If you own or plan to buy a horse property in Moore County, you may be able to lower your property taxes with North Carolina’s Present-Use Value program. Many equine operations can qualify, and recent law changes make that case even stronger. In this guide, you’ll learn the acreage and income tests, what equine income counts, how to apply in Moore County, and how to avoid costly rollbacks. Let’s dive in.
PUV basics in North Carolina
Present-Use Value, or PUV, allows qualifying agricultural, horticultural, and forestland to be taxed based on its current use rather than full market value. The difference between market and use value is treated as deferred tax while the land remains qualified. If the land is later disqualified, counties bill the deferred taxes for a limited lookback period. You can review the state overview and rollback basics on the NC Forest Service site under Present-Use Value guidance from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
- Learn more about PUV and deferred taxes from the NC Forest Service: Present-Use Value overview.
Horse farms that qualify
Many equine properties can qualify as agriculture if they meet the statute’s acreage, income, and management standards. North Carolina law now explicitly recognizes the raising, management, care, training, and boarding of horses as agriculture. This clarification strengthens the case for horse operations seeking agricultural classification.
- See the statute that includes equine activities as agriculture: Definition of agriculture.
Key tests to meet
To qualify for agricultural PUV you typically need to show:
- Acreage: At least 10 acres in actual agricultural production on at least one tract in the farm unit.
- Income: At least $1,000 in gross farm receipts, averaged over the three years before January 1 of the tax year you apply. Gross means receipts, not profit.
- Sound management: Evidence that you operate under recognized agricultural practices. Records and plans help.
Get a clear refresher on the core requirements from NC State Extension’s overview: PUV basics and qualifications. Related legislation in 2023 also updated how several agricultural rules are applied: 2023 session updates.
Income that counts for equine operations
In practice, assessors look for commercial agricultural receipts tied to the land. Income that commonly counts includes:
- Sales of foals or horses bred or raised on the property.
- Breeding fees tied to production.
- Boarding fees that include a grazing or pasture component and reflect agricultural care.
- Training fees tied to production or commercial use.
- Sales of hay or other farm products produced on the parcel.
- Government conservation or land retirement payments.
Because county practices can vary, documentation matters. If boarding is a key revenue source, consider invoices that clearly separate a pasture or grazing component from purely recreational services. The Department of Revenue’s guide describes how counties review compliance: PUV Program Guide.
Acreage and small tracts
The normal minimum is 10 acres in agricultural production. A smaller tract can sometimes qualify immediately if it is enrolled as part of an existing qualifying farm unit that you own in the same use class, including certain parcels within 50 miles under specific rules. Transfer and expansion rules are explained here: Transferring PUV property.
Apply in Moore County
Moore County uses the state’s AV-5 application for agriculture and horticulture Present-Use Value.
- Download the application: Form AV-5 — Present-Use Value Assessment.
- Find all county PUV forms, including the Estimated Tax request: Moore County Present Use forms.
Deadlines matter. File during the county’s regular January listing period, within 30 days of receiving a notice of change in valuation, or within 60 days of a transfer if you are claiming immediate eligibility under a statutory exception. Moore County instructs you to submit forms to the Tax Department; contact details are on the forms page.
Quick application checklist
- Gather three years of gross receipts tied to the property and matching bank or accounting records.
- Prepare a simple written description of your operation and management practices.
- Complete AV-5 with parcel IDs and an acreage breakdown by use.
- File with the Moore County Tax Department by the applicable deadline and keep copies.
Documents to keep for equine PUV
- Three years of receipts for foal or horse sales, boarding or training fees, hay sales, and any conservation payments.
- Bank deposits or accounting records that align with those receipts.
- Boarding or lease contracts that describe services and any pasture or grazing components.
- Invoices for farm inputs and operational expenses that support active production.
- Any farm or forage management plans and acreage/pasture maps.
Risks and rollbacks to watch
Counties can request records and audit your enrollment. If the assessor determines the land no longer qualifies, you may be billed the deferred taxes for the current year and the prior three years, plus interest. Common issues include converting pasture to non-agricultural uses, not maintaining commercial production or sound management, or failing to provide requested records. Review statewide guidance on rollbacks here: PUV overview and rollbacks.
Moore County provides an “Estimated Tax” request so you can understand potential rollback exposure before you sell or change the use of your land. Find it on the county forms page: Moore County Present Use forms.
Buyer and seller tips in Moore County
If you are buying, ask the seller for the last three years of receipts tied to the parcel, copies of any existing PUV approval, and any deferred tax balances. Use Moore County’s Estimated Tax request to get a rollback estimate before closing. Decide in your contract who will handle any existing or potential deferred taxes tied to prior ownership.
Handled well, PUV can make owning an equestrian property in Moore County more affordable. With the right records, clear invoices, and timely filing, your horse farm may qualify.
If you want local, one-on-one guidance as you evaluate a Moore County horse property, reach out to Jessica McInnis for a calm, organized plan that fits your goals.
FAQs
What is Present-Use Value for Moore County horse properties?
- It is a program that taxes qualifying agricultural land based on its use value instead of full market value, with the difference treated as deferred tax while the land remains qualified.
What are the acreage and income requirements for equine PUV?
- For agriculture, you generally need at least 10 acres in production and a three-year average of at least $1,000 in gross farm receipts, plus evidence of sound management.
Does horse boarding income count toward the $1,000 test?
- Often yes if the receipts reflect agricultural care with a pasture or grazing component and are part of a commercial operation; clear documentation is important.
Can a horse property under 10 acres qualify for PUV?
- A smaller tract may qualify if enrolled with another qualifying agricultural PUV tract in the same unit under specific rules; otherwise the 10-acre minimum typically applies.
What triggers rollback taxes for PUV in Moore County?
- Disqualification events like stopping commercial production, converting land to non-agricultural uses, or failing to provide records can lead to billing of deferred taxes for the current year and the prior three years, plus interest.
When and where do you file the PUV application in Moore County?
- File the AV-5 with the Moore County Tax Department during the January listing period, within 30 days of a valuation change notice, or within 60 days after transfer when a statutory exception applies.
