Changeflow GovPing Tax NH DRA 2026 Tax Tips and Filing Guidance
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NH DRA 2026 Tax Tips and Filing Guidance

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Published March 10th, 2026
Detected March 17th, 2026
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Summary

The New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) has issued guidance for the 2026 tax filing season. Key updates include the repeal of the Interest & Dividends Tax, increased filing thresholds for Business Enterprise and Profits Taxes, and the introduction of a new Granite Patron of the Arts Tax credit. Taxpayers are reminded to use updated forms and follow specific guidance for Meals and Rentals Tax calculations.

What changed

The New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) has released its 2026 tax tips and filing guidance, detailing several significant changes for taxpayers and tax professionals. Notably, the Interest & Dividends Tax has been repealed for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2025. Filing thresholds have been increased for the Business Enterprise Tax (BET) to $298,000 in gross business receipts or enterprise value tax base, and for the Business Profits Tax (BPT) to $109,000 in gross business income. A new Granite Patron of the Arts (GPA) Tax credit has been introduced, allowing for credits against BPT and BET for donations to the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Taxpayers are also reminded to use the most current forms and adhere to specific instructions regarding the Meals and Rentals Tax, particularly concerning rounding practices in cash transactions.

Regulated entities, including employers and tax professionals, must ensure they are using the updated forms and adhering to the revised filing thresholds for BET and BPT. The repeal of the Interest & Dividends Tax means prior year forms are no longer applicable for current periods. The new GPA Tax credit requires the use of Forms GPA-01 and GPA-02. Businesses involved in cash transactions must continue to calculate the Meals and Rentals Tax based on the full sales price before any rounding. Compliance with these updated requirements is essential to avoid processing delays and potential errors. All updated forms and guidance are available on the DRA's website.

What to do next

  1. Verify use of updated forms for 2026 tax filings.
  2. Adjust Business Enterprise Tax and Business Profits Tax filings based on new thresholds.
  3. Review eligibility and procedures for the new Granite Patron of the Arts Tax credit.
  4. Ensure Meals and Rentals Tax calculations adhere to guidance regarding rounding.

Source document (simplified)

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Press Release For Immediate Release Date: March 10, 2026


Contact Department of Revenue Administration
(603) 230-5000

NH Department of Revenue Administration Shares 2026 Tax Tips and Filing Guidance

Concord, NH – With tax filing season underway, the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) is sharing important information about this year’s filing requirements, updated forms, and key procedural changes. DRA is also providing practical guidance and resources to support both taxpayers and tax professionals throughout the filing process.

“Every filing season includes revisions to forms and updates to procedures, and it’s essential DRA proactively communicates those changes to make the process as straightforward as possible,” said DRA Commissioner Lindsey Stepp. “We are committed to equipping taxpayers and tax preparers with clear information and accessible tools to help them confidently navigate New Hampshire’s tax system.”

To support a smooth 2026 tax season, DRA offers the following updates and reminders for taxpayers and tax professionals.

Form Adjustments

  • 2025 forms related to the Interest & Dividends Tax are no longer available as the tax was repealed for tax periods beginning on or after January 1, 2025. All prior year returns are still available.
  • The filing threshold for the Business Enterprise Tax (BET) was increased to gross business receipts over $298,000, or an enterprise value tax base over $298,000.
  • The filing threshold for the Business Profits Tax (BPT) was increased to gross business income over $109,000.
  • A new Granite Patron of the Arts (GPA) Tax credit was created to allow up to 50% of any donation made to the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) Division of the Arts or the New Hampshire Council of the Arts. This credit can be used first against BPT, with the remaining credit available to apply against BET. Forms GPA-01 and GPA-02 were created to effectuate the credit request. Use Updated Forms

Taxpayers sometimes inadvertently submit outdated forms rather than the versions issued for the current tax year. To avoid processing delays or errors, it is important to use the most up-to-date forms, which DRA revises each year. The latest versions are available on DRA’s Forms Page, and many returns can be submitted electronically through Granite Tax Connect (GTC) for added convenience. In addition, federal Form 1099-G for the 2025 tax year is accessible through taxpayers’ GTC accounts, where it can be viewed and reprinted if necessary. Paper copies of the 1099-G are also mailed directly to taxpayers. For Business Tax purposes, New Hampshire is a static conformity state and has not adopted the provisions of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Instead, New Hampshire remains tied to the Internal Revenue Code in effect on December 31, 2018. As in prior years, it is important for taxpayers to ensure they are using the correct forms and guidance applicable to New Hampshire.

End of the Penny - Meals and Rentals Tax Guidance

Recent changes to U.S. coin production have led some businesses to adopt rounding practices for cash transactions. Operators should continue following existing Meals and Rentals (M&R) Tax requirements when calculating, collecting and reporting tax.

  • M&R Tax must be calculated using the full sales price before any rounding is applied. Rounding does not change the amount of tax owed to the State.
  • Rounding of cash transactions, if implemented, should occur only after taxes and fees are calculated.
  • Operators should maintain sufficient records, including point-of-sale documentation, to support proper reporting and compliance.
  • New Hampshire rules allow operators to round to the nearest dollar when filing M&R Tax returns; rounding for reporting purposes occurs at the time of filing rather than during tax calculation. USPS Postmarks - All Tax Types

Due to recent procedural changes, taxpayers may notice a delay in the date mail is postmarked by the United States Postal Service (USPS). To address this, the USPS has clarified that postmark dates on most mail reflect when an item is first processed at a regional processing facility rather than when it is placed in a mailbox or accepted at a local post office. Because DRA uses postmark dates to determine whether mailed returns, payments, appeals and other time-sensitive correspondence are received on time, a delayed postmark may result in late filings, penalties or interest. To reduce the risk of this happening to you, DRA offers the following guidance:

  • Taxpayers are encouraged to file and pay electronically whenever possible to avoid delays associated with mailing.
  • Taxpayers who choose to mail should send items several days before the due date and consider requesting a hand-stamped postmark, obtaining a certificate of mailing, or using Certified or Registered Mail to retain proof of mailing. Pay On Time and Avoid Extra Charges

To avoid additional charges, taxpayers should pay any tax, penalties, or interest due when filing their return. DRA accepts electronic payments, as well as mailed checks accompanied by payment coupons. Even if a filing extension has been requested, payment in full of the tax due is still required by the original deadline. The GTC portal offers a convenient option to schedule automatic payments directly from a bank account or credit card, making it easy to manage payments online.

Go Paperless; Get Refunds Faster

New Hampshire taxpayers can streamline their filing process using DRA's Modernized e-File (MeF) system or the Granite Tax Connect (GTC) online portal. Opting for electronic filing eliminates the need to mail a paper copy to DRA, expediting the process. In addition, taxpayers filing Business Tax returns through MeF or GTC can now opt for direct deposit refunds, enabling faster and more convenient access to funds.

Connect with NHDRA

Should taxpayers require assistance, resources are readily available on the Taxpayer Assistance page of the DRA website, and the Taxpayer Services Division is ready to address any questions or concerns by phone at 603-230-5000, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information on DRA and its services, visit the website at www.revenue.nh.gov.

About the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration

The New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) is responsible for fairly and efficiently administering the tax laws of the State of New Hampshire. DRA collects approximately 80% of New Hampshire’s general taxes. During Fiscal Year 2025, DRA collected $2.7 billion in taxes, most of which went to the New Hampshire General Fund and Education Trust Fund. DRA also assists municipalities in budgeting, finance, and real estate appraisal. DRA administers and collects the following taxes at the state level: Business Enterprise Tax, Business Profits Tax, Communications Services Tax, Interest and Dividends Tax, Meals and Rentals Tax, Medicaid Enhancement Tax, Nursing Facility Quality Assessment, Tobacco Tax, Taxation of Railroads, Utility Property Tax, Real Estate Transfer Tax; and assists with the following taxes at the local level: Property Tax, Excavation Tax and Timber Tax. To learn more about DRA, please visit www.revenue.nh.gov.

Press Release

Contact:
Jeff Mucciarone
Mobile: 413.454.4179
jeff@montagnepowers.com

Source

Tax
Analysis generated by AI. Source diff and links are from the original.

Classification

Agency
State DOR
Published
March 10th, 2026
Instrument
Guidance
Legal weight
Non-binding
Stage
Final
Change scope
Substantive

Who this affects

Applies to
Employers
Geographic scope
State (New Hampshire)

Taxonomy

Primary area
Taxation
Operational domain
Compliance
Topics
Business Taxes Tax Credits Tax Filing

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