February 7, 2007

Many senior citizens may be eligible for a break on their property taxes and not even know it. North Carolina gives elderly or totally and permanently disabled citizens an exemption of $20,000 or 50% of the appraised value of their home – whichever is greatest. The deadline for new applicants to receive the exemption this year is June 1.

Many senior citizens may be eligible for a break on their property taxes and not even know it. North Carolina gives elderly or totally and permanently disabled citizens an exemption of or of their home – whichever is greatest. The deadline for new applicants to receive the exemption this year is June 1.

The property must be the permanent residence owned and occupied by a qualifying owner. To qualify, an owner must meet the following requirements as of January 1, 2007:

At least 65 years of age or totally and permanently disabled.
Has an income for the preceding year of not more than $20,500.
North Carolina resident.

The application deadline for a senior citizen or disabled citizen who did not receive the exemption last year is June 1. Anyone who received the exemption last year does not need to re-apply.

Applications for the exemption are available at Mecklenburg County's Office of Property Assessment and Land Records Management at the Robert L. "Bob" Walton Plaza, 700 East Stonewall Street, Suite 200 (second floor) in Charlotte. For more information or to receive an application in the mail, call 311. Outside of Mecklenburg County, call 704-336-4600.