Property tax credits and exemptions available for veterans, elderly, blind, deaf, disabled, and solar energy systems

posted on 3/6/2024

The City of Dover offers property tax exemptions for qualified property owners that include veterans, the elderly, the blind, the deaf, the disabled, and those with solar energy systems.

To qualify for tax exemptions, a person must apply and demonstrate they meet requirements set out by state law, such as residency, asset, and income limits. The deadline to apply for exemptions for the December 2024 property tax bill is Monday, April 15, 2024.

Applications for tax exemptions are available at the Tax Assessment Office in City Hall. The applications are also available online at https://www.dover.nh.gov/government/city-operations/finance/tax-assessment/applications/.

Tax Credit for Veterans

The City of Dover offers credits for qualified veterans, their spouses, or surviving spouse, including:

Veterans’ Credit provides up to $750 per year for those who served on active service in a qualifying war/conflict with applicable awards. This credit also encompasses service members who have served on active service in a qualifying war/conflict and remain on active duty, and includes training for active duty by a member of the National Guard or Reserve member.

All Veterans’ Credit provides up to $750 per year for those who served or are currently serving and are not eligible for the Veterans’ Credit. This also includes training for active duty by a member of the National Guard or Reserve.

Service-Connected Total and Permanent Disability Credit, providing up to $4,000 annually to veterans totally and permanently disabled due to a service-connected disability; double amputees or paraplegics due to service-connected injuries also qualify.

Please refer to RSA 72:28, RSA 72:28-b, and RSA 21:50 for specific state law language regarding eligibility for these credits. Veterans and active service members are encouraged to contact the Tax Assessment Office at 603-516-6014 with questions about veteran tax credits and/or eligibility.

Elderly Tax Credit

Provides at least $166,000 off the assessed property value for those who meet age, income, asset, and residency requirements.

• For ages 65 to 74, the exemption is $166,000
• For ages 75 to 79, the exemption is $234,000
• For ages 80 and older, the exemption is $300,000.

Blind Exemption

Provides $166,000 off the assessed property value for those who are legally blind. Must meet residency requirements

Deaf Exemption

Provides $166,000 off the assessed property value for those who are deaf or have a severe hearing impairment. Must meet residency, income, and asset requirements.

Disability Exemption

Provides $166,000 off the assessed property value for those who are eligible under Title II or Title XVI of the federal Social Security Act for benefits to the disabled. Must meet residency, income, and asset requirements.

Exemption for Solar Energy Systems

Provides up to $30,000 off the property’s assessed value of a solar energy system. As defined by RSA 72:61, a solar energy system utilizes energy to heat or cool the interior of a building or to heat water for use in a building that includes one or more collectors and a storage container. It also means a system that provides electricity for a building using photovoltaic panels. The amount of the exemption is the assessed value of the solar energy system, up to $30,000. 

For questions or more information, contact the Tax Assessment Office at 603-516-6014.