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.

Personal Property
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)
Commercial
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%
Commercial Utility Tax
Cable 20% of first $2,000
Electricity 20% of first $2,000
Gas 20% of first $2,000
Stormwater Fees
$13.50 per equivalent residential unit (ERU) per month for all properties, both residential and commercial
Motor Vehicle License Fees
Motorcycle $24.75
Automobile (vehicles up to 4,000 pounds) $30.75
Automobile (vehicles over 4,000 pounds) $35.75
Residential Utility Taxes
Electricity $3.40