North Carolina voters approve property tax levy limit amendment
Voters approve measure requiring state lawmakers to set future caps on local property tax revenue increases.
(Photo via Realtor.com)
North Carolina voters approved a constitutional amendment on Nov. 3, 2026, that mandates the state legislature establish general laws to limit annual increases in local property tax levies.
The amendment does not set a specific cap on tax rates for individual homeowners. Instead, it requires the North Carolina General Assembly to define the structure, timing, and potential exceptions for these limits through future legislation. The state currently limits municipal property tax levies to $1.50 per $100 of value, but the constitution previously lacked restrictions on the total amount of revenue local governments could collect.
While proponents argued the change would protect homeowners from rising costs, opponents raised concerns regarding the potential for budget shortfalls in local services such as public schools, libraries, and emergency services.
The North Carolina State Board of Elections is scheduled to certify the results of the election on Nov. 24, 2026. Once certified, the amendment will take effect, tasking the General Assembly with drafting the implementing legislation in a future session.