Railroad & Private Rail Car
Frequently asked questions in regard to Railroad and Private Rail Car taxes.
What is the Railroad/Private Rail Car tax?
A tax amount derived from applying the median statewide equalization ratio to the market value of railroad property. The average statewide tax rate is then applied to generate the tax amount.
Who is subject to the railroad tax?
Every railroad, railway, express, and every parlor, sleeping or dining car company, or other company not a railroad company owning any cars operated for profit on any railroad located in New Hampshire.
What properties are exempt from this tax?
Certain railroads, such as amusement railroads or new railroads, may qualify for exemptions.
How is the tax assessed and paid?
The tax is assessed annually as of April 1 of each year, upon the market value of its property and estate, at a rate equal as may be to the average rate of taxation at that time upon other property throughout the state. A Notice of Assessment is provided in December detailing the assessment, estimated taxes paid and final amounts owed, if any.
Payments of assessed taxes can be made using our online portal, Granite Tax Connect.
Do I have to make estimated payments?
Yes. Every company must make estimated railroad or private car tax payments unless the annual estimated tax is less than $200. If your estimated tax liability exceeds $200, four estimate payments are required, paid at 25% each on April 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of the tax year
What happens to the tax collected?
The railroad taxes paid in each fiscal year are distributed in the following manner:
- To the towns in which any railroad is located, 1/4 of the tax paid by the railroad corporation. Each town shall receive its share according to the fraction resulting when the trackage owned by the corporation and located in the town is compared to the total trackage owned by the corporation in the state.
- To the special railroad fund established by RSA 228:68, 1/4 of the tax paid by the railroad corporation.
- The remainder for the use of the state.
Where can I obtain forms?
Forms may be obtained from the Department's website on the Current Year Forms and Instructions page, by calling the Forms Line at (603) 230-5001, or by request using our online portal, Granite Tax Connect at https://gtc.revenue.nh.gov/.
Where can I file forms?
You can file all forms using our online portal, Granite Tax Connect at https://gtc.revenue.nh.gov/ or by mail to:
NH Department of Revenue
Municipal and Property Division
PO Box 487
Concord, NH 03302-0487
Who do I contact with questions?
Call the Municipal and Property Division at (603) 230-5950 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or email at utilities@dra.nh.gov.