ABATEMENT INFORMATION: What are the grounds for applying for tax abatement? An abatement request is not a complaint about high taxes or because you don’t agree with the way your tax dollars are spent. It is an attempt to prove that your property’s estimated market value is either inaccurate or unfair. Successful abatement applicants can prove at least one of three things:
Please be aware that you will not be successful if you simply think your taxes are too high. The abatement process is reserved for inequity in valuation, not to address the tax rate. The tax rate is determined by several contributing factors, including the yearly municipal budget requirements. However, you may be eligible for tax relief or exemptions and can request information from the Assessing Department regarding these options. Abatement process: The first step is to file an abatement application with the Assessing Department. Information on the process and filing deadlines are on the application, along with other information on the appeals process. Forms are available at the Town Office or online at the Board of Tax and Land Appeals website. http://www.nh.gov/btla/forms/index.htm Abatement applications must be filed no earlier than the notice of tax (which is receipt of the fall tax bill) and March 1st. This deadline is set by a NH State Statute in RSA 76:16. The municipality has until July 1st to notify you in writing of the municipality’s decision on your application. The Assessing Department makes every attempt to work with property owners to make sure that the assessed values are fair and equitable. Most abatement applications due to incorrect information are handled by a review with the assessor. The Town assessments and sales analysis are reviewed by the NH Department of Revenue Administration. If the application is denied or the applicant does not hear from the Town by the July 1st, the applicant may file an appeal with the Board of Tax and Land Appeals (BTLA) or Grafton County Superior Court, but not with both (RSA 76:16-a/RSA 76:17). An appeal form for the BTLA can be picked up at the Town Offices or located on the BTLA website. http://www.nh.gov/btla/forms/index.htm The Appeal Application must be filed on or before September 1st. You cannot, however, file with the BTLA until one of the following has occurred: 1) the municipality has given you a written decision; or 2) the municipality has neglected to respond to your abatement request by July 1st. The municipality’s failure to respond to the application does not extend the deadline for filing with the BTLA. The Board cannot, by statute, accept untimely appeals. More information about the BTLA hearing process and filing deadlines can also be found at the BTLA website. http://www.nh.gov/btla/appeals/index.htm The BTLA can also be contacted at: NH Board of Tax and Land Appeals |