NC Property tax relief

NC Property tax relief applications due June 1, 2014

5/12/2014

Are you a low-income homeowner who is disabled or elderly? Are you a disabled veteran who owns a home? Under North Carolina law, you may qualify for property tax relief that could save you up to one-half of your annual real property tax bill.

If you would like free assistance in determining your eligibility and in obtaining the necessary application, please contact Maria McIntyre of the Financial Protection Law Center at (910) 442-1010 between the hours of Noon and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. As the application must be submitted to your local County tax office by June 1, 2014, please call soon for details.

The deadline is June 1, 2014. The applications are attached. The application isn't very hard though some folks appreciate assistance with it, and may contact the Financial Law Center at the number above. Here is a brief re-cap on the types of exclusions available:

The elderly/disabled exclusions have a 2013 income cap of $28,600. I believe that income is that of the homeowner or homeowners, if jointly owned. It gives a reduction in taxable value of the greater of $25,000 or 50% of the tax value.

The disabled veteran exclusion does not have an income cap and it gives a reduction in taxable value of $45,000. There is a VA certification that may be prove difficult to get back from the VA by the deadline. Elderly disabled veterans may apply as elderly with low income to avoid any delays from the VA.

The disabled exclusion requires a doctor’s certification saying the homeowner was disabled as of 1/1/14. That is the only part of the application that requires a little lead time but most doctors appear willing to sign when warranted. Elderly applications don’t have to do a certification and that makes it easier.

All applications must be submitted to the local County Tax office and must contain:

The completed application.
The disability certification, if it is a disability exclusion (not an elderly exclusion); and
A copy of the 2013 IRS tax return (or Form 1098’s from SSA, etc. if the homeowner doesn't have to file a return) (but you don’t need income proof for the Veteran application as it is without regard to income). (Note: These exclusions apply only to personal residences)