The Real Proof We Want Your Business
Portsmouth’s tax structure favors new and expanding businesses. Both state and local tax rates are modest, with credits and other incentives available to many companies.
| Real Estate Tax | $1.30 per $100 of assessed value |
| Personal Property Tax | $5.00 per $100 assessed value |
| Personal Property Tax – Boats | $.50 per $100 of assessed value |
| Residential Sewer Charge | $5.01 per 1,000 gallons |
| Residential Solid Waste Fee | $29.16 per month |
| Residential Water Charges | $6.37 per 1,000 gallons |
| Utility Tax | 20% of Water Charges ($400 per month maximum) |
| Machinery and Tool Tax | $3.00 per $100 of original cost at 50% value |
| Business Personal Property | $5.00 per $100 of original cost at 50% value |
| Admissions and Amusement Tax | 10% |
| Cable Franchise Fee | 5% of gross receipts |
| Guest Lodging Tax | 8% plus $3.00 per room per night |
| Retail Sales Tax (includes 1% collected for the city) | 6% |
| Restaurant Food Tax | 7.5% |
| Cable | 20% of first $2,000 |
| Electricity | 20% of first $2,000 |
| Gas | 20% of first $2,000 |
| $13.50 per equivalent residential unit (ERU) per month for all properties, both residential and commercial |
| Motorcycle | $24.75 |
| Automobile (vehicles up to 4,000 pounds) | $30.75 |
| Automobile (vehicles over 4,000 pounds) | $35.75 |
| Electricity | $3.40 |