CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. (May 12, 2025) – Carteret County Tax Administration is reminding citizens about several available tax relief programs for property owners who meet specific qualifications. The deadline to submit applications for all tax relief programs is June 1.

Elderly or Permanently Disabled Homestead Exclusion Program

This program excludes from taxation the greater of either the first $25,000 or 50% of the appraised value of a permanent residence, along with up to one acre of land. To qualify, applicants must be a N.C. resident, own and occupy the property as their permanent residence on or before Jan. 1 of the current year, and meet one of the following criteria by Jan. 1 of the current year: be at least 65 years of age or be totally and permanently disabled. The combined household income for the applicant and spouse must be $37,900 or less in 2024.

Circuit Breaker Homestead Tax Deferment Program

This program allows qualified homeowners age 65 or older or those totally and permanently disabled as of Jan. 1 to defer a portion of their property taxes. The gross income for both the applicant and spouse cannot exceed $56,850 for 2025. For unmarried joint property owners, each owner must apply and qualify separately. All owners must have owned and occupied the residence for the previous five years, and all owners must apply and qualify to participate in this program, filing a new application every year.

Under this program, the annual property taxes are limited to a percentage of the owner’s income. Taxes exceeding this limit are deferred. The deferred taxes for the last three years become payable with interest if a disqualifying event occurs, such as the death of the owner, transfer of the property where the owner’s share is not passed to another qualifying owner, or failure to use the property as the owner’s permanent residence.

For owners with a 2025 income not exceeding $37,900, the tax is limited to 4% of their income. For those with a 2025 income between $37,901 and $56,850, the tax is limited to 5% of their income.

Disabled Veteran & Surviving Spouse Exclusion

Also known as the Disabled Veterans Exclusion, this program offers a property tax reduction for veterans discharged under honorable conditions who have a total and permanent service-connected disability or who receive benefits for specially adapted housing under 38 U.S.C. 2101, as well as their unmarried surviving spouses. There are no age or income limitations for this program, and it is a one-time application.

This program excludes up to the first $45,000 of the appraised value of the permanent residence. Unmarried joint property owners must apply separately, and benefit limitations may apply based on the percentage of ownership. Eligible owners can receive benefits under either the Elderly or Disabled Exclusion or the Disabled Veteran Exclusion. Once approved for the Disabled Veteran Exclusion, reapplying is not necessary unless the disability or benefit status changes.

To request an application or learn more about these tax relief programs, contact Carteret County Tax Administration at 252-728-8485, via email at taxhelp@carteretcountync.gov, or visit the website at www.carteretcountync.gov/1079/Tax-Relief-Programs. The Tax Administration office is located on the first floor of the Carteret County Courthouse, 302 Courthouse Square, Beaufort, NC.

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