Tax & Finance

New Hampshire Sales Tax Calculator 2026

New Hampshire is one of five states with no state sales tax. Learn how this affects your purchases and what other taxes may apply.

New Hampshire Sales Tax Quick Facts

State Sales Tax Rate
0%
Local Taxes
None
No Sales Tax State
New Hampshire is one of 5 states with no state-level sales tax
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Disclaimer: Tax rates shown are base state rates and may not reflect recent changes. Local rates vary by jurisdiction. For exact tax obligations, consult the New Hampshire Department of Revenue. This tool is for informational purposes only.

Why New Hampshire Has No Sales Tax

New Hampshire is one of just five US states that imposes no state-level sales tax. The other four are Alaska, Delaware, Montana, Oregon. For consumers, this means the sticker price is the price you pay at checkout — no percentage added on top.

Unlike Alaska, which allows local sales taxes despite having no state tax, New Hampshire does not permit local jurisdictions to levy their own sales taxes either. This means purchases anywhere in New Hampshire carry zero sales tax at both the state and local level. New Hampshire also has no state income tax, relying on other revenue sources like property taxes (effective rate: 2.18%) and excise taxes.

Shopping in New Hampshire from Out of State

Many residents of neighboring states travel to New Hampshirefor large purchases to avoid sales tax. While this is legal, most states require residents to pay a "use tax" on items purchased out of state and brought home. The use tax rate is typically the same as your home state's sales tax rate. Technically, you owe this tax when you file your state return, though enforcement on individual purchases varies.

Business Implications

For businesses operating in New Hampshire, the lack of sales tax simplifies compliance significantly. There is no need to collect sales tax at point of sale, file sales tax returns, or navigate complex exemption rules. However, businesses selling into other states must still comply with those states' sales tax laws, particularly after the 2018 Wayfair Supreme Court decision established economic nexus standards nationwide.

How New Hampshire Compares

While not paying sales tax saves money on everyday purchases, the total tax burden in New Hampshire depends on your full tax picture. With no sales tax and no income tax, New Hampshire is among the lowest-tax states overall. Property taxes at 2.18% effective rate are a notable expense. The right state for you depends on your income, spending, and property ownership profile.

Common Exemptions and Special Taxes

Even without a general sales tax, New Hampshire does collect excise taxes on specific goods. Alcohol, tobacco products, and motor fuel are all subject to state-level excise taxes. Hotel and lodging taxes also apply in most areas. These targeted taxes fund specific programs and infrastructure rather than serving as a general revenue source.

Filing and Compliance

Residents of New Hampshire have no sales tax filing obligations. Businesses operating solely within New Hampshireare not required to register for or collect sales tax. However, businesses with sales into other states should monitor their economic nexus thresholds — once you exceed a state's threshold (typically $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions), you must register to collect and remit that state's sales tax.

Frequently Asked Questions — New Hampshire Sales Tax

Does New Hampshire have sales tax?
No. New Hampshire is one of five states with no state-level sales tax. The others are Alaska, Delaware, Montana, Oregon. New Hampshire does not permit local sales taxes either, meaning there is truly zero sales tax on purchases.
Why doesn't New Hampshire have sales tax?
New Hampshire generates revenue through other taxes instead of a sales tax. While New Hampshire also has no income tax, the state funds its budget through other revenue sources such as property taxes, excise taxes, and fees. This approach shifts the tax burden away from consumption and toward other sources.
Do I save money shopping in New Hampshire?
Yes — for most purchases, shopping in New Hampshire means no sales tax added to the price. This is particularly valuable for large purchases like electronics, appliances, and furniture. However, if you live in another state, you may owe use tax on items purchased in New Hampshire and brought back to your home state. Check your home state's use tax rules.
Are there any taxes on purchases in New Hampshire?
While New Hampshire has no general sales tax, certain items may still be subject to excise taxes or special fees. These can include alcohol, tobacco, gasoline, and lodging taxes. These targeted taxes apply to specific categories rather than general retail purchases.
How does New Hampshire's tax structure compare to other states?
Without a sales tax, New Hampshire offers a distinct advantage for consumers on everyday purchases. New Hampshire also has no state income tax, making it one of the most tax-friendly states for residents. The effective property tax rate in New Hampshire is 2.18%, which is above the national average of roughly 1.1%.

Sales Tax in Neighboring States

ME
Maine
5.5%
VT
Vermont
6%
MA
Massachusetts
6.25%
View all state sales tax rates