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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Grafton County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Around 1% of assessed value, varies significantly by municipality and special taxing district
1st Due
Dec 17
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Grafton County, New Hampshire operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, including schools, county operations, and municipal services. Property owners in Grafton County can expect effective tax rates around 1% of assessed value, though this varies significantly by municipality and special taxing district within the county. The county encompasses 39 towns and cities, each with their own local tax rates that are combined with county and school district assessments.

Property tax bills in Grafton County are typically mailed in late October each year, with payment due by December 17th. The actual tax rate you pay depends on your specific location within the county, as rates vary by municipality and any special taxing districts that may apply to your property. Assessment values are based on market value with no statutory assessment cap, and most available tax credits and exemptions require formal application and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County Tax$2.50-$3.50 per $1,000Funds county government operations, sheriff, courts
School Tax$8.00-$15.00 per $1,000Local and state education funding
Municipal Tax$3.00-$8.00 per $1,000City/town services, fire, police, roads
State Education Tax$2.15 per $1,000Statewide education funding
Total Rate$15.65-$28.65 per $1,000Combined effective rate

Rates shown are for FY 2024-2025 and vary significantly by municipality within Grafton County. Special taxing districts for services like water, sewer, or lighting districts may add additional assessments. Contact your local assessor for exact rates in your specific location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Dec 17
Delinquent after Dec 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 Grafton County are triggered when there are changes in property ownership, new construction completion, or property improvements that were not included in the annual assessment. These taxes represent the difference between what was originally assessed and what should have been assessed for the portion of the tax year affected by the change.

For example, if you complete a home addition valued at $50,000 in January but it wasn't included in the annual assessment, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering the additional tax owed for the months remaining in that tax year. The calculation would be: ($50,000 ÷ $1,000) × your local tax rate × (months remaining ÷ 12). Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 60 days of the assessor becoming aware of the change and follow the same payment terms as regular tax bills.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Veterans' Tax Credit (if eligible, application required): -$500
  • Net Taxable Value: $299,500
  • Annual Tax ($20 per $1,000): $5,990
  • Monthly Escrow: $499

Example 2: $600,000 Property with Homestead

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Low/Moderate Income Homestead Credit (application required): -$1,200
  • Net Taxable Value: $598,800
  • Annual Tax ($22 per $1,000): $13,174
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,098

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Elderly Exemption Credit (if eligible, application required): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $998,000
  • Annual Tax ($25 per $1,000): $24,950
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,079

Tax rates used are examples and vary by municipality. All credits require application and proof of eligibility.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Grafton County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Lenders collect 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment. Since Grafton County tax bills are due December 17th annually, lenders typically pay your taxes in December from the accumulated escrow funds.

Your lender will conduct an annual escrow analysis, usually in the fall, to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase, your monthly escrow payment may increase. If you pay your own taxes, you're responsible for ensuring payment reaches the tax collector by December 17th to avoid interest and penalties. Always verify with your lender whether they're paying your property taxes or if you need to pay directly.

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 Grafton County for FY 2024-2025? A: Tax bills are mailed in late October with payment due December 17th, 2024.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Available credits include Veterans' Tax Credit, Low/Moderate Income Property Tax Relief, and Elderly Exemption Credit. ALL require formal application and proof of eligibility - none are automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: New Hampshire's Low/Moderate Income Property Tax Relief provides credits to eligible homeowners. This is a tax credit (reduces your tax bill), requires annual application, and has income limits. It does NOT cap assessment increases.

Q: When can I appeal my property assessment? A: Tax abatement applications must be filed by March 1st following the tax year. You must pay your taxes first, then apply for abatement.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest accrues on unpaid taxes after December 17th at rates set annually by the state, typically 12-18% annually.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Payment options vary by municipality within Grafton County. Contact your local tax collector for available online payment methods.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: New Hampshire requires statistical updates annually and full revaluations periodically, with timing varying by municipality.

Q: What if I live in a special taxing district? A: Special districts for water, sewer, lighting, or other services add additional taxes to your bill. These rates are set separately and appear as line items on your tax bill.

Q: Where do I apply for tax credits? A: Applications are typically filed with your local assessor's office. Deadlines vary by credit type, with most due by April 15th for the following tax year.

Q: Do senior citizens get automatic tax breaks? A: No tax breaks are automatic. Senior citizens may qualify for Elderly Exemption Credits but must apply annually and meet specific income and asset requirements.

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