How do NH property tax rates work?
New Hampshire towns quote property tax rates in dollars per $1,000 of Assessed value The value a New Hampshire town assigns to a property for tax purposes. Your property tax is based on it, not on the purchase price. See the full glossary. As an example only, a $20 rate on a $400,000 assessment is $8,000 a year, or about $667 a month added to your payment. Your town's real rate is on its town page.
What makes up your tax rate?
Each town's rate is the total of four parts set by the NH Department of Revenue Administration: the town or city's share, the county's share, the local school share and the state education tax. The town pages on this site show the total rate, which is what your bill is based on.
Is assessed value the same as the price?
Not always. Your tax is based on the town's assessed value, which can differ from what you pay for the home. NH towns must fully revalue property at least every five years, and the state publishes equalized rates that adjust for differences between assessments and market values, which helps when comparing towns.
Why can NH property taxes change?
The state sets each town's rate every fall based on what the town, school district and county budget for the year. A new budget, a revaluation or an improvement to your home can all change your bill.
How does escrow pay the tax bill?
On most loans, a share of your taxes is collected with each monthly payment and held in an Escrow account An account your loan servicer uses to collect and pay your property taxes and homeowners insurance as part of your monthly payment. See the full glossary. Many NH towns bill twice a year, and your loan servicer pays the bills from escrow. If taxes go up, the servicer's yearly escrow review may raise your monthly payment to cover the difference. The tax bills and escrow guide explains escrow shortages, refunds and why payments often change after the fall rate setting.
Are there NH property tax credits or exemptions?
Towns can offer credits or exemptions for groups such as veterans, older residents and people with disabilities, and some offer exemptions for solar. Each town sets its own rules, so ask the assessor's office. If you think your assessment is too high, you can ask the town for an abatement, generally by March 1 after the final tax bill for the year. The property tax relief guide covers the deadlines and amounts.
What if the town denies your abatement?
You can appeal to the New Hampshire Board of Tax and Land Appeals or to superior court. When the tax notice went out on or before December 31, the town abatement application is due March 1, and the appeal is due by September 1. The Board's filing fee is $65.
Property taxes when you buy
At closing, the year's property taxes are usually split between buyer and seller based on how long each owns the home during the tax period, and the buyer usually pays into escrow to start the account. Your Closing Disclosure A five-page form you receive at least three business days before closing that shows your final loan terms and costs. See the full glossary shows both. The closing costs guide walks through the rest.
Tools for this topic: Property tax calculator · Buying power by town · Payment calculator
Sources
- NH Department of Revenue Administration, 2025 municipal tax rates
- NH Board of Tax and Land Appeals, Property tax appeals
Checked October 2026. Limits and program rules change, so confirm current figures before you rely on them.
General information only, not tax or legal advice. Program availability, eligibility and terms vary by lender and are subject to change and to underwriting approval. Not a commitment to lend.