Konachick:
There needs to be a tax base to pay for government, roads, schools, etc. NH residents have chosen to fund the majority of the state tax base from real estate taxes, which obviously hits some people harder than others. Despite where the taxes come from, people have to be aware that NH has one of the lowest tax burdens in the country. Think about all the income and sales taxes your folks didn't pay over the years; would they be willing to pay $500,000 (just a guesstimate) in retroactive taxes they didn't pay over their lives to reduce the real estate taxes they are obligated to pay now? Unfortunately, your parents have to make choices since it sounds like the majority of their wealth is tied up in real estate. I hate to be harsh, but I feel worse for older folks who have nothing. At least your parents have options, consider them lucky.
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