CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mecklenburg County is offering tax relief money to residents needing help keeping their homes due to rising property values.
The Helping Out Mecklenburg homeowners with Economic Support (HOMES) Program is a partnership with the city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County that will grant funding to qualifying homeowners struggling to afford their taxes. However, few residents are taking advantage of the service. County Commissioner Mark Jerrell said the program was awarded around $12 million in funding. So far, only about $1 million has been distributed, leaving the overwhelming majority of the funding untouched.
"It's kind of shocking that it's so difficult to get the money out the door," Jerrell said.
“The number for funding may sound really big to the average individual but for those that work this program we have hit an all-time high, last year we spent around $350,000 this year to do that 1.5-million-dollar mark is huge for us,” Denise Syles-Ballard the Mecklenburg County, Assistant Division Director with the Department of Community Resources, said.
Rising property taxes are taking a toll on neighbors in all parts of the city. Michael Seaton, a realtor and homeowner in the Sedgefield neighborhood, bought his house for less than $100,000 in 1997. Now, nearby properties are going for more than $600,000 solely for the land. According to MLS data, a single-story house on Sedgefield Road that sold for $636,000 in 2018 went for $1.25 million this year.
"The tax values, they have been escalating as the years have gone by," homeowner Rick Langford said. "I've been able to manage. Some people have not been as fortunate."
“I have most definitely seen the increase in value and the increase in taxes,” Katrina Williams, a HOMES Program recipient, said.
Williams has lived in northwest Charlotte for 10 years. She's seen the area change with new development and with that came a big increase on her tax bill this year, that's why she decided to apply for the program.
“Any little bit definitely helps," Williams said. “Never let something that could possibly benefit you slip through your fingers.”
One of the main goals is to ensure longtime resident aren't pushed out.
“We realize that owning a home is the most valuable resource," Syles-Ballard said. “We definitely want people to be able to stay in their homes.”
Grant funds approved by the HOMES Program will be paid the Mecklenburg County Tax Collector, who will lower the total tax amount due for residents. The program takes off 25% of a home's assessed value to lower the tax bill. The maximum amount applicants can save is $426 if they live in the county or $660 if they're in the city of Charlotte. Residents within the city may be eligible for an additional $234 to reach the $660 amount.
The HOMES Program is accepting applications through Dec. 15, 2023. All applications will be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis until funds are used. Click here for more information.
For more information on the HOMES Program, visit the link above. You can also email 4Homes@mecknc.gov or call (980) 314-HOME (4663).
HOMES Program requirements
- Household income must not exceed 80% of the area's median income based on the number of people in the family. These numbers are set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- Applicants will be required to indicate the number of people that live in their home and provide proof of income.
- Only properties with no more than one delinquent bill within the past three years are eligible.
- Property must be located in Mecklenburg County.
- The property must be the owner's legal primary residence at the time of applications and consistently for the past three consecutive years as verified by legal documents.
- The grant recipient's name must be on the recorded deed or title.
- When the qualifying person's name is not on the deed but on a recorded life estate, the person may participate in the program.
Income limits (based on number of people in family)
1. $55,850
2. $63,800
3. $71,800
4. $79,750
5. $86,150
6. $92,550
7. $98,900
8. $105,300
HOMES Program funding will be applied to the current tax year first and any remaining grant amount will be applied to any outstanding years, if applicable. Taxes in the previous three years must be paid in full or have no more than one delinquency to qualify. Residents who prepaid their taxes will have their grant amount based on the original amount on their current year's tax bill.
The county is offering in-person help at the Valerie C. Woodard Community Resource Center and the Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center on these dates:
- Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Dec. 14, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 15, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This story is part of WCNC Charlotte’s efforts to focus on solutions to the affordable housing crisis in Charlotte. WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the issues facing the communities we serve, including affordability. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you by providing the following assistance programs in Charlotte:
HOME ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS IN CHARLOTTE