HB1296

HB1296 is a modest effort to update the elderly property tax exemption. I have seen throughout Sullivan District 8, the nine communities that I represent, that many elderly homeowners are at risk of losing the simple properties they spent a lifetime working for. As property values have increased exponentially, the increases in property taxes have become truly unmanageable for many. This proposed legislation does not solve the complex problem of high property taxes in NH. It does help some elderly folks to have a small benefit which could help them age in place - as most of us desire to do. Currently, the communities that I represent have 75 households appreciating the elderly property tax exemption. The current federal poverty level for 2 people is $21,150. HB1296 raises the income eligibility for elderly tax exemption from $13400 to just $23, 300. Clearly this is an income level that sustains no person in todays economy. The small benefit of increasing eligibility for the elderly income tax credit seems very modest and appropriate to me. I urge the committee members to vote OTP. Thank you for your consideration and work.

I support this bill.

The average "senior" on SSA and other small incomes would benefit from an increase.

The average "senior" on SSA and other small incomes would benefit from and increase.

I have noticed a rising number of senior citizens who are struggling on limited income. I want make it easier for our longstanding resident to continue living in town

Seniors should never be taxed out of their homes. This bill must be supported by all legislators.

Increasing the maximum income and assets a senior can have in order to receive property tax relief is imperative in my opinion. The current amount is far below poverty level. Costs of living have gone up every year and Granite State seniors with moderate incomes are struggling to pay the bills. NH needs a long-term solution to property tax burdens. Until we find a solution- let's help those most venerable. I SUPPORT THIS BILL!

I urge support of this bill. As one half of a senior couple myself -- and one with an income considerably above this new proposed limit and who has always considered myself securely middle class -- I realize that I'm beginning to be nervous about being able to meet our needs going forward as our town's property taxes rise along with other day-to-day expenses plus the medical costs that come with advanced age. I cannot imagine managing with a yearly income of even $35,500 but raising the limit to that amount for a couple and increasing the limit on assets of up to $60,900 may give senior couples a fighting chance to remain in their homes. I implore you to pass this legislation and to look for other ways to make up for the small amounts of property taxes that will then not be collected and which such older residents will then be allowed to keep in their pockets for daily needs..

Anything the state can do to help financially vulnerable people should be done

Dear Municipal & County Government Chair & Committee Members, Because of my job schedule as a private security officer, I am unable to attend today's hearing on HB 1296. But I strongly urge you all to give this bill which would raise the income & asset values for the minimum threshold for the elderly exemption tax credit a positive recommendation. My Claremont & Croydon constituents, are facing ever-increasing property taxes. Although many need tax relief, constituents living on fixed incomes especially need relief because they are no longer able to work often rely just on Social Security or their pensions. Otherwise they could very well lose their homes because of their tax debts! In summary, please pass HB 1296! Thank you. Rep. John Cloutier

I support this bill because I know low-income families, particularly the elderly are struggling to be able to stay in their homes and need tax relief.

The increase is designed to prevent financial hardship for seniors in lower-income brackets and those with limited assets, including eviction because of unpaid property taxes.

As a resident of Concord who continues to see and hear about the elderly homeless population, I support HB 1296. Though my husband and I are lucky enough to be able to pay our tax bill, it's getting tougher to do so, even though my husband continues past the age of 65.

This is non-partisan legislation and should be passed to recognize the steep burden upon elderly homeowners when their financial abilities do not keep up with the reality of the times.

My name is Karen and I live and vote in Bristol. I SUPPORT this reasonable and responsible mechanism for tax relief to low-income seniors.

I support HB1296 because I believe it has the critical guardrails on the legislation to prevent tax evasion and is a welcome source of relief.