On Tuesday, March 4, the Rochester City Council unanimously approved expanding tax exemptions for elderly and disabled residents.

The Elderly Exemption amount was increased for all age brackets. For qualifying residents aged 65-74, there was an approved increase from $122,500 to $187,500 off the assessed value, an increase from $150,000 to $225,000 off the assessed value for residents aged 75-79, and an increase from $187,500 to $262,500 off the assessed value for residents aged 80+.

To qualify for an elderly exemption on property taxes, residents must be 65 years of age or older by April 1 of the year of application. They must have lived in NH for at least three consecutive years, and they must own and live in the property as their primary residence. In addition, the income limit to qualify is $40,000 for singles and $57,000 for married couples, with total assets (excluding the home) not to exceed $124,000.

The Disabled exemption amount was also increased from $112,500 to $187,500.

For Veterans’ Tax Credits, the City currently offers a credit in the amount of $300. To fully qualify, the Veteran must be a resident of the State of NH for one year, be an owner of the property, use the property as their primary residence, and have been honorably discharged or continue to serve. These criteria must all be met as of April 1 of the year of application.

For more information regarding exemptions or tax credits, visit www.rochesternh.gov/assessing or contact the Assessing Department at (603) 332-5109. The 2025 tax year filing period ends on April 15, 2025.