Dare County announces Property Tax Relief Programs for seniors and disabled individuals

Tax season is underway, and the Dare County Tax Department would like to remind citizens of three property tax relief programs authorized by the State of North Carolina that provide property tax exclusions for qualifying seniors age 65 and older, disabled individuals and disabled U.S. veteran homeowners who meet the requirements specified by the North Carolina General Statutes.

• Seniors & Disabled Program: Homeowners who are age 65 and older or 100 percent disabled can receive an assessment reduction of $25,000 or up to 50 percent off their home value, whichever is greater, if they meet certain income (gross income of $33,800 or less in 2022) and ownership requirements. Married couples may qualify even if only one partner is age 65 or older or disabled. This tax relief benefit does not need to be repaid.

• Circuit Breaker Tax Deferment Program: Seniors, as well as those who are 100 percent disabled, who have owned and occupied their home for more than five years may choose this program, which ensures their property tax bill will not be more than 4 percent or 5 percent of their income. Homeowners may have to repay some of this tax relief benefit, for example, if they move or sell their home.

• Disabled Veterans Program: Veterans with a 100 percent total and permanent service-connected disability, or their unmarried, surviving spouse, receive a $45,000 assessment reduction, regardless of income. This tax relief benefit does not need to be repaid. A certification form must be completed in addition to the application.

To qualify for any of these programs, you must be a resident of Dare County who owns and occupies your home as your primary residence as of January 1, 2023. Property owners must file an application for exclusion by the June 1, 2023, filing deadline.

For detailed information about each program and the requirements that must be met in order to qualify, please visit www.DareNC.gov/TaxRelief or click the button below to download a brochure.