Onslow County Tax Office details tax relief, deferment programs and application deadlines

Megan Grieve of the Onslow County Tax Office described the county’s tax relief options Thursday and encouraged eligible residents to apply by the stated deadline.

Grieve said there are two tax relief programs and a separate deferment option that can reduce annual property tax bills for primary-residence owners who meet eligibility criteria. The relief programs include provisions for veterans (a disabled-veteran deduction) and for people age 65 or older or permanently and totally disabled. For 2025 applications, Grieve said the income limit for the relief program is $37,900 and applications for 2025 were due by June 1; applicants should provide 2024 income documentation.

The Tax Office uses the state AV-9 form (available on the North Carolina Department of Revenue website and the county website) for all three programs, Grieve said. Additional verification forms are required for veterans and for disabled applicants under age 65.

Grieve described a deferment program for residents with incomes above the relief cap but below $56,850; the deferment limits taxes to four or five percent of income and defers the rest. She said eligible veterans received a $45,000 deduction off the home value for county tax purposes and that in 2024 veterans in Onslow County saved roughly $275 on the county portion of their taxes under that provision.

Grieve encouraged residents who think they may qualify to contact the Onslow County Tax Office for assistance and said staff can provide application forms at the office or direct applicants to online filings. She noted the office maintains printed applications and can answer questions about documentation requirements.