Why did my NH property tax bill go up when the rate went down?

How does a revaluation shift the tax?

Your bill is your assessed value divided by 1,000, times the rate per $1,000. A revaluation resets every home's value to current market. The town's spending, school district and county share still decide how much money is needed, so the rate is recalculated to raise that same amount from the new, higher total value. What changes is each home's share.

How often do NH towns revalue?

RSA 75:8-a requires a full reappraisal at least every five years so assessments reflect full and true value. Many towns also make smaller updates in between. Your town's assessing office can tell you when the next one is due. See NH property taxes after you buy.

What else can raise my bill?

• Higher town, school or county budgets.
• Less state aid or a smaller amount of other revenue used to lower the rate.
• An exemption or credit that ended, such as a prior owner's veterans' credit.
• An addition, finished basement or other improvement that raised your assessment.

What can I do if my new assessment seems too high?

Check your property record card for errors first, such as square footage or bathroom count. If the value is still wrong, you can file for an abatement with the town after the final tax bill, generally by March 1, and appeal further if it's denied. See how to ask for an abatement.

Will my mortgage payment change?

If your taxes are paid through escrow, a higher bill usually raises your payment at the next escrow review, and there may be a shortage to make up. See why NH payments change with tax bills.