Quick New Hampshire Tax Stats
| Tax Type | Rate / Info |
|---|---|
| Income Tax | 0% on wages; 5% tax on interest & dividends (no tax on earned income) |
| Sales Tax | 0% (no statewide sales tax) |
| Jock Tax | No wage tax; athletes still owe tax in other states where they earn income |
| Cost of Living (Range) | $65,000 – $145,000 for single-person moderate-to-high lifestyle (Manchester, Nashua, Concord) |
| Average Home Price | ~$430,000 (3-bed/2-bath home in southern NH metro) |
Income Tax in New Hampshire
New Hampshire does not tax earned income, meaning wages, salaries, bonuses, and endorsements are all tax-free at the state level.
It does, however, impose a tax on interest and dividend income (currently 5%), but this does not apply to earned compensation.
For professional athletes, this yields significant advantages:
- Higher net take-home: Income from contracts and performance pay is not taxed by the state.
- Wealth retention: Permits athletes to keep more of their earnings for investing, saving, or lifestyle.
- Capital gains context: While earned income is exempt, passive income (interest, dividends) is subject to state tax; strategic planning can minimize exposure.
Example
A NHL player earning $18 million in salary, sponsorships and endorsements while domiciled in New Hampshire avoids state tax on wages, a potential savings of $2.5-$3.5+ million annually, compared with residing in states like Vermont or Rhode Island that have significant personal income tax.
Because New Hampshire only taxes passive investment income, high-earners must be thoughtful about asset structuring to preserve net gains.
Sales Tax
New Hampshire is one of a small number of states with no statewide sales tax. This can materially reduce the cost of everyday and luxury purchases, especially for athletes with large discretionary spending.
- There is no state or local sales tax on goods or services.
- Everyday purchases (vehicles, apparel, electronics, equipment) do not incur sales tax.
Example
Buying a $120,000 performance vehicle in Manchester or Nashua could save roughly $7,000–$9,000 that would otherwise be paid in sales tax in high-rate states.
Living in a no-sales-tax environment can significantly reduce consumption leakage on big-ticket items and improve net spending power.
Jock Tax
New Hampshire does not impose tax on wage income, which means:
- Home game earnings are tax-free at the state level.
- Athletes are still subject to jock tax in other states where they earn taxable income (e.g., California, New York, Massachusetts).
This creates a favorable residency position, but athletes must remain mindful that income earned out-of-state will still be taxed according to other states’ laws.
Example
A professional basketball player based in Nashua avoids tax on home earnings, but will owe California jock tax on income apportioned during games in Los Angeles.
Cost of Living and Housing
Cost of living in New Hampshire varies by metro area:
- Manchester / Nashua / Concord: Annual moderate–to–high professional athlete lifestyle budgets can range from $95k–$145k, depending on housing, dining, and discretionary spending.
- Smaller towns: Cost of living may be slightly lower, accessibility and amenities vary.
Housing
- Average 3-bed/2-bath homes in southern New Hampshire metro areas are approximately $430,000.
- Premium markets closer to Boston or lakes regions command higher valuations.
With no state sales or wage tax, housing and lifestyle expenditures can feel less burdensome relative to states that layer state tax onto top of federal obligations.
Residency Rules
Athletes establishing residency in New Hampshire benefit from:
- Zero state tax on earned income.
- Sales tax-free environment on consumption.
- A tax climate favorable for athletes who structure their domicile for wealth retention.
Typical residency documentation includes:
- New Hampshire driver’s license/state ID
- Voter registration
- Primary residence documentation
- Evidence of physical presence (utilities, lease/mortgage, etc.)
Example
A college athlete from New England may choose to maintain New Hampshire residency to optimize net take-home after turning professional, especially when balancing out-of-state playing obligations.
Why New Hampshire is Athlete-Friendly
- No tax on wage income = higher net income retention
- No sales tax = lower consumer tax leakage
- Favorable for relocation planning in the Northeast
- Moderate cost of living relative to nearby high-tax states
- Simple tax environment that supports savings and investing
New Hampshire’s unique mix of tax policies, zero wage tax and no sales tax, creates an advantageous position for athletes seeking to maximize net income and preserve wealth.
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Related No Income Tax States
- Florida State Athlete Taxes
- Tennessee State Athlete Taxes
- Texas State Athlete Taxes
- Wyoming State Athlete Taxes
- Nevada State Athlete Taxes
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Credits
Sources: New Hampshire Department of Revenue, State Tax Rates 2025, Zillow / Redfin Housing Data, APSM Proprietary Analysis
Disclaimer: This article contains general financial information for educational purposes and does not constitute professional advice.
Apostle Sports Media 