Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Sullivan County

In Sullivan County, property taxes are the primary source of revenue for municipal services, including schools, road maintenance, and public safety. The tax amount for your property is determined through a two-step process: assessment and the application of the local tax rate.

First, your municipality’s assessor determines the "full and true value" of your property as of April 1st of each year. This assessment is intended to reflect the market value of your home. Second, the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) calculates the local tax rate, often expressed as a rate per $1,000 of assessed value. Because each town in Sullivan County has different budgetary requirements and property values, tax rates vary significantly from town to town. Your final bill is calculated by multiplying your property’s assessed value by the local tax rate.

Available Exemptions

New Hampshire law provides several property tax exemptions and credits to help eligible residents reduce their tax burden. Eligibility requirements vary, and applications must typically be filed with your local town or city office by April 15th of the tax year.

• Veterans’ Tax Credits: Available to honorably discharged veterans, their spouses, or surviving spouses. Credits vary based on service duration and disability status.
• Elderly Exemption: Designed for residents aged 65 and older who meet specific income and asset limitations set by the municipality.
• Blind Exemption: A specific exemption for individuals legally blind as determined by the Bureau of Blind and Visually Impaired.
• Disabled Exemption: Available to individuals who are eligible for Social Security disability benefits and meet local income and asset requirements.
• Solar/Wind/Wood Heating Exemptions: Many municipalities offer exemptions for the installation of qualifying renewable energy systems.

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 total tax. The second bill is mailed in the fall, reflecting the final tax rate set by the DRA, and is typically due by December 1st.

Failure to pay by these deadlines will result in interest charges, which accrue at a rate of 8% per annum. If taxes remain unpaid, the municipality may eventually initiate a tax lien process. If the lien is not redeemed within two years, the property may be subject to a tax deed, potentially resulting in the loss of the property.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property assessment is inaccurate or inequitable compared to similar properties, you have the right to appeal. The process begins with a formal abatement application filed with your local Board of Selectmen or Board of Assessors. This must be filed by March 1st following the notice of the final tax bill. If your application is denied or you are dissatisfied with the result, you may appeal further to the New Hampshire Board of Tax and Land Appeals or the Superior Court.