This bill introduces a new homestead property tax credit specifically for permanently disabled veterans and veterans with home modifications due to service-connected disabilities. The credit, designated as RSA 72:39-c, allows cities and towns to adopt this exemption, which provides a property tax credit equal to the total amount of property taxes levied on the homestead for qualifying veterans. To qualify, veterans must either have a 100 percent permanent service-connected disability rating or be rated permanently and totally disabled due to individual unemployability, as certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The credit can also extend to the estate of a deceased qualifying owner for the benefit of a surviving spouse or dependent child.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to incorporate this new credit by adding RSA 72:39-c and replacing certain tax credits under RSA 72:28, 72:28-b, 72:28-c, and RSA 72:36-a with the new credit provisions. The bill also specifies that individuals claiming this credit are ineligible for other real property tax exemptions for veterans under RSA 72. Furthermore, it ensures that records of individuals receiving the credit are exempt from public disclosure, except for tax administration purposes or requests from veterans service officers. The act is set to take effect on April 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-J:3, 72:27-a, 72:35, 72:36
HB1659 text: 21-J:3, 72:27-a, 72:35, 72:36