NC H959

Real property set apart for burial purposes is exempted from property taxes unless owned and held for purposes of sale, rental, or sale of burial rights.

No application is required for burial property exemptions, and counties cannot deny exemptions based on lack of survey or plat documentation.

Tax exemption is forfeited if burial property is sold, conveyed, leased, encumbered, or disposed of for non-burial purposes; taxpayers must notify the Department within 14 days of forfeiture.

Taxpayers who forfeit the exemption are liable for all past avoided taxes plus interest at the rate established under G.S. 105-241.21, due 30 days after forfeiture, with penalties for non-payment.

The definition of real property includes land, tombs, vaults, monuments, mausoleums, buildings, structures, improvements, and permanent fixtures on burial property.

The act is effective for taxes imposed for taxable years beginning on or after July 1, 2020.