New Hampshire has no sales or income tax but it has one of the highest property tax rates in the country.
This week, we asked readers: If you could make one change to New Hampshire’s property tax system, what would it be?
Here’s what they had to say…
“I would impose a statewide income tax, such as Volinsky’s 3-3 Tax Savings Plan. The plan includes exemptions for each taxpayer and their dependents so that a two-parent household earning $100,000 with two children pays zero income tax. The plan would generate billions in state revenue to significantly offset the $4.7 billion generated in 2025 from the extremely regressive local property tax. There is no rational, good faith argument against some form of state income tax, which is why it generated a death threat from the Libertarian Party of NH—the same party that was ejected from the National Libertarian Party in May for other threats, that currently controls the NH House, Senate, executive council, and governorship, and that was created by the out of state billionaires who brought us Project 2025. The next best change would be to reinstate the interest and dividends tax, which generated $185 million in 2024 from those most able to afford it. The third best change would be to eliminate the education freedom accounts, which cost $52 million in 2025.” — Bill Black
“In many (maybe most?) states, counties rather than towns are responsible for essential services such as police, fire, water, and schools, unlike in New England where these services are provided (or not) by the towns. Replacing town property taxes with county taxes would spread the cost over both rich and poor towns and also allow the county to take a big picture approach to building and locating essential services.” — Bill Carr
“No one really wants to pay taxes but the reality is there will always be taxes. This state must address property tax rates The solution is to implement a state tax and spread the cost out equally. An income tax could be the solution.Legislation should be written that taxes raised CANNOT be put into the general fund. The funds must be for education. And, property taxes must be addressed equally to compensate the property owner. There are a lot of very smart people in this country who have the expertise to figure this out and New Hampshire needs to tap into them. The public also must embrace change or stop complaining about our property taxes.” — Judi Lover
“Stop needless spending. Your checkbook does not have never ending funds. They need to stay within their budget, same as we do.” — Roger Gosselin
“Add a different stream of revenue … how about a luxury tax to get some money from rich people who visit our state and buy luxury goods to avoid the sales tax in other states? Levy the tax on luxuries over a specific price point.” — Lynne Rosansky
“Perhaps consider cutting the amount of school tax for seniors like they do in the South to keep seniors in their homes. Even cutting the school tax in half for seniors would go a long way on a fixed income that doesn’t climb as fast as the tax increases have.” — Sue Tavernier
“We need the state government to pay a larger percentage per student to cover the cost of our public education system, and that money should only go to the public education system, not be drained off to private, religious, or home-schooling (New Hampshire families are free to choose one of these options, but don’t make the rest of us pay for it!). Our property taxes are extremely high because the state government has not been paying its fair share to support the public schools in our communities. Property taxes would go down if the state stepped up.” — Kate Kaynak
“The one change to New Hampshire property taxes is to get the state to provide more funding, which the Republicans have reduced. One has to look at total state taxation. Income and sales taxes are not the solution, since once implemented they will never go away and get increased every year. Just ask people who live in those states that have all these taxes to pay.” — Richard Bohn
“I’ve lived in Bedford for more than 40 years, never had children in school here and paid taxes, including the building of a new high school — and did so because I am part of a community. However, now I am in my 70s, taxes go up and up, and I think tax relief for seniors should be a real thing for every town.” — Nancy
“Tax based on ability to pay: income tax.” — Burt Cohen
“A big thank you to Bill Black for putting forth thoughtful and doable tax reform to help us all.” — Beth Jandernoa, Peterborough
“Why do we not have a senior discount on real estate taxes in New Hampshire?” — Glenna Ingerson
“I agree with everything Bill Black said and more! Create an income tax that starts at a high threshold (Volinsky’s model looks good). Reinstate the interest and dividends tax. Definitely eliminate or scale way back the EFAs. Maybe cap that expense at $2 million for legit student needs? Consider reinstating an inheritance tax (on big estates, like over $15 million): Five other states have one, and most states used to have one. Do kids really need to inherit millions? (Look what a monster such silver spooning created in Trump.) Don’t build data centers, which will cost us in electricity costs, water shortages, pollution, and for what? Job loss and our extinction?” — Allison Cummings
