New Hampshire residents enjoy a significant advantage when it comes to estate planning: the state imposes No estate tax and No inheritance tax. This tax-friendly environment makes New Hampshire an attractive place for wealth preservation and estate planning.
Does New Hampshire Have an Estate Tax?
YesNo state estate or inheritance tax. The inheritance tax (RSA Ch. 86, Legacy & Succession Tax) was repealed outright for deaths on or after 1/1/2003 ("Repealed 2002, 232:14, II, eff. Jan. 1, 2003."). The estate tax (RSA Ch. 87) remains codified but is void by its own terms: RSA 87:9 ("Chapter Void, When.") provides that "[t]his chapter shall become void and of no effect in respect to the estates of persons who die subsequent to the effective date of the repeal of ... that portion of such provisions that allow a credit for state death taxes against the decedent’s federal estate tax." The IRC § 2011 credit was terminated for decedents dying after 12/31/2004 (replaced by the § 2058 deduction, Pub. L. 107-16 § 532(d)) and § 2011 was formally repealed by Pub. L. 113-295 (Dec. 19, 2014), so no New Hampshire estate tax is due for deaths on or after 1/1/2005.Verified Jul 13, 2026View source. The state eliminated its estate tax years ago, joining the majority of states that don’t impose this burden on families during an already difficult time. This means New Hampshire families only need to consider federal estate tax implications.
The federal estate tax exemption for 2026 stands at $15,000,000 per person. Most New Hampshire estates fall well below this threshold, meaning the vast majority of families face no estate tax at all.
What Does This Mean for New Hampshire Families?
The absence of state estate tax creates several benefits for New Hampshire residents. Families can pass wealth to the next generation without state-level taxation. Estate planning becomes simpler when you only need to consider federal tax implications.
However, New Hampshire residents still need proper estate planning. While tax considerations may be simplified, other issues remain important. Probate proceedings still occur for estates above $0NH Probate Div. Rule 88 (fees), NH Probate Div. Rule 169 (filing feesVerified Jul 14, 2026View source. The probate process typically takes 9 monthsNH Probate Div. Rule 88 (fees), NH Probate Div. Rule 169 (filing feesVerified Jul 14, 2026View source to 15 monthsNH Probate Div. Rule 88 (fees), NH Probate Div. Rule 169 (filing feesVerified Jul 14, 2026View source and involves court filing fees of $305.
How Does This Compare to Other States?
New Hampshire’s tax-friendly approach contrasts sharply with states like Massachusetts and Connecticut, which maintain estate taxes with much lower exemption thresholds. This difference makes New Hampshire particularly attractive for retirees and wealthy individuals looking to preserve family wealth.
Understanding the distinction between estate tax and inheritance tax helps clarify New Hampshire’s position. Estate taxes are paid by the estate before distribution, while inheritance taxes are paid by beneficiaries after receiving assets.
Planning Beyond Tax Considerations
Even without state estate tax concerns, New Hampshire residents benefit from comprehensive estate planning. Proper planning addresses asset distribution, healthcare decisions, and financial management during incapacity. These elements remain crucial regardless of tax implications.
Many New Hampshire families create revocable living trusts to avoid probate entirely. While trusts don’t reduce estate tax liability, they do eliminate the time and expense of probate proceedings, allowing assets to transfer directly to beneficiaries.
New Hampshire’s favorable tax environment provides families with more resources to pass to beneficiaries and simplified planning considerations. This advantage, combined with proper estate planning documents, helps ensure your wishes are carried out efficiently.
(Read More: Learn about revocable trusts in New Hampshire versus Nevada and the cost of probate in New Hampshire.)
Sources
- New Hampshire Statutes (§ 561, § 563, § 563)