NH Property Tax Credits and Exemptions for Vets and Seniors
New Hampshire relief comes in two forms that work differently on the bill. A credit comes off the tax in dollars. An exemption comes off the assessed value, so what it saves depends on the town's rate. Both are applied for at the town, by April 15 (RSA 72:33).
The statutory amounts
| Relief | Statute | Standard amount | Local option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard veterans' tax credit | RSA 72:28, I | $50 a year | A town that adopts the optional credit sets $51 up to $750 (rising to $51 up to $1,000 from April 1, 2027). |
| Credit for service-connected total disability | RSA 72:35 | $700 a year | A town that adopts the optional credit sets $701 to $5,000. |
| Elderly exemption | RSA 72:39-a, 72:39-b | Set by each town for three age groups (65 to 74, 75 to 79, 80 and over); never less than $5,000 of assessed value | Each town sets its own income and asset limits, not less than $13,400 income for a single person, $20,400 for a married couple and $35,000 in assets excluding the home. |
- Standard veterans' tax credit. Residents who served at least 90 days on active duty in a qualifying war or armed conflict and were honorably discharged, their spouses and surviving spouses.
- Credit for service-connected total disability. Veterans with a total and permanent service-connected disability, and surviving spouses.
- Elderly exemption. Residents 65 or older who have lived in New Hampshire at least 3 consecutive years before April 1 and meet the town's limits.
What an exemption is worth
The elderly exemption's statutory floor is $5,000 of assessed value. At the state median rate of $16.90 that saves $84.50 a year; in Charlestown ($36.54) it saves $182.70 and in Hart's Location ($2.62) $13.10. Towns usually adopt amounts well above the floor, so the town's own figure is the one that counts. A credit is the same in every town: the standard veterans' credit takes $50 off any bill.
Applying
Applications for exemptions and credits are filed with the town "by April 15 preceding the setting of the tax rate"; a late application can be accepted for accident, mistake or misfortune, but not after the rate is approved. The application goes to the selectmen or assessors with proof of eligibility (discharge papers for veterans, income and asset figures for the elderly exemption). Each town sets its own elderly exemption amounts and limits, and many adopt the optional veterans' credit; the town's assessing office lists what it has adopted.
These amounts also feed the DRA's rate calculation: credits are subtracted from the town's tax effort to reach its commitment, as the rate-setting guide shows with Lyme. To see what a bill looks like before relief, use the calculator or any town page.
Sources
- RSA 72:28, read 2026-10-20
- RSA 72:35, read 2026-10-20
- RSA 72:39-a and 72:39-b, read 2026-10-20
- RSA 72:33
Questions
How much is the NH veterans' tax credit?
$50 a year as standard. A town that adopts the optional credit sets $51 up to $750 (rising to $51 up to $1,000 from April 1, 2027).
When do I apply for an exemption or credit?
With the town, "by April 15 preceding the setting of the tax rate"; a late application can be accepted for accident, mistake or misfortune, but not after the rate is approved.