Bill in North Carolina House aims to revise property tax rules and exemptions

A bill introduced by Rep. Allen Buansi proposes changes to North Carolina’s property tax relief policies and overhauls exemptions concerning nonprofit affordable housing, as reported by the North Carolina State House.

Filed as HB 1092 on April 29 during the 2025 regular session, the measure is titled ‘Reform NC Property Tax.’

The outline below is based on details from the actual bill text. It includes clarifications to better explain the legislation’s main points.

This measure proposes a constitutional amendment that would authorize legislators to base property tax relief statewide on area median income levels. If voters approve the amendment on Nov. 3, 2026, it would revise North Carolina’s homestead circuit breaker starting with tax year 2027, tying eligibility to county median income. It also allows specific family property transfers without reinstating back taxes and discharges deferred taxes upon the owner’s death or inheritance. Charitable exemptions for nonprofit low- and moderate-income housing would be redefined, a comprehensive framework for property tax exemptions for nonprofit affordable rental property established, and the deferral period for upcoming affordable housing sites shortened. In addition, $20 million in one-time grants for the 2026-27 fiscal year would be allocated to support local government technology upgrades and more frequent property appraisals.

Buansi, as primary sponsor among four on this measure, filed the most bills—33—during the 2025 regular session.

The legislative path in North Carolina is outlined in a multi-phase process before a bill can become law. The process begins when a lawmaker files a bill, after which it moves to committee. Bills are subject to three required readings in each chamber. Should either chamber amend a measure post-passage, consensus must be reached on a final version before advancing to the governor, who then has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is adjourned) to sign, veto or let the measure become law automatically.

More details about current legislation and recent measures are available here.

Buansi earned a BA from Dartmouth College in 2009 and a JD from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2015.

A Democrat, Buansi was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2022 to serve the 56th district, taking over for former representative Verla Insko.