Bill would increase optional veterans' tax credit

This week a House committee voted against SB 168, a bill that would increase the annual property tax credit towns may choose to give veterans, from $500 to $1,000. 

Towns would not be required to raise the credit, just as towns are not required to offer the current maximum credit.

In 2015, about three-fifths of municipalities in New Hampshire chose to offer the maximum credit of $500. 

Bill supporters argue that New Hampshire should serve its veterans by offering help with property taxes. A $1,000 annual credit would greatly help elderly veterans living on fixed incomes.

Bill opponents point out that New Hampshire expanded the veterans tax credit just last year to include all veterans. Before that change, the tax credit was only available to veterans of World War II through the 1990 Gulf War and any veteran who earned a medal. Other opponents of HB 430 note that New Hampshire's veteran property tax credit is already much higher than the credit in other states.

For more information on the veterans' tax credit, visit this state website or call your town.

Do you support increasing the amount towns may give veterans as a property tax credit, from $500 to $1,000? Leave a comment below to join the discussion, and we'll present your thoughts to legislators considering this issue.