Unified Elderly Tax Exemption Guidelines (RSA 72:39a)
Requirements for the Elderly Exemption can be downloaded below. You will need a permanent application (PA29 form) and completed qualification worksheet to apply for an exemption or credit. If the property is in a trust or life estate a qualification statement (PA33 form) needs to be completed and submitted with either a copy of the trust or the deed. All forms with the required information must be submitted by April 15th.
Elderly Exemption Requirements
Elderly Exemption Qualification Worksheet
Age and Residency Requirements
You must be age 65 or over as of April 1 of the year you are applying and a resident of New Hampshire for the past 3 or more years. The property on which the exemption is claimed must be your principal place of abode.
Exemption Amounts
Age before April 1st 65-74 $ 45,000 off assessed value
Age before April 1st 75-79 $ 65,000 off assessed value
Age before April 1st 80-up $ 90,000 off assessed value
Income Requirements (including Social Security)
Single less than $30,000
Married less than $40,000
Income limitations specified are based upon earnings during the prior calendar year. Examples of income are included but limited to: wages, self-employment earnings, pensions, annuities, rentals, interest, and social security benefits.
Asset Requirements
Total assets may not exceed $70,000 whether married or single.
The residence on which the exemption is claimed is excluded from the above limitation; all other property is an asset whether located in State or out. Examples of assets include but are limited to: savings and checking accounts, stocks and bonds, CD’s and money market accounts, vehicles, household good, antiques, jewelry and furs. Anything, which can be sold for cash, is an asset.
Multifamily homes: The unit(s) you do not reside in must be included as an asset.
Filing Deadline
The filing deadline is April 15th preceding the setting of the tax rate. Example: If you are applying for an exemption off your 2026 property taxes, you have until April 15, 2026, to file this form.
In order to process your exemption we will need copies of the following: Social Security Statements IRS 1040 completed form 1099 forms (interest) Pension Statement Any checking or savings statements
Additional Eligibility Criteria
I. Applicant must be 65 years old as of April 1st of the tax year applying. (Married couples, the eldest should apply)
II. Applicant must have resided in the state of New Hampshire for at least three years prior to year of application.
III. Applicant must own real estate individually, own jointly or in common with another or be married to an individual for at least five years who owns real estate within the community.
IV. Property must meet the definition of a residential real estate, per RSA 79:39-a (c), which includes the housing unit, which is the person’s principal home and related structures. It does not include attached dwelling units and unattached structures used or intended for commercial or other non-residential purposes.
V. Property cannot have been transferred to the applicant, from a person under the age of 65, and related to the applicant by blood or marriage, within the past five years.
If you have any questions, please call the Land Use Office at (603) 654-5955 or email alavoie@lyndeboroughnh.us