Buncombe County Property Tax Exemptions and How to Apply

Buncombe County property tax exemptions are available to qualifying residents who live in the county. ^[1] Seniors aged 65 or older are one of the groups named on the county's exemptions page, so age is the first thing to look at. ^[1] To go further, see Property Tax in Asheville NC: How the Bill Is Built.

The county's tax relief office can confirm whether you qualify and take your application. ^[2] If you are unsure where you stand, ask before you gather paperwork, so you do not spend time on a program you cannot get.

This article covers who qualifies, how to apply, and where to start. Read the eligibility section first, then follow the application steps that match your situation.

Do you meet the age or disability rules?

Yes, if you are 65 or older, or if you are totally and permanently disabled, you can qualify for property tax relief in Buncombe County. Both groups must live in the county, and the home has to be inside its lines. To go further, see How to Appeal Buncombe County Property Tax Value: Steps and Deadlines.

The age rule

Property tax relief is available for qualifying residents living in Buncombe County who are 65 years of age or older ^[1]. Two parts of that rule matter: you must be 65 or older, and the home must be where you live. It also helps to read Buncombe County Property Tax Rate: What You Will Actually Pay.

For example, a 70-year-old who lives in a house inside the county meets the age rule. A 70-year-old who owns a vacation property in the county but lives elsewhere does not meet the residence part, so that property would not be covered.

The disability rule

The county's exemptions page also covers residents who are totally and permanently disabled ^[1]. This is a separate group from the age rule, so you do not need to be 65 to qualify under it.

If you are 50 and have a total and permanent disability, this is the rule that applies to you. Read the disability wording on the county's page before you decide which group fits your situation.

Residence in the county

Eligibility depends on residence in Buncombe County, so the home itself must be inside the county ^[1]. A mailing address alone does not show which county your home is in.

Look at the property's address and location before you apply. If the home sits outside the county lines, neither the age rule nor the disability rule applies to it.

How do you apply for the exemption?

You can apply for Buncombe County property tax relief in two ways: online through the county's tax relief page or by phone with a county tax specialist. Both routes let you find out whether you might qualify before you submit anything. ^[2]

Steps to apply

1. Start online by visiting buncombecounty.org/taxrelief. The page shows whether you might qualify and lets you apply from the same place. ^[2]
2. If you would rather talk to someone, call (828) 250-4915 and ask for a Buncombe County tax specialist. The specialist can explain eligibility and help you apply over the phone. ^[2]
3. Ask the specialist which documents you need to send. Their answer gives you the full list before you submit anything, so you do not have to send a second round of paperwork.
4. Keep a copy of everything you submit. For example, if you send a signed form along with a supporting document, make photocopies of both and store them in one folder. A copy shows exactly what the county received if questions come up later.

The phone route has one advantage over the website: you can ask follow-up questions as you go. If a form field or a document confuses you, the specialist can walk you through it while you are still on the line. That can save you from a rejected or incomplete submission.

The online page works well if you already know your situation and want to start right away. The phone line suits you better if you are new to property tax relief and would like someone to explain each step.

Where should you start?

Start with the age or disability rule that fits your situation. If you are 65 or older and live in Buncombe County, you can qualify for relief ^[1]. If you are totally and permanently disabled, the county's exemptions page covers you too ^[1].

Then use the tax relief page at buncombecounty.org/taxrelief or call (828) 250-4915 to confirm you qualify and to apply ^[2]. A 70-year-old homeowner, for example, might call first and ask the specialist about eligibility before sending anything in.

Your age or disability status decides which rule applies to you. Make that call or visit the page, and you will know whether to apply and what to send next.

Sources

1. Exemptions & Exclusions | Buncombe County, NC
2. N.C. property tax assistance programs are available, apply through ...