# Forestry Present-Use Value (PUV) property tax program

> Tax incentive from North Carolina Department of Revenue and county tax assessors (State) for NC, United States.

Official page: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/north-carolinas-forestry-present-use-valuation-puv-property-tax-program
Source: https://treerm.org/residents/programs/nc-forestry-present-use-value · Updated 2026-11-08 · Status: Open

**What you get:** Forestland taxed on its forestry use-value rather than market value, with the difference deferred

North Carolina's present-use value program lets qualifying forestland be assessed on what it is worth for growing timber. The deferred tax is only collected (for the current and three prior years, with interest) if the land leaves the program.

## Who qualifies

At least 20 acres of forestland in timber production under a written sound forest management plan in place by January 1 of the application year; no income test for forestry. Land where the applicant lives qualifies immediately; other land must have been owned by the applicant or a relative for the preceding four full calendar years. Smaller tracts can be added if under the same ownership and management and within 50 miles.

## How to apply

File Form AV-5 with the tax assessor in the county where the land is located during the regular listing period, which ends January 31 (60 days after a transfer for new owners). The N.C. Forest Service or a consulting forester can write the required management plan.

**When:** Apply during the January listing period (ends January 31)

**For:** Landowners, Farmers

> Note: Late applications may be approved for good cause only within the same calendar year.