Tax Structure:
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.
| Description | 2007-2008 |
| Admissions and Amusement Tax | 10% |
| Cable Franchise Fee | 5% of gross receipts |
| Cigarette Tax | $.50 per pack |
| Guest Lodging Tax | 8% plus 5% of retail sales |
| Machinery and Tool Tax | $3.00 per $100 of
original cost at 50% value |
| Retail Sales Tax (includes 1% collected for the city) |
5% |
| Restaurant Food Tax | 6% plus 5% of retail sales |
| Commercial Utility Taxes | |
| Cable | 20% of first $2,000 |
| Electricity | 20% of first $2,000 |
| Gas | 20% of first $2,000 |
| Telephone | 20% of first $2,000 |
| Stormwater Fees | |
| Commercial | $6.00 per equivalent residential unit |
| Note: 1 ERU-1,877 sq. ft. of impervious area | |
| Residential | $6.00 per equivalent residential unit |
| Motor Vehicle License Fees | |
| Motorcycle | $24.00 |
| Automobile (vehicles up to 4,000 pounds) | $25.00 |
| Automobile (vehicles over 4,000 pounds) | $30.00 |
| Personal Property | |
| Personal Property Tax | $5.00 per $100 of assessed value |
| Personal Property Tax - Boats | $.01 per $100 of assessed value |
| Real Estate Tax | $1.21 per $100 of assessed value |
| Residential Sewer Charges | $3.09 per 1,000 gallons |
| Residential Solid Waste Fee | $32 per month |
| Residential Water Charges | $3.94 per 1,000 gallons |
| Residential Utility Taxes | |
| Electricity | $3.40 |
| Gas | $3.00 |
| Phone | 20% of first $2,000 |
