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New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration Offering Tax Season Support and Resources
DRA providing tax filing tips based on data from prior tax season
Concord, NH – As taxpayers prepare for Tax Day on April 15, the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (NHDRA) is offering filing tips for Granite State taxpayers. Based on common filing errors from previous tax seasons, NHDRA compiled a comprehensive series of tips to reduce the likelihood of processing delays for taxpayers during NHDRA’s busiest season of the year.
“Approximately 90 percent of taxpayers file their returns during the months of March and April. This time last year, we processed more than 113,000 tax returns,” said NHDRA Commissioner Lindsey Stepp. “NHDRA has all hands on deck right now and we encourage taxpayers to consider these tips, and to make note of the resources available to them, as we enter the ‘rush period’ of tax season.”
Filing Tips for New Hampshire Taxpayers
Confirm Form is Current
Taxpayers have often downloaded a previous year’s version and have forgotten to update to the current year’s version the following year. NHDRA updates its tax return forms annually to reflect any tax law, tax rate, or other changes. Ensure the correct tax year form is used and that all pages are present. Visit NHDRA’s Forms Page online to find the correct version of all forms. To access forms and instructions by tax type, visit revenue.nh.gov/forms.
Channel Your Inner Mathematician
A simple miscalculation could result in delayed processing and the issuance of assessments, penalties and interest. Double-checking the math on a return will better equip taxpayers for avoiding an easily preventable mistake.
Consistency with “Primary Taxpayer”
Married taxpayers filing a joint Interest & Dividends (I&D) Tax return should ensure the same taxpayer is listed first on the return each year. Changing the order of the names listed could result in delayed processing.
Don’t Forget Attachments and Schedules
Many of NHDRA’s return forms require additional attachments to be submitted with the return. Carefully read the form instructions to determine which, if any, additional attachments and schedules must accompany a return in order for the return to be considered complete.
Electronic or Paper, Not Both
Many New Hampshire tax returns can be filed through NHDRA’s Modernized e-File (MeF) system. When a return is submitted electronically, there is no need to mail a paper copy to NHDRA. Submitting both may slow the process. Visit NHDRA’s e-File Page to learn more about how to electronically file a New Hampshire tax return.
*NHDRA’s new online user portal, Granite Tax Connect, is now available for taxpayers of the Meals & Rentals, Nursing Facility Quality Assessment and Medicaid Enhancement Taxes. Additional tax types will be added for returns filed and payments made this fall. Visit NHDRA’s Granite Tax Connect page to learn more about NHDRA’s improved online experience.
Include Payment with the Return
If tax, penalties, or interest is owed, ensure payment accompanies the return to avoid the assessment of interest and penalties. Payments can be made by credit card or directly from a checking account. NHDRA is able to accept most major cards, including debit cards, credit cards, and some types of cryptocards. If the amount owed is not paid electronically, ensure a check accompanied by a payment coupon is mailed to NHDRA.
The Final Step
Surprisingly, NHDRA sends back hundreds of returns during filing season for missing signatures. Taxpayers should make note of the important last step of signing the return before submitting.
For taxpayer resources online, visit www.revenue.nhgov.
NHDRA’s Taxpayer Services Division is available to answer all filing questions. Contact the Taxpayer Services Division by phone at (603) 230-5000 (select option 2), Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
About the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration
The New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (NHDRA) is responsible for fairly and efficiently administering the tax laws of the State of New Hampshire. NHDRA collects approximately 80% of New Hampshire’s general taxes. During Fiscal Year 2019, NHDRA collected $2.15 billion in taxes, most of which went to the New Hampshire General Fund and Education Trust Fund. NHDRA also provides assistance to municipalities in budgeting, finance and real estate appraisal.
NHDRA administers and collects the following taxes at the state level: Business Enterprise Tax, Business Profits Tax, Communications Services Tax, Interest and Dividends Tax, Meals and Rooms Tax, Medicaid Enhancement Tax, Nursing Facility Quality Assessment, Tobacco Tax, Taxation of Railroads, Utility Property Tax, Real Estate Transfer Tax; and the following taxes at the local level: Property Tax, Excavation Tax, Timber Tax. To learn more about NHDRA, please visit www.revenue.nh.gov.
Media Contact:
Grace McInnis, Montagne Communications
603.644.3200 x18
grace@montagnecom.com