Revenue & Tax

Revenue is essential to funding the priorities of the state and supporting vital public services. State and local revenue in New Hampshire stems primarily from taxes, and each resident, visitor, and employer has a vital role in generating the resources required to maintain essential systems and meet the needs of Granite Staters.

Property taxes are the primary revenue source for local governments, while the largest tax revenue sources for the State are taxes on business profits and compensation, restaurant meals and hotel room rentals, tobacco sales, real estate transactions, insurance premiums, motor fuels, and other economic activity. State revenue also comes from sales by State-operated enterprises selling liquor and lottery tickets.

NHFPI seeks to improve public understanding of New Hampshire’s revenue system, its role in financing state expenditures, and the impact it has on families and individuals at different income levels.

 

What We’re Reading — the July 2026 Edition

On the last Friday of each month, the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute’s research team shares a curated list of books, research papers, podcasts, and more that are helping to shape our understanding of the economic wellbeing of the Granite State and beyond. Here are our picks for July 2026.

May State Revenues Reach Target Despite Business Tax Slump

State revenues exceeded targets in May, increasing the year-to-date surplus to $156.7 million, or 5.7 percent above plan (boosted largely through tax amnesty receipts). However, business tax revenues fell below expectations for the month, suggesting April's strong collections may not signal a broader trend.

What We’re Reading — the May 2026 Edition

Each month, NHFPI’s research team shares a curated list of books, research papers, podcasts, and more that are helping to shape our understanding of the economic wellbeing of the Granite State and beyond. Here are our picks for May 2026.