New Hampshire
New Hampshire Passes Texas on Tax Competitiveness – NH Journal
(This article first appeared at JBartlett.org)
New Hampshire this year slipped ahead of Texas to claim the No. 6 spot on a national index of state tax competitiveness published by the Tax Foundation.
Formerly the Business Tax Climate Index, the newly redesigned 2025 State Tax Competitiveness Index combines the Tax Foundation’s indexes for corporate, individual income, sales, property and unemployment insurance taxes.
New Hampshire ranked No. 1 on sales taxes, 12 on individual income taxes, 27 on unemployment insurance taxes, 32 on corporate taxes and 39 on property taxes.
That was good enough to place New Hampshire sixth overall, behind perennial top-five states Wyoming, South Dakota, Alaska, Florida, and Montana.
Texas, previously in the sixth spot, fell to seventh, with New Hampshire edging up one spot by a fraction of a point.
(The foundation applied its new methodology to previous studies going back to 2020 so states could compare their progress.)
Texas ranked No. 1 on individual income taxes, but was in the bottom half on all other taxes. New Hampshire’s only personal income tax—the Interest & Dividends Tax—is scheduled to expire at the end of this year.
Wyoming and South Dakota, the top two states for years, tied as usual for No. 1 on both corporate and individual income taxes.
Florida (with which New Hampshire competes for residents, workers and retirees) also tied for No. 1 in individual income taxes. It ranked No. 10 in unemployment insurance taxes, 14 in sales taxes, 16 in corporate taxes, and 21 in property taxes.
The Tax Foundation praised New Hampshire lawmakers for voting in 2023 to let businesses fully deduct interest expenses in the year incurred, rather than over time.
“This change, following on the heels of rate reductions to New Hampshire’s two business taxes, helped New Hampshire’s corporate component ranking improve by eight places, from 40th to 32nd,” the report noted.
New Hampshire was dinged for high property and corporate taxes.
The report noted that the Interest & Dividends Tax rate change from 4 percent to 3 percent did not alter this year’s ranking because the state was already so competitive. But eliminating the tax is seen as a positive step.
“New Hampshire will officially join the ranks of the individual income tax-free states once its low-rate interest and dividends (I&D) tax is eliminated in January 2025, further solidifying its competitive standing overall,” according to the report.
To improve New Hampshire’s tax competitiveness, the Tax Foundation recommends “eliminating the I&D tax…adopting permanent full expensing” and improving the state’s treatment of net operating loss carry forward,” all things legislators have tried to address in recent years.
New Hampshire
N.H. tourism officials predict record spending this winter – The Boston Globe
State tourism officials are anticipating a busy winter, and they’re predicting that visitors to New Hampshire could spend a record $1.6 billion this year.
The New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism expects about 3 million people to visit the Granite State between December and February, a 3.4 percent increase from last winter, when 2.9 million visitors came to the state.
Since 2011, spending among visitors has grown from $0.9 billion in the winter of 2011 to $1.5 billion in the winter of 2023 and 2024, according to state data. While spending has generally trended up, some years were an exception, such as the winter of 2021, when travel was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tourism is an important industry for New Hampshire’s economy, generating around $330 million in tax revenue through the Meals & Rooms Tax, according to the NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs. Tourism is the second largest industry in the state, according to Taylor Caswell, commissioner of the NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs.
Winter is typically the slowest season for tourism, while summer has typically been the busiest. In 2023, for instance, there were 4.5 million visitors during the summer, and 3 million during the winter. Fall was the second busiest season, with 3.7 million visitors, followed by spring which saw 3.1 million.
The state calculates tourism predictions using a range of data including historical data, current trends, national travel trends from the US Travel Association and their forecasts for overall trends (is travel up or down, what type of trips, and destinations), in addition to occupancy trends in the state, according to a spokesperson for the Division of Travel and Tourism Development.
“New Hampshire’s winter season is an integral part of our tourism industry, driving jobs, and supporting businesses in every corner of the state,” Caswell said.
Jessyca Keeler, the president of Ski NH, an organization that promotes the state as a ski destination, said 10 alpine resorts planned to open last week, in addition to four that have already opened to visitors.
“This drop in temperatures will provide resorts with a great opportunity to make snow,” she said.
Many resorts have invested in snowmaking, with more efficient equipment that promises to improve the production and quality of artificial snow.
“It enables ski areas to open earlier and stay open even when Mother Nature isn’t producing as much snow as we’d like,” Keeler said.
Amanda Gokee can be reached at amanda.gokee@globe.com. Follow her @amanda_gokee.
New Hampshire
Rochester Man Accused Of Driving 100 mph On I-95: New Hampshire State Police Roundup
CONCORD, NH — A man from Rochester faces several felony charges after being accused of driving 100 mph on Interstate 95 on Sunday and fleeing from cops.
Around 10:30 p.m., state police observed a driver of a 2020 Hyundai Accent speeding at more than 100 mph on the northbound side of the highway. The driver, Jordan Metherall, 31, was chased previously by Mass. State Police for the same offense, Tyler Dumont, a public information officer for state police, said.
Metherall took Exit 1 in Seabrook, drove along several secondary roads, and crashed into another vehicle at the intersection of Route 1 and Route 107, he said. The driver was accused of attempting to flee but was taken into custody by state troopers and Seabrook police.
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“A female passenger in the Hyundai suffered serious injuries,” Dumont said. “The investigation remains ongoing.”
The driver of a 2012 Buick LaCrosse was uninjured during the crash.
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Metherall was arrested for reckless conduct, disobeying an officer, and conduct after an accident. He was held in preventative detention and is scheduled to be arraigned in Hampton District Court on Monday.
During the investigation and cleanup, part of Route 107 was closed for around 90 minutes. Along with police, Seabrook firefighters, Pat’s Towing, and New England Truck Center assisted state police.
Anyone with information that may assist with the investigation was asked to contact Trooper Cameron Vetter at cameron.s.vetter@dos.nh.gov.
Also Read
Claremont Pair Face Drug Sale Charges
Two residents of Claremont were arrested on drug sale charges after a month-long investigation by the state police’s Narcotics Investigations Unit.
During November, state police investigated fentanyl and crack cocaine sales in the Claremont area, and two people were eventually arrested. Joshua Poirier, 33, of Claremont, was charged with one count of sale of a controlled substance and three counts of conspiracy to commit sale of a controlled drug on Nov. 25. Five days later, Barbara Bellacicco, 33, of Claremont, was arrested. She faces three counts of conspiracy to commit the sale of a controlled drug. They were booked and processed by Claremont police and released on personal recognizance. They are due in Claremont District Court in January and February 2025.
Dumont said more than 5 grams of suspected fentanyl-heroin and more than 18 grams of suspected crack cocaine were seized.
Anyone with information that may assist with the investigation was asked to contact Lt. Shane W. Larkin of the Narcotics Investigations Unit at 603-223-4381. Anonymous tips can be sent to nabdope@dos.nh.gov.
Joshua Poirier of Claremont and Barbara Bellacicco face drug sale charges after a month-long investigation by New Hampshire State Police’s Narcotics Investigations Unit. Credit: NHSP
Troop A Blotter
Keston Scott, 41, of Manchester, was arrested on bench warrant at 9:26 a.m. on Nov. 17, 2024, on speeding: 21 to 24 mph over 65 limit and driving after revocation or suspension charges as well as a suspension of vehicle registration violation in Greenland.
Trenton Francis McNutt, 20, of Somersworth, was arrested on a bench warrant at 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 17 in Greenland.
Hailey Addison Venuto, 17, of Portsmouth, was arrested at 1:05 a.m. on Nov. 17 on a reckless operation charge in Greenland.
Gabriel Cullen Provost, 19, of Alton, was arrested at 11:03 p.m. on Nov. 15 on reckless conduct-deadly weapon, disobeying an officer, aggravated DUI-30-plus mph, aggravated DUI-attempt to elude police, criminal mischief, and driving after revocation or suspension charges in Dover.
Peter A. Dulac, 44, of Windham, Maine, was arrested on a DUI charge and a lane control violation at 3:33 a.m. on Nov. 15 in Hampton Falls.
Ashlie Nicole Reker, 39, of Somersworth, was arrested at 10:41 p.m. on Nov. 14 on criminal mischief and domestic violence-simple assault charges in Somersworth.
Christopher A. Paulino, 38, of Arlington, Massachusetts, was arrested at 7:40 p.m. on Nov. 14 on speeding: 26-plus mph over limit of 55 or less, reckless operation, and disobeying an officer charges in Newington.
Troop B Blotter
Deirdre Brigid Masi, 49, of Lowell, MA, was arrested at 10:49 p.m. on Nov. 17 on reckless conduct-deadly weapon, reckless operation, DUI, DUI-second offense, and criminal threatening charges in Salem.
Chase Dean Ruse, 17, of Raymond, was arrested at 2:18 a.m. on Nov. 16, on transport alcohol by a minor, transport drugs in a motor vehicle, and unlawful possession-intoxication charges as well as lane control and original-youth operator license violations in Merrimack.
Jesse Wayne Birch, 19, of Hudson, was arrested on a reckless operation charge at 11:22 p.m. on Nov. 15 in Nashua.
Yu-Kai Huang, 33, of Danvers, MA, was arrested at 9:36 p.m. on Nov. 14 on a reckless operation charge in Windham.
William Colby Evans, 25, of Nashua, was arrested at 3:14 p.m. on Nov. 14 on a driving after revocation or suspension charge as well as unregistered vehicle and uninspected vehicle violations in Nashua.
Gordon Michael Potter, 45, of Danbury, was arrested at 11:14 a.m. on Nov. 14 on driving after revocation or suspension and operating without a valid license charges in Bedford.
Troop D Blotter
Timothy B. Ricker, 55, of Penacook, was arrested at 9:16 p.m. on Nov. 17 on negligent driving and reckless operation charges as well as lane control and failure to maintain minimum speed violations in Grantham.
Scott Richard Wein, 49, of Laconia, was arrested at 4 p.m. on Nov. 17 on felony possession of a controlled drug, transport drugs in a motor vehicle, and controlled drug: controlled premises where drugs kept charges in Franklin.
Anthony Carl Wharton, 22, of Manchester, was arrested on a simple assault charge in Webster at 9:06 p.m. on Nov. 15.
Michael D. Gawrys, 41, of Windham, was arrested at 4:19 p.m. on Nov. 15 on aggravated DUI-0.16-plus and DUI charges in Hooksett.
Alvino Daniel Lopez, 46, of Lebanon, was arrested at 12:28 a.m. on Nov. 15 on DUI and speeding: 16 to 20 mph over 65 limit charges in Hooksett.
Other Arrests
Pierre Charles Don Davis, 22, of Biddeford, ME, was arrested in Greenland at 10:53 p.m. on Nov. 27 on a reckless operation charge.
Zachary T. Beaulieu, 29, of Grantham, was arrested at 5:38 p.m. on Nov. 17 on domestic violence-criminal threatening-deadly weapon, domestic violence-second-degree assault-strangulation, domestic violence-simple assault, domestic violence-obstructing report of crime-injury, and domestic violence-simple assault charges in Grantham.
Christian M. Hanna, 25, of Chichester, was arrested at 7:20 a.m. on Nov. 16 on a driving after revocation or suspension charge and an open container violation in Hooksett.
Christopher St-Louis, 65, of Boston, MA, was arrested at 4:19 p.m. on Nov. 15 on driving after revocation or suspension-subsequent, operating with an expired license-subsequent, and speeding: 11 to 15 mph over 70 limit charges as well as a bench warrant in Franconia.
Dennis W. Foulks, 43, of Grafton, was arrested at 5:41 p.m. on Nov. 12 on criminal threatening, harassment, and disorderly conduct charges in Grafton.
Alicia Lyn Bresnahan, 43, of Concord, was arrested at 4:19 p.m. on Nov. 12 on driving after revocation or suspension, speeding: 25-plus over 70 limit, and driver’s license prohibitions charges in Sanbornton.
Jeffrey D. Paris, 40, of Salisbury, was arrested on a warrant in Belmont at 7:59 p.m. on Nov. 11.
Do you have a news tip? Please email it to tony.schinella@patch.com. View videos on Tony Schinella’s YouTube.com channel or Rumble.com channel. Follow the NH politics Twitter account @NHPatchPolitics for all our campaign coverage.
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New Hampshire
Fatal Crash; Satanic Temple Installs Demon At Statehouse; Santa Updates; More: PM Patch NH
Community Corner
Parade of lights, fun things to do this week, T-Bones turns 40, arson suspects arrested, “The Ride Ahead” winning documentary has showings.
CONCORD, NH — Here are some share-worthy stories from the New Hampshire Patch network to discuss this afternoon and evening.
This post features stories and information published since Friday night.
Massachusetts Woman Dies In Crash On Everett Turnpike In Merrimack: Update: Wanda Navarro, 63, of Brimfield, Mass., died Sunday in New Hampshire after being transported to the hospital.
Find out what’s happening in Concordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Demonic Presence Installed On Concord’s City Plaza: Updated: Concord City Council approves permit for Satanic Temple’s demon outside the Statehouse as part of a campaign to promote pluralism.
Create Crafts; Cocoa & Chiropractic; Conversations; More: Get Out, NH: Plus: Historical society open house, evening lights, chair volleyball, stories, a holiday stroll, books, music, and more.
Find out what’s happening in Concordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Pedestrian Struck; Crashes In Snow; Holiday Happenings: Nearby News NH: Manslaughter convict accused of knife threat at homeless org’s apartment building, drunk driving arrests, officials warn about scams, more.
Concord’s Midnight Merriment For 2024 Featured A Parade Of Lights: Video: The 31st annual event closed part of Downtown Concord on Friday night for a parade. Attendees enjoyed shopping, music, and revelry.
T-Bones Great American Eatery Celebrates 40 Years In Salem: Founded by Mark Fenske and Tom Boucher, T-Bones Great American Eatery began in 1984 with the opening of its first location in Salem.
Homeless Men Face Arson Charges In Concord: Police Log: Plus: Concord men arrested on strangulation charges; woman faces assault, obstruction charges at Royal Gardens; man charged with contempt.
Award-Winning Documentary Has More Showings In Concord: Samuel and Dan Habib’s feature-length film “The Ride Ahead” is showing at Red River Theatres in Downtown Concord through Thursday.
Freezing Rain And Snow For Most Of The Week In NH: Weather Update: Forecasters are warning of a messy weather week in the Granite State, featuring rain, freezing rain, and snow that will not accumulate much.
Bank Hold-Up Attempt; Tree Lit At Bridges House; More: PM Patch NH: Also: Felon accused of driving 80 mph on city street; wrestlers rumble; speaker challenge fizzles out; where are the best Christmas lights?
Here are some other posts readers may have missed:
Share Your Child’s Letter To Santa And Help Spread Holiday Cheer!
Raw Milk Recalled As Fears Of Bird Flu In Humans Grow: Recall Roundup
Multi-Vehicle Crash On Everett Turnpike Closes Northbound Lane Sunday
Thank you for reading Patch.com in New Hampshire and have a great week!
Do you have a news tip? Could you email it to tony.schinella@patch.com? View videos on Tony Schinella’s YouTube.com channel or Rumble.com channel. Follow the NH politics Twitter account @NHPatchPolitics for all our campaign coverage.
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