With approximately 105,000 veterans — one of the highest per-capita concentrations in the country — New Hampshire backs its veterans with a $4,000 property tax credit, a staggering $100,000 credit for 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans, and no state income tax to eat into VA compensation.
New Hampshire is home to approximately 105,000 veterans — one of the highest per-capita concentrations in the country. The Granite State backs its veterans with a generous property tax credit, significant waivers at the University System of New Hampshire, and one of the most veteran-friendly tax environments in the nation (no state income tax, no sales tax).
The New Hampshire Division of Veterans Services (NHDVS) coordinates state benefits and maintains accredited claims representatives across the state at no cost to veterans.
New Hampshire's property tax credit for veterans is one of the most significant in the northeast. Under RSA 72:28 and related statutes, veterans receive a direct credit against their property tax bill — not just a reduction in assessed value.
Any veteran who served in a qualifying war period (or served during peacetime for 90 days and was honorably discharged) is eligible for a $4,000 credit directly off their annual property tax bill. At average NH property tax rates (~$19–$23 per $1,000 assessed value), this alone represents substantial savings. The credit applies to the veteran's primary residence.
Qualifying service periods include WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 conflicts. Some municipalities have voted to increase the credit above the $4,000 state minimum — check with your town or city assessor for the local rate.
The surviving spouse of a veteran who qualified for the standard credit may continue to receive the $4,000 credit (or local equivalent) as long as they have not remarried and continue to occupy the property as their primary residence.
This is where New Hampshire truly stands out. Under RSA 72:29-a, veterans who are 100% permanently and totally disabled from service-connected causes may qualify for a tax credit of up to $100,000 off their annual property tax bill. In practice, this effectively eliminates property taxes for most 100% P&T veterans in New Hampshire, since most residential properties have annual tax bills below $100,000.
This benefit is also available to:
Available to all qualifying veterans with honorable service during war periods. Direct deduction from annual property tax bill — not assessed value.
For veterans with 100% permanent and total service-connected disability. Effectively eliminates property taxes for most NH veterans in this category.
Unremarried surviving spouses of qualifying veterans may continue to receive the applicable property tax credit.
NH municipalities may vote to increase credits above state minimums. Some towns offer $6,000, $8,000 or more. Check with your local assessor.
New Hampshire provides tuition waivers at University System of New Hampshire (USNH) institutions — including UNH Durham, UNH Manchester, Keene State College, Plymouth State University, and Granite State College — for qualifying veterans' dependents.
All seven CCSNH campuses have veterans services coordinators who assist with GI Bill enrollment, priority registration, and connecting veterans with campus support services. Veterans receive priority class registration at all CCSNH institutions.
The New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton provides skilled nursing, memory care, and domiciliary care for eligible NH veterans at significantly below-market rates. The facility serves approximately 250 residents and is partially subsidized by both state funds and federal VA per diem payments.
Admission priority is given to NH veterans with service-connected conditions. Contact the NH Veterans Home at (603) 286-4412 for eligibility and admission information.
NH veterans with service-connected disabilities receive free or reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses. 100% disabled veterans qualify for free licenses. Contact NH Fish and Game Department for current program details.
New Hampshire has no broad-based state income tax on wages or earned income, and VA disability compensation is federally exempt. Military retirement pay is also generally not taxed in NH, making it one of the most tax-friendly states for veterans.
NH offers veteran and disabled veteran specialty license plates. 100% P&T veterans may qualify for free registration on one vehicle. Contact NH DMV for current plate options and reduced-fee programs.
New Hampshire provides veterans preference in state government hiring. Veterans receive preference points on competitive examinations, and disabled veterans receive additional priority. Contact NH Division of Personnel for details.
For most NH veterans, yes. The $100,000 annual credit is applied against your property tax bill. The average NH property tax bill for a single-family home is approximately $5,000–$8,000 per year, so the $100,000 maximum far exceeds typical bills — effectively eliminating property taxes for 100% P&T veterans. If your bill somehow exceeds $100,000, you'd owe the difference, but this is rare for residential properties.
Yes — the property must be your primary residence in New Hampshire. You must be a bona fide NH domiciliary. If you own a vacation property in NH but live elsewhere, the credit doesn't apply to that property.
Yes. An unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who qualified for the P&T credit (up to $100,000) may continue to receive the credit as long as they remain a NH resident and occupy the property as their primary residence. This is an important estate planning consideration for NH veterans with 100% P&T ratings.
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Start Your Free Claim Review →Use the claim.vet disability calculator or our state benefits comparison tool to see how New Hampshire stacks up. Visit the full New Hampshire state benefits page for more. When you're ready, start your claim review free.