How to apply for North Carolina Disabled Veteran Property Tax Homestead Exclusion ($45,000)

Who it's for

North Carolina excludes the first $45,000 of a home's appraised value from property tax for an honorably discharged veteran with a 100% permanent-and-total service-connected disability, or a veteran who receives specially adapted housing benefits from the VA. There is no income limit and no age limit. A surviving spouse who has not remarried keeps the exclusion, including when the veteran died from a service-connected condition. Apply once: a veterans service office certifies Form NCDVA-9, then Form AV-9 and the NCDVA-9 go to the county tax office by June 1. This is one of three North Carolina property-tax relief programs, and only one can be used per home.

What you'll need

• Form NCDVA-9 (Certification for Disabled Veteran's Property Tax Exclusion), Sections 1 and 2, certified by a county or state veterans service office
• Form AV-9 (Application for Property Tax Relief) filed with the county tax office
• VA disability certification (100% permanent-and-total service-connected) or evidence of specially adapted housing benefits under 38 U.S.C. §2101
• DD-214 or other proof of honorable or under-honorable-conditions discharge

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about North Carolina Disabled Veteran Property Tax Homestead Exclusion ($45,000). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need form ncdva-9 (certification for disabled veteran's property tax exclusion), sections 1 and 2, certified by a county or state veterans service office, form av-9 (application for property tax relief) filed with the county tax office, va disability certification (100% permanent-and-total service-connected) or evidence of specially adapted housing benefits under 38 u.s.c. §2101 — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Confirm you qualify: the veteran must have been honorably discharged (or discharged under honorable conditions) and have a VA rating of 100% permanent and total service-connected disability — OR receive specially adapted housing benefits under 38 U.S.C. §2101 at any rating. A surviving spouse who has not remarried may also qualify. Note that only one of North Carolina's three property-tax relief programs can apply to the same home, so check with your county tax office to find out which saves you the most.
2. Gather your documents: your DD-214 or other proof of honorable or under-honorable-conditions discharge, and either your VA disability certification showing 100% permanent-and-total service-connected disability or evidence of specially adapted housing benefits under 38 U.S.C. §2101.
3. Complete Sections 1 and 2 of Form NCDVA-9 (Certification for Disabled Veteran's Property Tax Exclusion). Bring the form and your supporting documents to a county or state veterans service office to have it certified. You can reach the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs by phone at 844-624-8387 or apply online to get help with this step.
4. Complete Form AV-9 (Application for Property Tax Relief). This is the form that goes to your county tax office.
5. Submit both the certified Form NCDVA-9 and the completed Form AV-9 to your county tax assessor's office. File by June 1 to have the exclusion applied for the coming tax year.

What to expect: After you submit both forms, your county tax assessor will review your application and confirm whether the $45,000 homestead exclusion — or one of North Carolina's other property-tax relief programs — gives you the greatest savings. Processing times vary, so contact your county tax office for an estimate. This is a one-time application: you do not need to reapply each year unless the qualifying owner or the residence changes. If you remarry (for surviving spouses), the exclusion ends, so notify the county tax office of any change in your situation.

Renewals

one-time application; reapply only if the qualifying owner or residence changes