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1. Why do we have a property tax?

Properties are appraised so that citizens share the cost of having schools, fire and police protection, waste disposal and other public services. It is important to keep values accurate and current so that everyone pays their fair share of these costs, in proportion to the value of their individual properties. The property tax is part of a balanced revenue system. It is a more stable source of money than sales and income taxes, because it tends not to fluctuate as much when communities have recessions. When the municipality spends your tax dollars on better schools, parks, sewers, and so forth, then you receive the benefit of increased property value.

2. What kind of tax relief does Bow offer?

Bow offers exemptions and tax credits for qualified veterans, elderly, blind, and disabled resident homeowners, as well as for solar and wood heating energy systems as defined by NH statutes. See below for details. These applications are available in our office, or on the State of NH website for Taxpayer Assistance. The due date for these applications is April 15. Please feel free to ask us about your eligibility for tax relief. As always, your financial information is kept confidential and returned to you. For a list of these exemptions please visit the Tax Relief Options page.

3. Are there other types of tax relief available?

The State of New Hampshire offers a program called the "Low & Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief program" which was designed to lessen the economic burden of the State Education Property Tax on certain at-risk taxpayers. You must apply to the State of NH during the statutory filing period - after May 1, but no later than June 30. For details and applications, visit the State of NH website for Low and Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax relief. Applications are also available at the Bow Assessing Department. Homeowners Property Tax Relief