New Ipswich residents have the opportunity to readopt the town’s veterans’ property tax credits at the ballot box this March, this time including active service members.
The town had previously adopted tax credits for both veterans who served during wartime and those who served outside of conflicts. Both categories receive the same tax credit, up to $750, the maximum allowed by the state. Under a recent change in the state law, municipalities that offer tax credit to veterans must now also include those who are currently serving, where previously, it only applied to those who had been honorably discharged from their service.
With the change, explained Town Administrator Debbie Deaton, towns must vote to readopt their tax credits to include those active-duty members.
New Ipswich expects to propose keeping the same $750 tax credit for both veterans who served during conflicts and those who served during peacetime.
Currently in New Ipswich, there are 168 veterans who receive the war service veterans’ credit, and 18 who receive the credit who did not serve in a conflict. In total, the town gives a total of $139,000 in tax credits to its veterans.
Deaton explained that the amount of credit for those already enrolled in the program will not change, but there may be additional people enrolling in the program who are currently serving. The town won’t know how much additional burden that will result in until those people apply for the credit.
The town has been supportive of its service members in the past, Deaton said, and increased the tax credit from $500 to $750 in the last five years.
If voters do not approve the warrant articles, Deaton said the town would still have a veterans’ tax credit, but it would be the minimum amount allowed – $50, instead of $750.
Board members supported both articles.
“I encourage anyone with any questions to reach out to anyone on the board or anyone working with the town to get clarification. It’s just very important we’re able to retain the tax credit for our veterans and our enlisted service members,” said Select Board Chair Shawn Talbot.
Those who wish to apply for the town’s veterans’ tax credit must do so before April 15. Applicants must have been a resident of New Hampshire for one year prior to April 1 of the year they apply.
Both warrant articles are expected to be part of the town’s 2023 warrant, and will be on the ballot during town voting in March. Both articles require a 50 percent majority to pass.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.