North Carolina -- April 15, 2026: For many seniors and residents with disabilities in North Carolina, property taxes can be a significant financial burden. However, state law provides a "safety net" to ensure that those on fixed or limited incomes can stay in their homes.
While recent announcements from Haywood County have highlighted these benefits locally, these programs are actually mandated by the state and available to every eligible homeowner from the mountains to the coast.
The Deadline: June 1, 2026
Regardless of which county you live in, the deadline to apply for property tax relief for the 2026 tax year is June 1, 2026.
Three Ways to Save
North Carolina offers three distinct programs. Note that homeowners can only choose one of these options—they cannot be combined.
1. The Elderly or Disabled Exclusion (Homestead Exclusion)
This is the most common program. It "excludes" a portion of your home's value from being taxed.
The Benefit: Excludes the first $25,000 or 50% of your home’s appraised value (whichever is greater).
Age/Disability Requirement: You must be at least 65 years old OR totally and permanently disabled as of January 1, 2026.
2025 Income Limit: Your total household income for the 2025 calendar year must be $38,800 or less.
Good to Know: If you already receive this exclusion, you do not need to reapply unless your income has exceeded the limit, your marital status changed, or you moved.
2. The Disabled Veteran Exclusion
This program is designed for those who served and their families.
The Benefit: Excludes the first $45,000 of the home's value from taxation.
Who Qualifies: * Honorably discharged veterans with a 100% total and permanent service-connected disability.
The unmarried surviving spouse of an eligible veteran.
Income Limit: There is no income limit for this program.
3. The Circuit Breaker Tax Deferment
Unlike an "exclusion" where the tax is forgiven, this is a deferral program.
The Benefit: Caps your property taxes at 4% or 5% of your income.
Who Qualifies: Seniors or disabled residents who have owned and occupied their home for at least five consecutive years.
2025 Income Limit: Up to $58,200.
The Catch: The "saved" taxes are deferred as a lien on the property. They must be paid back (plus interest) if the homeowner sells the home, moves, or passes away.
How to Apply in Your County
While the rules are the same statewide, the application is processed by your local County Tax Assessor.
For Haywood County Residents: You can find the application and local instructions at the Haywood County Tax Assessment portal.
For All Other NC Counties: You will need to file Form AV-9. You can find your specific county's contact information through the NCDOR County Property Tax Directory.
Required Documentation
Proof of Disability: If you are applying based on a disability, you must provide a Certification of Disability (Form AV-9A) signed by a physician licensed in North Carolina.
Veterans: You will need to provide a Certification of Veteran’s Disability (Form NCDVA-9).
Don't wait until the June deadline—gathering medical signatures and income documentation can take time. Reach out to your local tax office today to see how much you could save