Bill > HB1756

This bill modifies the process for property tax exemptions for religious, educational, charitable organizations, veterans' associations, and other qualifying groups. Under the proposed changes, organizations would file a single initial application for a property tax exemption, which would then become a "permanent application" unless the town assessor determines the property is no longer eligible. City or town assessors would be required to conduct annual field reviews of exempt properties to ensure continued qualification. Applicants would need to provide additional information at least once every five years, or annually if requested by local officials. If an organization fails to file the required list by April 15, assessors may deny the exemption, but organizations can still seek an exemption later if they can prove they were prevented from filing by accident, mistake, or misfortune, and only before the local tax rate has been approved for that year. The bill aims to streamline the exemption process while maintaining oversight to ensure only qualifying properties receive tax-exempt status. The changes would take effect 60 days after passage, and local municipalities are expected to incur minimal additional costs (less than $10,000 per municipality) for implementing the new review process.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1596&inflect=2