To some, taxes are a means to an end, representing the bills that are due for services ranging from the judicial system to environmental protections, or, in Oliver Wendell Holmes’ formulation, “the price we pay for a civilized society.”  To others, taxes are a policy end unto themselves, as they offer policymakers another tool to try to employ in efforts to enhance economic security or to promote economic development.

NHFPI seeks to improve public understanding of New Hampshire’s tax system, its role in financing state expenditures, the impact it has on families and individuals at different income levels, and the influence it may or may not have upon personal and business decisions.

Latest State Tax Publications

• Proposed Spending Cap Could Lock In Current Spending Cuts for a Decade February 13, 2012 On Feb. 15, Senate President Peter Bragdon is expected to bring before the Senate a proposal to rewrite the New Hampshire Constitution to cap the growth of the state budget at the rate of inflation, unless three-fifths of both the House of Representat...
• Testimony before the Commission to Study Business Taxes February 6, 2012 The legislative Commission to Study Business Taxes met Monday, February 6, to receive public input on its draft report recommending changes to New Hampshire's tax system. Taken together, the recommendations would mean a substantial revenue loss for the st...
• Testimony Regarding Education Tax Credits January 23, 2012 The House Committee on Ways and Means met Monday, January 23, to receive public input on legislation that would create a tax credit for businesses that contribute to private scholarship organizations. The money would be used for subsidies to students atte...
• Tobacco Tax Cut Likely to Lose Millions in Revenue, Leave FY12-13 Budget Out of Balance June 21, 2011 Near the close of their conference committee deliberations last week, negotiators from the House of Representatives and the Senate added provisions to the fiscal year 2012-2013 budget that, effective July 1, will both drop New Hampshire’s cigarette tax ...
• Testimony on CACR 6 and Supermajority Requirements for Tax Increases May 11, 2011 On Wednesday, May 11, NHFPI Executive Director Jeff McLynch appeared before the New Hampshire Senate Internal Affairs Committee to discuss the shortcomings of a proposed measure, CACR 6, to amend the state's constitution to require a three-fifths supermaj...