Present-Use Value 

North Carolina Present-Use Value (PUV) Property Tax Program

Purpose: To lower property taxes by valuing land based on its current use (e.g., farming, forestry) rather than its open market value.

Benefit: Property is assessed on production value, resulting in a lower tax bill. The saved tax is a "deferred tax," only owed if the land fails to meet the program's rules.

Qualification Rules (Minimums):

Farm: 10 acres, $1,000+ avg. gross income over 3 years, and active, continuous production use.

Garden/Nursery: 5 acres, $1,000+ avg. gross income over 3 years, and active, continuous production use.

Timberland (Forestry): 20 acres, actively growing and harvesting timber for business, and must follow a long-term forest management plan.

Wildlife Habitat: 20 acres, strict adherence to a formal plan approved by NC Wildlife Resources Commission, and use is only for habitat protection/conservation.

Application Details:

Submission: County Assessor's office.

Standard Deadline:  Applications for present use value, or change of use for agricultural, horticultural and forest land must be turned in or mailed to the tax office by January 31, 2026.

Extensions Allowed:

Within 60 days of property transfer to a new owner.

Within 30 days of receiving notice of a change in property value.

Required Documents: Income proof, official management plans, and accurate property maps.