Paying taxes is stressful enough, but when penalties and interest start piling up, it can feel impossible to catch up. This year, New Hampshire is giving people a rare chance to wipe the slate clean. Beginning this December, the state will roll out a Tax Amnesty Program that allows taxpayers to settle overdue balances without penalties and with only half the interest. For homeowners, especially those juggling extra income from rentals or investments, this could mean meaningful savings and a fresh financial start.
What Is the Tax Amnesty Program?
The New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) has announced a special window from December 1, 2025, through February 15, 2026, where eligible taxpayers can pay off overdue balances with a major break on fees.
Here’s the deal:
- No penalties will be charged.
- You’ll only pay half of the interest that has built up over time.
- The underlying tax still must be paid in full.
It’s essentially a second chance for taxpayers to clear the slate without the heavy financial burden of years of penalties.
Who Does It Help?
This program isn’t about property taxes—those are handled at the local level by towns and cities. Instead, it applies to state-level taxes owed on or before June 30, 2025.
Examples include:
- Business Profits Tax
- Interest and Dividends Tax
- Meals and Rentals Tax
- Communications Services Tax
For homeowners, this could matter if you own a rental property, have dividend income, or operate a small business from home. Settling overdue state taxes during this window could free you from long-standing obligations and even reduce financial stress that indirectly affects your household budget.
Why It Matters for Homeowners
At first glance, a tax amnesty might sound like it’s only for businesses. But for homeowners, here’s why it’s important:
- Peace of mind: If you’ve fallen behind on state taxes, resolving them now prevents future liens or collection actions that could affect your property.
- Financial relief: Eliminating penalties and slashing interest costs means keeping more money in your pocket.
- Rare opportunity: These programs don’t come around often—New Hampshire typically offers them only once every 10 to 15 years.
Key Dates to Remember
- Amnesty Period: December 1, 2025 – February 15, 2026
- Taxes Covered: Any state tax due on or before June 30, 2025
- Not Covered: Local property taxes
Final Thoughts
For New Hampshire homeowners, this amnesty program is more than just a tax announcement—it’s a financial reset button. Whether you’re managing rental income, dividends, or a home-based business, this is the perfect opportunity to wipe the slate clean with the state at a fraction of the usual cost.
If you think you might qualify, mark your calendar now. Acting within this short two-and-a-half-month window could make a significant difference for your household finances heading into 2026.