Cumberland County officials are urging eligible residents to review and apply for several property tax relief programs designed to ease the financial burden on agricultural producers, older adults, people with disabilities, and disabled veterans.
The programs—which include the Present-Use Value Deferment Program, the Elderly or Disabled Exclusion, and the Disabled Veteran Exclusion—each carry specific requirements and deadlines for the 2026 tax year.
Present-Use Value Deferment
The county’s Present-Use Value program allows qualifying agricultural, forestry, horticultural, and wildlife conservation properties to be taxed based on their current use rather than market value. The difference in taxes is deferred, not forgiven, and remains a lien on the property.
Applications for the 2026 tax year must be filed during the annual listing period, Jan. 1–31, 2026. To qualify, properties must meet several criteria, including:
- A sound management plan
- Minimum acreage requirements
- Income thresholds
- Qualifying ownership
Elderly or Disabled Exclusion
Homeowners who are at least 65 years old or who are totally and permanently disabled may qualify for the Elderly or Disabled Exclusion. The program excludes from taxation either the first $25,000 of a home’s assessed value or 50% of that value—whichever is greater.
Eligible applicants must have a combined household income of $38,800 or less in 2025.
Disabled Veteran Exclusion
The Disabled Veteran Exclusion removes the first $45,000 of a qualifying veteran’s permanent residence from taxation. The benefit also applies to unmarried surviving spouses. Unlike other programs, there are no age or income limits.
Key deadline
Applications for both the Elderly/Disabled and Disabled Veteran programs are due Monday, June 1, 2026.
How to apply
Residents can request applications or learn more by contacting the Cumberland County Tax Administration:
- Online: cumberlandcountync.gov/tax
- Phone: 910‑678‑7507
- In person: Fifth floor, room 530, Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse, 117 Dick St., Fayetteville
Government reporter Rachel Heimann Mercader can be reached at rheimann@cityviewnc.com or 910-988-8045.
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