Some New Hampshire Homeowners Can Request Property Tax Relief

CONCORD, NH — Property tax relief is available to low- and moderate-income homeowners in New Hampshire — but the deadline to apply is quickly approaching.

According to the NH Department of Revenue Administration, a single person who owns a home but earned $20,000 or less in 2020 as well as a married or head of household resident with an adjusted gross income of $40,000 or less, can apply for property tax relief. The filers must own a homestead subject to the state education property tax — meaning all but about two dozen, mostly affluent communities.

Filers also needed to be a resident of the homestead as of April 1, 2020. The deadline to apply is June 30.

Last year, the DRA distributed more than $886,700 as well as close to $45 million since the program launched in 2002.

"We aim to provide as much support to our taxpayers as possible," Commissioner Lindsey Stepp of the department said. "Although the COVID-19 situation has improved from this time last year, we understand that many face financial challenges. We will work with qualified individuals to make sure they have the option to apply for tax relief."

The application form (Form DP-8) is available on NHDRA's website, linked here. The department said older versions of the form will not be accepted. Applicants must also submit their individual income tax returns with the application.

The state taxing agency cannot determine an individual's federal tax liability. Applicants who are unsure whether they are required to file federally can contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

If an applicant is not required to file with the IRS, they should check the box on the Form DP-8 indicating this.

Homesteads held in trust must also be verified by submitting a trust document — but homeowners with property in a trust may still qualify for relief, the department said.

Property taxpayers with questions can call taxpayer services at 603-230-5920 and press No. 2 and No. 2 a second time.

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