The North Carolina General Assembly unanimously passed House Bill 1499 on Wednesday, June20, 2007. Legislative Chair for North Carolina Senior Democrats, Shirley Wiggins of Gaston County announced today.

This bills short titleAn Act to Increase the Homestead Exclusion gives North Carolina seniors who are 65 years old and older and those who are permanently disabled a property tax break if their income is $25,000 or less. This cap will provide property tax relief for 80,000 or at least 15% of the states senior population. A senior resident can call or visit their local tax office to file an application. On approval of application, their property tax will be reduced.

Although this bill sets a cap of $25,000.00, said Mrs. Wiggins, the cap should be much higher in order for the COLAS (Cost of Living Averages) to keep up with price increases. We will return to the General Assembly in the next session for more of an increase in the cap.

For further information contact Shirley Wiggins, 704-824-9368