Business & Economy

Readers across New Hampshire have stepped up with thoughtful proposals for tackling the state's tax challenges. Your input is greatly appreciated!

Presenting Day 4's selection of reader suggestions. Earlier days' contributions are compiled separately. Expect a Day 5 update on Friday, as more recommendations arrive steadily. Send yours to nancywestnews@gmail.com.

RON RAYNER, Concord, NH
New Hampshire's tax system is deeply flawed, overly dependent on property taxes due to long-term neglect and influence from Free Staters in the Legislature. The intended balance has spiraled out of control, like a damaged fulcrum on a seesaw.

Tax Remedies - Framework

1) Business Profits Tax - Gradually raise it back to pre-Sununu levels; it remains below neighboring states' rates.

2) Dividends & Interest Tax - Restore it with a higher tax-free threshold. Keep the prior rate up to $50,000, then apply a progressive rate above that for a tiered structure.

3) Broad-based Tax - Essential for fairness. Favor a sales tax to broaden the base, capturing tourists who use local infrastructure. Maine's 5.5% is New England's lowest; start at 5.0% but cap at 1.5-2.0%. Exempt essentials like food, housing, and clothing up to $750-$1,000. Smart exemptions ensure equity for low-income residents.

4) 3-3 Tax Plan by Andru V. - Supports fixing many issues fairly. However, any income tax risks failure. A modest sales tax stands a better chance due to exemptions and inclusion of non-residents.

5) Gas Tax - Hands off; roads and bridges lag 42 years behind.

6) Highway Toll Taxes - Raise all to $1 - a 30-cent hike for E-ZPass users is straightforward. Consider targeting out-of-staters, though legality needs review.

7) Not-for-Profits, 501(c)(3) Organizations - Abundant in Concord; require a small percentage of gross revenue. Criticism expected, but necessary.
RON RAYNER, Concord, NH

JENNIFER SIEGRIST
Here are my views on taxes.
Your articles and Garry Rayno's keep me informed - and frustrated!
Thanks for InDepthNH's dedicated reporting. You deserve all awards and more.
JENNIFER SIEGRIST, Milford, NH

CHUCK RHOADES, Dover, NH
Our latest property tax bill arrived, highlighting relentless increases and structural inequities, despite willingness to pay for services.

Municipal leaders share blame for oversight, but state and federal policies drive the problem. Extremist Republican Free Staters dominate the Legislature and Governor's office, axing the interest and dividends tax paid mainly by the affluent. They fund private school subsidies, starving public education - reliant on property taxes more than any state, with minimal state aid.

Federal inaction worsens it. Candidate Carleigh Beriont for CD1 highlights underfunding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, promised at 40% but never delivered, inflating local special education costs.

Her insight shows strong policy understanding. Voters should review her positions.
CHUCK RHOADES, Dover, NH

BURT COHEN
Will New Hampshire ever enact an income tax? Odds fade with time.
BURT COHEN

CORNELIA SCHNEIDER
New Hampshire’s Fiscal Mirage

Legislators' "Taxation is Theft" buttons ignore that fair taxes fund civilization. Our system favors the rich and corporations, burdening middle and low-income families plus small businesses.

Reinstate Interest and Dividends tax with senior protections. Repeal school vouchers draining funds.

Fiscal woes mount: First post-2008 Rainy Day Fund tap - $67 million (25%) for shortfalls and vouchers, sans disaster excuse. Tax amnesty averted worse; leaders ignore the crisis.
CORNELIA SCHNEIDER, Moultonborough, NH

ADAM FINKEL
Reinstate the 5% Interest/Dividends tax - I'd pay it gladly. Exempt payments under $1,000 to raise ~$150 million yearly, sparing modest investors while taxing higher passive income from substantial assets.

NH's regressivity peaks with "Current Use" rates: Large parcels get ~$6/acre vs. $3,600 on small ones. A midpoint like $60/acre preserves open space while generating revenue for schools, roads, environment.
ADAM FINKEL, Dalton, NH

RICH DiPENTIMA
NH's taxes rank among the nation's most unfair - regressive, income-blind: property, rooms/meals, gas, tobacco. Renters absorb property taxes unrelated to earnings. Only interest/dividends linked to income; now gone.

Low/middle earners pay far higher shares than the rich - the so-called "NH Advantage." Services lag, shifted to local property taxes.

Tax Burden by Income Level (2026 Context)

Lowest 20%: Highest effective rates, 3x top earners, via property/consumer taxes.
Middle 20% ($62,300–$104,100): 2.4x top 1% rate.
Top 1% (>$721,000): ~2.8% effective rate. RICH DiPENTIMA

JUDY ULLMAN
An income tax is the logical solution.
JUDY ULLMAN

THOMAS MAINVILLE
Legalize recreational cannabis and tax it. Revenue flows to MA, VT, ME now. Locals would accept NH tax over out-of-state spending.
THOMAS MAINVILLE

OWEN MCISAAC
Four generations in NH: built roads, mills, economy. Hard work sustained the wealthy; savings were to secure us.

Property taxes outpace middle-class gains; we're forced to leave.

State downshifts costs to towns/schools; meetings turn hostile. Lawmakers celebrate the shift.

More empathy needed for modest lives - no luxuries, just survival.
OWEN MCISAAC, Webster, NH