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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Belknap County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Belknap County, NH. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by municipality, typically $15-25 per $1,000 of assessed value (combined local + county rates)
1st Due
Jul 1
2nd Due
Dec 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Belknap County, New Hampshire operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for county services, local school districts, and municipal operations. Property taxes in Belknap County are administered at the local level, with each town and city within the county setting its own tax rate based on local budget needs and the county-wide assessment. The effective tax rate varies significantly across the county depending on your specific location and any special taxing districts that may apply to your property.

The tax year in Belknap County runs from April 1 to March 31, with property values assessed annually. Tax rates are expressed per $1,000 of assessed value, and the total rate you pay depends on your municipality's local rate plus the county rate. Actual tax rates can vary considerably within Belknap County due to different municipal needs, school district funding requirements, and special improvement districts. Property owners should verify their specific rate with their local tax assessor, as rates differ between towns like Laconia, Belmont, Gilford, and other municipalities within the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
County Tax$3.35Base Belknap County services and operations
Municipal TaxVaries by townLocal town/city services, varies significantly
School DistrictVaries by districtLocal and state education funding
Total Effective Rate~$17.82FY 2025 average rate (varies by location)

Note: The $17.82 rate represents an average for FY 2025 across Belknap County. Your actual rate will depend on your specific municipality and school district within the county. Some areas may have additional special assessments for fire districts, water districts, or other local improvement projects. Contact your local tax assessor for your exact rate, as it can range significantly above or below this county average depending on local budget needs and special taxing districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Belknap County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Jul 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Dec 1
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Belknap County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by your local tax rate, and prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: completion of new construction projects, major home improvements or additions, change in property use (such as converting residential to commercial), or correction of assessment errors. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in October and your local tax rate is $17.82 per $1,000, your supplemental tax would be approximately $891 ($50,000 ÷ 1,000 × $17.82) prorated for the remaining months of the tax year. Supplemental tax bills are typically issued 30-60 days after the assessor becomes aware of the change and follow the same payment schedule as regular property taxes.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Veterans Tax Credit (if applicable): -$500
  • Net Taxable Value: $299,500
  • Annual Tax: $299,500 ÷ 1,000 × $17.82 = $5,340
  • Monthly Escrow: $445

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Elderly Exemption Credit (if applicable): -$1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $599,000
  • Annual Tax: $599,000 ÷ 1,000 × $17.82 = $10,674
  • Monthly Escrow: $890

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: No credits applied: $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 ÷ 1,000 × $17.82 = $17,820
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,485

Note: Tax credits shown require application and approval. Most credits are not automatic and have specific eligibility requirements and filing deadlines. Contact your local assessor for available credits and application procedures.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Belknap County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, plus a buffer amount (typically 2 months) to ensure sufficient funds for tax payments. Lenders typically pay your property taxes directly to the town or city on your behalf before the July 31 and January 31 due dates.

Property owners should verify that their lender has current tax bill information, as tax rates can change annually and may affect escrow calculations. If your property taxes increase significantly, your lender may require an escrow shortage payment or increase your monthly payment. Conversely, if taxes decrease, you may receive an escrow refund. Annual escrow analysis statements show how your escrow account was managed and any adjustments needed for the coming year. Property owners without escrow accounts are responsible for making direct payments to their municipality by the established due dates.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Belknap County? A: Property taxes are due in two installments for FY 2025: first installment by July 31, 2024, and second installment by January 31, 2025. The tax year runs from April 1 to March 31.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Common tax credits include Veterans Tax Credit, Elderly Exemption Credit, and Disabled Person Credit. These credits reduce your tax bill and require annual application with your local assessor. Applications typically must be filed by April 15th, but deadlines vary by municipality.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: New Hampshire does not have a traditional homestead credit, but some municipalities offer local homestead-type credits that may cap assessment increases for qualifying residents. Check with your local assessor for available programs and application requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: New Hampshire requires municipalities to maintain assessments at approximately full market value. Some towns reassess annually while others may reassess every 3-5 years. Statistical updates may occur in non-revaluation years.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File an appeal with your local Board of Tax and Land Appeals by March 1st following the tax year. You can also request an informal review with the assessor before filing a formal appeal.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments typically incur interest charges of 12% annually (1% per month) from the due date. Some municipalities may also charge additional penalties or fees.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Most municipalities in Belknap County offer online payment options through their websites or third-party payment processors. Check with your specific town or city for available payment methods.

Q: Do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, properties in fire districts, lighting districts, or other special improvement districts may have additional assessments beyond the standard county, municipal, and school taxes. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
Tax Doc
Property Taxestroy-nh.us
02
State
2025 MS-42 (Statement of Appropriations & Revenue as Voted)belknapcounty.gov
03
Tax Doc
Notification of the 2025 tax ratepittsfieldnh.gov
04
County
COUNTY OF BELKNAP, NEW HAMPSHIREbelknapcounty.gov
05
State
financial statements for the year ended december 31, 2022belknapcounty.gov
06
Tax Doc
Taxes - Town of Alton, NHalton.nh.gov
07
Tax Doc
Vermont Tax Study - Joint Fiscal Officeljfo.vermont.gov
08
New Hampshire Commission on Education Fundingdor.wa.gov
09
medicaid income and - asset rulesbelknapcounty.gov
10
New Hampshireirs.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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