency authorized to determine qualification for disability benefits.
4. Of an income for the preceding calendar year of not more than the income eligibility limit*. Income determination is described below.
5. Upon approval, a taxpayer does not need to apply again until contacted by the Assessor's Office to do so, as a periodic audit.

2. DISABLED VETERANS HOMESTEAD EXCLUSION

North Carolina excludes from property taxes the first $45,000 of assessed value for specific real property or a manufactured home which is occupied as a permanent residence by a qualifying owner.

Applicants for this exclusion must meet the following requirements, regardless of age or income:

• Be an honorably discharged veteran who has a 100% total and permanent disability that is service-connected or the unmarried surviving spouse.
• Be certified by the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs or another federal agency of the permanent total disability that is service-connected.
• There is no age or income requirement.
  

3. PROPERTY TAX DEFERRAL FOR THE ELDERLY OR TOTALLY AND PERMANENTLY DISABLED ("CIRCUIT BREAKER")

This program is available instead of Homestead Exclusion for elderly or disabled homeowners whose income does not exceed 150% of the income eligibility limit* for the Homestead Exclusion.

As of January 1 of the year for which the deferral is claimed, the applicant must:

• Meet the requirements as stated in the Homestead Exclusion for age or disability.
• Must have owned and occupied the property as the owner's permanent legal residence for five (5) years.
• Must be a North Carolina resident.
• For married applicants residing with their spouses, include the income from both spouses, whether or not the property is in both names.

Other Requirements:

• All owners of the property must apply and elect to defer the applicable portion of their taxes. 
• A new application IS required annually.

Unlike exclusion, which reduces taxes owed (by excluding part of the value on which the tax is based), deferral postpones paying (defers) a portion of taxes due in one year to some future time (such as sale of the property), based on the owner's income.

INCOME DETERMINATION - for Low Income Homestead Exclusion or Property Tax Deferral

Documentation verifying income is required. For married applicants residing with their spouses, the income from both spouses must be included, whether or not the property is in both names.

Income from EVERY source must be listed on the application, with the exception of gifts or inheritances received from a spouse, lineal (direct) ancestor, or lineal descendant. Examples of income include but are not limited to disability payments, IRA distributions, pensions and annuities, social security benefits, capital gains, and veteran benefits.

*Annual Income Eligibility Limit is set every year by the NC Department of Revenue.  The limit for 2009 is $25,600 for income received during the calendar year 2008.  Please contact 704-336-6348 or visit us in our office if you have questions concerning how this applies to your situation.

CHARLOTTE AUTO FEE

Charlotte residents who qualify for the Homestead Exclusion may also apply for a reduction in the Auto Fee for their vehicles: Charlotte Auto Fee Reduction Application.

IMPORTANT! 

2009 tax relief applications had to be filed (received or postmarked) by June 1, 2009.  Therefore, online copies of the application form are no longer available.  You may call the office for further assistance.

More information:

Call:  Within Mecklenburg County - 311
        Outside of Mecklenburg County - 704-336-7600

Visit:   Real Property Division of
          Mecklenburg County Assessor's Office, Suite 203
          Bob Walton Plaza
          700 E Stonewall St
          Charlotte, NC 28202

E-mail