The state of New Hampshire has reported a total revenue of $3.27 billion for the fiscal year 2026, marking a $170 million surplus. This figure, although unaudited, indicates a $168.5 million increase compared to the previous fiscal year. The preliminary data, subject to adjustment, was released by state budget officials and is expected to be finalized in the state’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report later this year.
The initial estimates, which were slightly higher at $3.28 billion were revised downward by $12.3 million. This adjustment included a $13 million downward revision in business taxes, bringing the total to $1.124 billion from the previously reported $1.137 billion.
Key Contributors to the Revenue Surplus
The state’s financial performance was significantly bolstered by a tax amnesty program which generated $103.8 million. This amount far exceeded the initial projections of $5 million to $8 million. Even without this windfall, the state would have achieved a $71.2 million revenue surplus.
Another notable contributor was the Lottery Commission which transferred an additional $42 million to the state Education Trust Fund, bringing the total to $251 million. This figure was adjusted upward by approximately $200,000 from earlier reports.
Performance of Major Tax Categories
The Rooms and Meals Tax the state’s second-largest levy, collected $350 million which was an increase of about $11.3 million from the previous fiscal year. Although this total was below estimates by about 0.4 percent it represented a 3.2 percent increase over fiscal year 2026.
The Real Estate Transfer Tax raised $235.8 million which was $21.4 million more than estimates and $12.8 million more than in fiscal year 2026. The tax total for fiscal year 2026 was adjusted upward by almost $5 million from earlier reports.
The Securities Tax was also adjusted upward by $200,000 to $44.1 million although it was below budget estimates by $300,000.
Other Revenue Streams and Adjustments
The Other category, which includes various assessments such as interest earned from investments of federal COVID relief and rescue money, showed earnings of $163 million for the state. This amount was $27 million more than estimates but $21 million less than collected in fiscal year 2026.
A new revenue stream from video lottery terminals at charity gambling facilities was introduced in fiscal year 2026. Lawmakers estimated this would produce $60 million but installation delays and late reporting put revenues well behind the target by 63.6 percent. The terminals, which split their state earnings between the state general fund and Education Trust Fund, only produced $22 million in their first year of operation.
The Interest and Dividends Tax which was repealed beginning January 1, 2026, was anticipated to produce $8.7 million in fiscal year 2026. However, only $500,000 was collected. In its last full fiscal year of collection in fiscal year 2026, the tax produced $184 million.
Highway and Fish and Game Funds
The total Highway Fund revenue, primarily generated by the gas tax and vehicle registrations, was 2 percent above its estimates for the fiscal year and 2.5 percent above the fiscal year 2026 collections.
The Fish and Game Fund generated by hunting and fishing licenses, was 6 percent above its estimates and 0.7 percent above its fiscal year 2026 earnings.
The state’s budget surplus at the end of fiscal year 2026 will be determined by the actual amount of revenues collected and what state government actually spent. This figure will be finalized by the state’s annual audit and released in the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
