Tax Relief Programs

Need Help Paying Your Property Tax Bill?

North Carolina state law allows property tax relief for low-income seniors and disabled homeowners, as well as disabled veterans or their unmarried surviving spouse. There are three programs authorized by the General Assembly, with requirements that Carteret County must follow. These programs can significantly reduce property tax bills for qualifying owners.


Program Highlights:

Reduce the taxable value of your home:
Homeowners who are 65 and older or 100% disabled can get $25,000 or up to 50% off their home value, whichever is greater, if they meet certain income and ownership requirements. Married couples can qualify even if only one partner is 65+ or disabled. This tax relief does not need to be paid back.

OR

Pay only a percentage of your income:
Seniors and those 100% disabled who’ve owned and occupied their homes for more than five years can choose a program that ensures their property tax bill will not be more than 4-5% of their income. Homeowners might have to pay some of this tax relief back, for example, if they move or sell their home.

OR

Veteran Discount:
Veterans with a total and permanent service-connected disability, or their unmarried surviving spouse, can get $45,000 off their property value, no matter what their income. This tax relief does not need to be paid back.


Program Details:

Use the links below for additional information on each program and to view/print the required application/forms.


How to Apply:

Use the links above to access the printable application and forms.

The deadline to apply is June 1.  

The owner must meet all eligibility requirements as of January 1st of the year in which they are applying for relief.

If a married couple is the sole owner of a property, only one application is required. If multiple, unmarried owners are seeking tax relief for the same property, separate applications are required for each owner. Benefit limitations may apply.

Please note: Even though you may qualify for more than one program, you may only select one program. 

To request an application to be mailed to you, please call our office at  252-728-8485. Applications can be submitted by emailing taxinformation@carteretcountync.gov, mailed to or hand-delivered to 302 Courthouse Square, Beaufort, NC 28516.

Can I still apply after June 1? Late applications may be considered through the end of 2023 for reasons such as a physical or mental illness, hospitalization, death of taxpayer or immediate family member, or military deployment. Please submit a letter with your application to explain the lateness and verify the cause. Each request will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If you’re unsure of which program to apply for or need assistance, please call us at 252-728-8485.


FAQ

What is a home value?

Home value is the value of a person's permanent, primary, and legal residence. It includes the dwelling, the dwelling site, not to exceed one acre, and related improvements. The dwelling may be a single-family residence, a unit in a multi-family residential complex, or a manufactured home. Again, for all of these tax relief programs, the dwelling must be owned by the applicant.

Who is a qualifying owner for the Senior & Disabled and the Tax Deferment Program?

A qualifying owner is an owner who owns and occupies their home as of January 1 and meets the age, disability, and income requirements of the specific program being applied for.

What is gross income?

It’s all money or income received BEFORE taxes or other deductions are taken out, NOT Adjusted Gross Income or AGI often used in IRS documents. Gross income includes money from salaries, wages, tips, commissions, bonuses, dividends, disability, severance pay, retirement, pensions, Social Security, owning or operating a business, renting property, trusts, annuities, bank interest, and gifts, prizes or inheritance received from anyone other than your spouse or direct relatives. For married applicants residing with their spouses, the income of both spouses must be included, whether or not the property is in both names.