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How do I apply for an Elderly Exemption? |
Forms for application can be obtained from the Assessors Office or you may download application on line at http://www.revenue.nh.gov/forms/fill-in/property_tax_fill.htm And select PA-29 Permanent Application for Property Tax Credit/Exemptions. You will also need to fill out an eligibility questionnaire. This can be
Why do I have to fill out the elderly questionnaire? |
Age alone does not qualify you to receive the elderly exemption. On June 20, 2005, the Mayor and City Council adopted a resolution granting the elderly exemption. As part of this resolution, they set guidelines for income and assets. Income from all sources for a single person should not exceed $15,900. and for a married couple it should not exceed $23,400. Assets should not exceed $35,000. excluding the value of a person's residence and land upon which it is located up to two acres. Therefore, the Board of Assessors needs proof that you meet the guidelines set. The taxpayer must provide supporting documentation as noted on the questionnaire. The taxpayer must also have been a New Hampshire resident for at least five years, own the real estate individually or jointly, or if the real estate is owned by such person?s spouse, they must
have been married for at least five (5) years.
How much is the Elderly Exemption? |
When the Mayor & Council adopted the resolution on June 20, 2005, they set the exemption amounts as follows:
For a qualified taxpayer age 65 to 74, the exemption amount will be $14,000.
For a qualified taxpayer age 75 to 79, the exemption amount will be $21,000.
For a qualified taxpayer age 80 years or older, the exemption amount will be $42,000.
Who reviews the application and questionnaire? |
The Board of Assessors and the office staff are the only ones who review the information on the questionnaire. Any documentation provided to verify the information will be returned to the taxpayer once the Board has seen it. The application itself is a public document.
Is there a Blind Exemption in Berlin? |
The City of Berlin adopted a resolution in 1986 authorizing the Board of Assessors to grant a blind exemption on their residential real estate. The amount given is $15,000. The taxpayer must present a letter from the State of New Hampshire, Department of Education, Bureau of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 78 Regional Drive, Bldg 2, Concord, NH Tel: (603) 271-3537.
Am I eligible for a tax break because I am a veteran? |
On April 19, 2004, Mayor and City Council approved a resolution granting a $150. veterans tax credit to eligible veterans. The taxpayer must have resided in the State of New Hampshire for one year and served not less than 90 days in the armed forces during a qualifying war or armed conflict. You may contact the Assessors for further detail and applications. You can download a form at http://www.revenue.nh.gov/forms/fill-in/property_tax_fill.htm.
How much do I receive if I am a disabled veteran? |
If you have been deemed as being 100% total and permanently disabled by the Veteran's Administration, you would be eligible for a $700. veteran tax credit. You must also have been a New Hampshire resident for one year.
Has the City adopted any other type of exemption or credit? |
In 1986, the City adopted a Windpowered Energy System Exemption in the amount of $3,000. In 2005, they adopted a Solar Energy Systems Exemption, which exempts the value of the solar energy system as defined in RSA 72:61. They placed a sunset option on this after seven years.
I am disabled. Can I get a tax break? |
The City of Berlin has not adopted an exemption for the disabled. We do, however, have an elderly/disabled deferral program. The Board reviews the application and determines eligibility on a case by case basis. In order to be eligible the disabled taxpayer must have owned the homestead for at least 1 year, be living in the home, and be receiving his benefit under Title II or XVI of the Federal Social Security Act. The elderly taxpayer must have owned the homestead for at least 5 years and they must be living in the home. Application Forms are available in the Assessors Office or online at http://www.nh.gov/btla/forms.html An income and expense sheet will also need to accompany the application. You may get a copy from the Assessors Office or download the form from our web
page (Assessor) in the Downloadable Forms. Filing deadline is March 1 after notice of tax (December tax bill).
Does a handicapped individual receive a tax break? |
The City of Berlin has adopted RSA 72:37-a granting exemption for improvements done to dwelling to assist a person with Disabilities. The Assessor will place a value on the improvements done for the handicapped individual--ramp, special bathroom, etc. and this value will be the amount given for exemption. Filing deadline is on or before April 15.
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