Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Hillsborough County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Hillsborough County

In Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, property taxes are the primary funding source for municipal services, including public schools, police, fire protection, and infrastructure. The tax amount is determined by two primary factors: the assessed value of your property and the local tax rate, often referred to as the millage or tax rate.

Each year, local municipal assessors determine the "full and true" market value of all taxable property. Once the town or city budget is finalized, the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration calculates the tax rate per $1,000 of assessed value. To estimate your annual tax burden, the formula used is: (Assessed Property Value / 1,000) x Local Tax Rate = Annual Property Tax. It is important to note that tax rates fluctuate annually based on municipal spending and the total valuation of all properties within the tax district.

Available Exemptions

New Hampshire offers several state-mandated property tax exemptions designed to provide relief to eligible homeowners. These must be applied for through your local municipal office by the statutory deadline, typically April 15th.

• Veteran’s Tax Credit: Available to honorably discharged veterans who served during specific periods of conflict, or their surviving spouses.
• Elderly Exemption: Qualified residents aged 65 and older may receive a reduction in their property assessment based on income and asset limits set by the town.
• Exemption for the Blind: A specific reduction in assessed value is available for residents who are legally blind, as defined by state statute.
• Disabled Exemption: Residents who are totally and permanently disabled may qualify for an exemption, subject to local income and asset requirements.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in New Hampshire are billed semi-annually. The first bill is typically mailed in May and is due by July 1st; this represents an estimate based on half of the previous year’s tax rate. The second bill is mailed in the fall, reflecting the final tax rate set by the state for the current year, with the remaining balance due in December.

Failure to pay by the specified deadlines will result in the accrual of interest, which is set by state law. Continued delinquency can lead to a tax lien being placed on the property. If the taxes remain unpaid for a period of two years following the tax lien, the municipality may initiate the process of deeding the property to the town.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been over-assessed, you have the right to appeal. The process begins at the local level. You must file an abatement application with your municipal board of assessors by March 1st following the notice of final tax bill. If the request is denied or you are unsatisfied with the outcome, you may further appeal to either the New Hampshire Board of Tax and Land Appeals or the Superior Court. Providing evidence, such as recent appraisals or sales data of comparable properties, is essential to a successful appeal.