Budget & Taxes (Tax Incentives)

HB 1707 imposes an additional tax on properties left unoccupied for six or more months annually or used as short-term rentals for that period, requiring owners to pay the full local property taxes owed. It also creates a one-time exemption from the real estate transfer tax for first-time homebuyers with household incomes at or below 100% of the HUD-defined median for their area, who do not own other property. The tax applies to property owners, while the exemption directly benefits qualifying low- and moderate-income homebuyers. The bill takes effect April 1, 2027, with a $300,000 estimated one-time implementation cost.

HB 1002 repeals the property tax exemption for solar energy systems, meaning homeowners and businesses with solar installations will no longer be excluded from taxable property assessments. The bill removes specific tax code provisions (RSA 72:62 and related sections) that previously allowed solar systems to be valued separately for tax purposes. Starting April 1, 2027, solar energy systems will be included in standard property tax valuations, requiring owners to pay taxes on these systems as part of their property assessment. This change directly affects property owners who currently benefit from the exemption, shifting their tax obligation to align with standard property valuation practices.

SB 404 modifies New Hampshire's economic revitalization zone tax credit program. It increases the annual credit limit from $825,000 to $1,000,000 and raises the maximum credit per business from $40,000 to $50,000. Businesses creating new jobs in designated zones qualify for tax credits: 4-5% of wages for jobs paying up to 2.5x the state minimum wage, plus 5% of facility renovation costs (capped at $20,000 per job). The bill also extends zone reevaluation from every 5 to 8 years and adjusts carry-forward rules for unused credits. These changes directly affect businesses seeking tax incentives for job creation and facility investments in revitalization zones.