What Happens When You Remove Land From Current Use in New Hampshire?

🏡 What Happens When You Remove Land From Current Use in New Hampshire?

If you’re buying or owning property in Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Thornton, Dorchester, Wentworth, Ashland, or anywhere across Central NH—and the land is in Current Use—you need to know what happens when you take land out of the program.

Removing land from Current Use can trigger a one-time tax and has long-term implications for development, building, and investment. Here’s everything you need to know.

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What Is Current Use Removal?

Current Use removal occurs when you convert land from undeveloped forest, farmland, or open space into a developed or improved use.

Common reasons include:

✔ Building a house

✔ Adding a driveway or garage

✔ Subdividing the land

✔ Constructing barns or outbuildings

✔ Creating business or commercial use

✔ Changing agricultural land into residential land

Any time you disrupt the natural state of the land, it may need to be removed from Current Use.

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What Is the Land Use Change Tax (LUCT)?

When land is removed from Current Use, the owner must pay the Land Use Change Tax, which is:

🔥 10% of the market value of the land being removed

Example:

If 2 acres are removed and appraised at $90,000 →

💰 LUCT = $9,000

This tax is one-time only, paid when the change occurs.

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Do You Have to Remove the Entire Property From Current Use?

No.

You only remove the exact acreage you’re developing.

For example:

🏠 Building a home?

You might remove just 1–2 acres.

🛣 Adding a driveway or clearing land?

Only that specific portion is removed.

The rest of the property can stay in Current Use and continue receiving tax savings.

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How Do Towns Decide the Market Value of Removed Land?

The town’s assessing department evaluates:

✔ Location

✔ Topography

✔ Road access

✔ Soil quality

✔ Zoning

✔ Comparable sales

This value determines the 10% Land Use Change Tax owed.

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How Removing Land From Current Use Affects Homeowners in Central NH

Taking land out of Current Use affects:

✔ Your property taxes (they go up on the removed acreage)

✔ Your development costs (LUCT must be paid)

✔ Your future building plans

✔ Your long-term investment value

Many properties around Plymouth, Rumney, and Campton have been in Current Use for decades, so removal is common during new construction.

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Should You Avoid Buying Land in Current Use?

No — in fact, Current Use land often has much lower taxes, making it appealing to buyers.

Just be sure to:

👉 Budget for LUCT if you plan to build

👉 Understand how much land you need to remove

👉 Review the septic and building envelope

👉 Ask for the original Current Use documents

Your agent can help guide you through all of this.

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Q&A

Q: Do I pay the Land Use Change Tax if I never build?

A: No — LUCT is only triggered when the land’s use changes. If the land stays untouched, no tax is owed.

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Keywords

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About the Author

🏡 What Is a Septic Pumping Schedule and How Often Should NH Homeowners Pump?

For many homes in Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Thornton, and rural parts of Central NH, septic systems are the norm — not the exception.

Keeping your septic system healthy starts with a regular pumping schedule.

Here’s how often NH homeowners should pump and why it matters.

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How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped in NH?

Most New Hampshire homes should pump their septic tank every:

✔ 2–3 years for average households

✔ Every year for large families or heavy water usage

✔ Every 4–5 years for seasonal/low-use properties

Tank size, number of occupants, and water usage heavily affect the schedule.

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What Happens If You Don’t Pump Frequently Enough?

Delaying septic pumping can lead to:

⚠ Backups into the home

⚠ Drainfield failure

⚠ Slow drains and gurgling

⚠ Expensive repairs ($10,000–$25,000+)

NH homes with high water tables or older systems are especially vulnerable.

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What Affects Septic Pumping Frequency?

In Central NH, factors include:

✔ Number of people in the home

✔ Tank size

✔ Age of the system

✔ Garbage disposal use

✔ Well water vs. city water (well water often increases sediment)

✔ Soil conditions and drainage

If you don’t know the last pump date, assume it’s overdue.

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Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Pumping

Watch for:

⚠ Standing water near the tank or drainfield

⚠ Slow sinks or showers

⚠ Foul smells outdoors

⚠ Toilets bubbling when running water

⚠ Lush green grass over the drainfield

These warning signs can indicate the system is nearing failure.

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Q&A

Q: Can NH buyers request septic pumping before closing?

A: Yes — many buyers negotiate pumping or inspection during the due diligence period.

Q: Does pumping fix all septic issues?

A: No. Pumping maintains the tank, but drainfield issues often require separate repairs.

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Keywords

nh septic pumping schedule, new hampshire septic maintenance, plymouth nh septic systems, campton nh home buying, rumney nh septic care, thornton nh septic tank tips, central nh real estate guide

Jim Johnson — Real Estate Agent

58 NH Route 25A

Wentworth, NH 03282

P: (857) 249-7392

W: www.JimJohnsonRealEstateAgent.com

Licensed New Hampshire REALTOR® with Three Hills Real Estate Services

Broker Email: info@ThreeHillsRES.com

Broker Website: www.ThreeHillsRES.com