NC Circuit Breaker — Elderly/Disabled Property Tax Deferral

About This Program

The NC Circuit Breaker program defers the portion of property taxes that exceeds a set percentage of the owner's income for qualifying elderly or disabled homeowners. For income ≤$38,800, taxes above 4% of income are deferred; for income $38,801–$58,200, taxes above 5% are deferred. Deferred taxes become a lien due upon sale or non-qualifying transfer. Cannot be combined with the Homestead Exclusion.

Estimated annual deferral for a homeowner at the lower income tier with typical Mecklenburg tax bill.

Key Details

• Must be 65+ or totally/permanently disabled; owned home 5+ years
• Income ≤ $38,800: defer taxes above 4% of income
• Income $38,801–$58,200: defer taxes above 5% of income
• Deferred amounts become a lien — due on sale or transfer
• Cannot be combined with Homestead Exclusion; apply by June 1

How to Apply

Deadline: Apply by June 1 annually