Do I Need to File a NH State Tax Return?

New Hampshire does not impose a general income tax on an individual’s wages or salary. This often leads to the misconception that residents have no state-level tax filing obligations. However, the state levies specific taxes on certain types of income and business activities. Businesses operating within the state may be required to file a return for the Business Profits Tax and the Business Enterprise Tax.

The Interest and Dividends Tax

New Hampshire previously imposed an Interest and Dividends (I&D) Tax on income from sources like savings accounts, bonds, and stocks. This tax has been repealed for all income earned on or after January 1, 2025. As a result, individuals no longer have a filing obligation for this tax for the 2025 tax year and beyond.

Business Tax Filing Requirements

New Hampshire requires businesses to file returns based on their revenue and activities. The state has two business taxes: the Business Profits Tax (BPT) and the Business Enterprise Tax (BET). These requirements extend to all forms of business, including sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs.

The Business Profits Tax is a tax on the income generated by a business. An enterprise must file a BPT return if its gross business income from all sources exceeds $109,000 during the taxable period. This threshold applies to the total income received before any expenses are deducted, and the tax is calculated on the net profits after allowable deductions.

The Business Enterprise Tax is based on the enterprise’s value base rather than its profit. This base consists of the total compensation paid, including wages and retirement contributions, plus interest and dividends paid by the business. A filing requirement for the BET is triggered if an enterprise’s gross business receipts or its enterprise value tax base is more than $298,000. It is possible for a business to be required to file for one of these taxes but not the other.

Required Information for Business Tax Filings

For business tax filings, you will need a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or the owner’s Social Security Number for sole proprietorships. You must also compile several key financial figures, including:

• Total gross receipts for the period
• Total compensation paid to all employees and owners
• Totals for interest and dividends paid out by the business

The state uses a single form, Form BT-Summary, to report both the Business Profits Tax and the Business Enterprise Tax. This form is available on the NH DRA’s official website.

How to Submit Your New Hampshire Tax Return

There are two methods for submission to the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration. You can file by mail by getting the current mailing address from the DRA website or form instructions. The completed return must be mailed on or before the annual April 15th tax deadline.

You can also file electronically through the state’s online portal, Granite Tax Connect. First-time users will need to create an account. Once registered, you can enter tax information directly or upload the completed forms, and the portal facilitates payment of any tax due. After submission, the filer will receive an electronic confirmation receipt.