New Hampshire sales tax is something shoppers love to hear about. The rate is 0%. New Hampshire is one of only five states with no general sales tax. This means you keep more money in your pocket on every purchase. However, that doesn’t mean everything is tax-free. The state does charge an 8.5% meals and rooms tax on restaurant food and lodging. Understanding where New Hampshire sales tax applies — and where it doesn’t — can help you shop smarter across the Granite State.
New Hampshire Sales Tax Rate: The Basics
New Hampshire sales tax is exactly 0% at every level. There is no state sales tax. There are no county or city sales taxes either. The combined rate is 0% no matter where you shop in the state. This applies to all retail goods across every New Hampshire community.
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 0.00% |
| Average Local Sales Tax | 0.00% |
| Combined Average Rate | 0.00% |
| National Average Combined Rate | 7.38% |
For example, a $500 laptop costs exactly $500 in New Hampshire. That same laptop would cost $531.25 in neighboring Massachusetts. It would cost $527.50 in Maine. In addition, Vermont shoppers would pay roughly $532 for the same item. New Hampshire’s zero rate saves shoppers real money on every purchase.
What New Hampshire Does and Does Not Tax
Since the New Hampshire sales tax rate is 0%, no retail goods are taxed at checkout. Groceries, clothing, electronics, furniture, and medicine are all tax-free. However, the state does collect taxes on certain services and consumables through other channels.
| Category | Taxed? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | No | No sales tax on food |
| Clothing | No | All clothing is tax-free |
| Electronics | No | Computers, phones, TVs — all 0% |
| Medicine (Rx) | No | No tax on prescriptions |
| Over-the-Counter Drugs | No | No tax on OTC medicine |
| Restaurant Meals | Yes — 8.5% | Meals and rooms tax applies |
| Hotel/Lodging | Yes — 8.5% | Meals and rooms tax applies |
| Car Rentals | Yes — 8.5% | Meals and rooms tax applies |
| Tobacco | Yes | $1.78 per pack of cigarettes |
| Gasoline | Yes | 23.75 cents per gallon |
Specifically, the 8.5% meals and rooms tax is the main tax shoppers encounter. It applies to prepared food at restaurants and fast-food chains. It also covers hotel stays, short-term rentals, and car rentals. As a result, dining out costs noticeably more than cooking at home. Buying groceries at a supermarket remains completely tax-free.
New Hampshire Sales Tax by City and County
Unlike most states, New Hampshire sales tax does not vary by location. Every city and county charges 0%. There are no local add-on taxes anywhere in the state. Whether you shop in Manchester, Nashua, or a small rural town, the rate is identical.
| City | State Rate | Local Rate | Combined Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Nashua | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Concord | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Portsmouth | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Dover | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Keene | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Lebanon | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
This statewide consistency is a major advantage. Shoppers never need to drive to a different town for a better tax rate. In addition, New Hampshire’s outlet malls and retail centers attract visitors from neighboring states specifically because of the 0% rate. The Merrimack Premium Outlets in southern New Hampshire draw heavy traffic from Massachusetts shoppers looking to avoid sales tax.
New Hampshire Sales Tax Holidays
New Hampshire does not have any sales tax holidays. This makes perfect sense. You cannot offer a holiday from a tax that doesn’t exist. The New Hampshire sales tax rate is already 0% every single day of the year.
However, shoppers in neighboring states do benefit from tax holidays. Massachusetts typically holds a sales tax holiday weekend in August. During that event, most items under $2,500 are exempt from the state’s 6.25% tax. If you live near the New Hampshire border, you already enjoy better savings year-round. Check our best time to buy everything calendar for additional ways to time your purchases.
Online Shopping and New Hampshire Sales Tax
Online shopping in New Hampshire is completely tax-free. When you order from Amazon, Walmart.com, Target, or any other online retailer, no sales tax is added to your order. This is true as long as your shipping address is in New Hampshire.
Many states now require online retailers to collect sales tax under economic nexus laws. However, New Hampshire sales tax remains 0%. Online sellers have nothing to collect. As a result, your online checkout total matches the listed price — no surprise taxes at the end.
Specifically, this applies to all types of online purchases. Digital downloads, streaming subscriptions, and physical goods shipped to a New Hampshire address are all tax-free. This is a significant advantage over shoppers in states like Vermont or Massachusetts. For more ways to save on online purchases, see our complete guide to saving money shopping online.
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Smart Shopping Tips for New Hampshire
1. Make big purchases in New Hampshire. If you live near the border of Massachusetts, Vermont, or Maine, buy expensive items in New Hampshire. A $1,000 TV saves you $62.50 compared to buying it in Massachusetts. Furniture, appliances, and electronics add up fast. The zero New Hampshire sales tax rate makes it the best place in New England for large purchases.
2. Cook at home to avoid the meals tax. The 8.5% meals and rooms tax applies to all restaurant food. A $50 dinner for two becomes $54.25 after tax. However, groceries are completely untaxed. In addition, buying prepared deli food at a grocery store may also trigger the meals tax. Ask before you buy.
3. Stack savings with cashback and coupons. Since you already pay 0% sales tax, adding coupons and cashback rewards makes your dollar stretch even further. Use cashback apps on every purchase for additional savings on top of your tax-free advantage.
4. Take advantage of New Hampshire liquor stores. The state operates its own liquor stores with no sales tax on alcohol. Prices are often significantly lower than in neighboring states. These state-run stores along major highways are popular with cross-border shoppers.
5. Browse our shopping guides for more savings. Visit our shopping guides for seasonal deals, product comparisons, and money-saving strategies that pair perfectly with New Hampshire’s tax-free shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sales tax rate in New Hampshire?
The New Hampshire sales tax rate is 0%. There is no state, county, or city sales tax. New Hampshire is one of five states in the country with no general sales tax. The price you see on the shelf is the price you pay at the register.
Are groceries taxed in New Hampshire?
No. Groceries are not taxed in New Hampshire. All food purchased at supermarkets and grocery stores is completely tax-free. However, prepared meals from restaurants are subject to an 8.5% meals and rooms tax. This is a separate tax from a general sales tax.
Does New Hampshire have a sales tax holiday?
No. New Hampshire does not offer a sales tax holiday. Since the New Hampshire sales tax rate is 0% year-round, a tax holiday would have no effect. Every day is effectively a tax-free shopping day in the Granite State.
Start Saving on Every Purchase
Now that you know your state’s sales tax rates, use that knowledge to time your purchases and stack savings. Combine tax-free shopping periods with cashback apps and coupon codes to keep more money in your pocket.
Official Sources
- Tax Foundation — state and local sales tax data
- IRS.gov — federal tax information
- FTC Consumer Information — shopping rights and protections
Rates current as of May 2026. Sales tax rates change periodically. Always verify current rates with your state’s revenue department.