Op-Ed

Appreciation goes to everyone who contributed thoughts and proposals on taxes across New Hampshire. The remaining submissions follow, as the total exceeded 60 entries. These comments reflected solid knowledge, personal conviction, and a clear wish for open discussion on the topic. Next steps include an online forum hosted by InDepthNH.org on June 9 from 6 to 7 p.m., featuring Phil Sletten from the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute along with InDepthNH.org reporter and columnist Garry Rayno. Participants can join with questions and ideas. Thanks, Nancy West

Secure free tickets for the June 9 online session along with further details on the InDepthNH.org site.

Archives of the prior five days covering reader opinions on taxes in NH remain available for reference.

A selection of the latest submissions follows, with continued thanks to all contributors.

BILL BLACK
Hanover, NH
NH stands as the 18th most regressive tax system among the 50 states (VT ranks as 2nd least regressive). As a share of family income, the overall tax rate drops from 8.9 percent for the lowest 20 percent to 2.6 percent for the top 1 percent. Likewise, the property tax rate declines from 5.9 percent to 2.0 percent. These figures understate the regressive nature because they exclude unrealized capital gains, which go untaxed yet represent roughly half the yearly wealth growth for the top 1 percent, who hold about half the nation's unrealized capital gains.

NH belongs to nine states without an income tax (NH ended its dividends and interest tax in 2025). The state also lacks an estate or inheritance tax. NH carries the 2nd lowest overall tax burden (5.38 percent) yet the 3rd highest property tax burden (4.33 percent). The chief drawback of the low total burden is reduced backing for public services, especially schools. NH places last in state-level aid for public education. Moreover, rising state outlays for education freedom accounts, which favor higher-income households, further limit revenue available for other public needs.

Why do 99 percent of NH families face more than double the effective tax rate paid by the top 1 percent? The top 1 percent hold disproportionate influence in government and have distorted its priorities.

Around 1990, billionaire oil executives Charles and David Koch began establishing free-market think tanks aimed at cutting environmental rules, taxes, and government funding. In 2003 they partnered with Jason Sorens to attract participants to the Free State Project in NH. The Kochs also helped shape the 2010 Citizens United ruling that lifted corporate spending caps. Though Free Staters number only about 8,000 in NH, under 1 percent of residents, they dominate the Republican trifecta government through tactics including misinformation, district manipulation, voting restrictions, and unlimited donations. The Koch brothers studied at MIT School of Engineering with John H. Sununu, father of former Governor Chris Sununu. In 2019 he blocked a bipartisan measure for an independent redistricting panel and several campaign finance changes. John E. Sununu, brother of Chris, now seeks a Senate seat from NH.

NH mirrors the broader US, which also operates under a Republican trifecta assembled through similar backing from the Kochs and allied billionaires.
BILL BLACK
Hanover, NH

SUSAN SHERROUSE
1. Tax individuals earning over $1 million from any source, including salaries, dividends, pensions, or inheritance, at a 3 percent rate.

2. Convert the property tax to a statewide levy, with second homes owned by out-of-state residents taxed at double the rate to equalize school funding.

3. Apply a 2 percent tax on alcoholic beverages; the rate would remain lower than neighboring states and preserve the incentive for cross-border purchases.

4. Authorize open-market cannabis sales with a 5 percent tax and include language barring ownership by large corporations, keeping proceeds within the state.

5. Exempt households earning under $50,000 from all taxes, as these residents already shoulder heavy burdens relative to income while performing essential work in trucking, restaurants, retail, and similar fields.

No one enjoys paying taxes, yet fairness must guide the system.
SUSAN SHERROUSE, Concord, NH

STEPHANIE and ROBERT HETU
My husband and I have resided in Pittsfield, NH, since 1981. Property taxes have risen sharply while school performance lags. Last year an elderly neighbor wept at Town Hall over inability to meet the tax bill.

Young adults struggle to save for home purchases after renting, delaying moves into mobile, modular, or stick-built homes. The 1973 current-use statute now appears outdated except when applied to commercial farms. All owners should contribute equitably to property taxes rather than allowing wealthy buyers to defer costs until sale. The state forest protection program and numerous land trusts already conserve acreage, alongside local zoning rules.
STEPHANIE and ROBERT HETU

JOSH WYATT
Politicians sometimes claim New Hampshire lacks sales or income taxes, yet the state maintains a business enterprise tax and business profits tax, plus the Medicaid Enhancement Tax on hospital revenue. Sales taxes also exist on real-estate transfers (unless exempted) and prepared meals. The observation aims simply to clarify that such levies already operate here.
JOSH WYATT, Portsmouth, NH

CLAUDETTE NIEMELA
Property taxes continue climbing, leaving many older residents hard-pressed to pay. Future prospects for affordable living in NH appear limited, raising concerns especially for younger residents.
CLAUDETTE NIEMELA

TED MORGAN
Reflections on taxes, education, and related NH matters center on entrenched inequality:

NH relies on property taxes more than any other state, burdening lower- and middle-income households while higher earners pay proportionally less.
Public schools confer lasting advantages on wealthier communities, leaving many students in under-resourced districts.
For 54 years the state has operated under the pledge against broad-based income or sales taxes, often mislabeled the New Hampshire Advantage, despite the strain on residents facing high property taxes or rents.
Restoring the interest and dividends tax would affect the top 5 percent but fall short of needed relief; the Cut Our Property Taxes Group's 3-3 Tax Savings Plan offers a stronger path, lowering combined state and local taxes for 80 percent of residents while directing nearly all new revenue to local schools, including support for special education, low-income, and English-language learners.
Residents can compare outcomes under the 3-3 plan versus current rules via the calculator at nhtaxsavingscalculator.com.
TED MORGAN