New Hampshire employers must handle several payroll tax obligations: SUI contributions (0.10%–7.00% on the first $14,000 per employee), plus all federal payroll taxes (FICA at 7.65%, FUTA at 0.6% on the first $7,000). New Hampshire does not have a state income tax on wages. New employers pay an SUI rate of 2.7%.
Table of Contents
Overview: New Hampshire Payroll Tax Landscape
Running payroll in New Hampshire means managing federal tax obligations and state unemployment insurance. Here is the complete picture of what New Hampshire employers owe:
| Tax | Who Pays | Rate | Wage Base |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire SUI | Employer | 0.10%–7.00% | $14,000 |
| Social Security (FICA) | Split 50/50 | 6.2% each | $176,100 |
| Medicare (FICA) | Split 50/50 | 1.45% each | No limit |
| FUTA | Employer | 0.6% (after credit) | $7,000 |
New Hampshire Has No State Income Tax
New Hampshire is one of the states that does not levy a state income tax on wages. This means you do not need to withhold state income tax from employee paychecks, and there is no state income tax return for employees to file.
However, this does not mean your payroll obligations are simple. You still must handle federal income tax withholding, FICA taxes, FUTA, and — critically — New Hampshire State Unemployment Insurance (SUI) contributions.
💼 From the Payroll Desk
New Hampshire’s weekly pay requirement is the most common compliance issue we see. Employers relocating from states with monthly or semi-monthly requirements often don’t realize they must pay weekly in New Hampshire. Adjust your payroll schedule before your first NH hire.
State Unemployment Insurance (SUI)
New Hampshire SUI is an employer-paid tax on the first $14,000 of each employee’s wages per year. New employers pay 2.7%. Experienced employers are rated between 0.10%–7.00% based on their claims history.
SUI is administered by the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security. You must register for an SUI account when you hire your first employee and file quarterly wage reports.
For a detailed breakdown, see our New Hampshire SUI Rates 2026 guide.
Federal Payroll Taxes
On top of New Hampshire state obligations, every employer must handle federal payroll taxes:
- FICA (Social Security + Medicare): 7.65% employer share, 7.65% employee share. Social Security applies to the first $176,100; Medicare has no cap.
- FUTA: 0.6% employer-only tax on the first $7,000 per employee (after state SUI credit).
- Federal Income Tax Withholding: Based on employee W-4 and IRS tables. Employer withholds but does not pay.
For a complete breakdown, see our Federal Payroll Tax Basics guide.
Filing Schedules and Deadlines
Key deadlines for New Hampshire employers:
- Federal 941: Quarterly — due by the last day of the month after each quarter
- Federal 940 (FUTA): Annual — due January 31
- New Hampshire SUI: Quarterly wage reports — due by the last day of the month after each quarter
- W-2s: Due to employees by January 31, filed with SSA by January 31
Penalties for Late Filing and Payment
Late or missed payroll tax payments result in penalties at both the federal and state level:
- IRS: Failure-to-deposit penalties range from 2% to 15% depending on how late
- New Hampshire: State penalties vary but typically include interest on unpaid balances plus fixed or percentage-based penalty fees
- Trust fund penalty: The IRS can hold business owners personally liable for unpaid withholding taxes (the “Trust Fund Recovery Penalty”)
Frequently Asked Questions
What payroll taxes do New Hampshire employers pay?
New Hampshire employers pay federal payroll taxes (FICA, FUTA) and state unemployment insurance (SUI) on the first $14,000 of wages per employee. New Hampshire has no state income tax.
What is the New Hampshire SUI wage base for 2026?
The New Hampshire SUI wage base for 2026 is $14,000. Employers pay SUI on the first $14,000 of each employee's wages per year.
What is the new employer SUI rate in New Hampshire?
New employers in New Hampshire typically pay an SUI rate of 2.7%. Experienced employer rates range from 0.10%–7.00% based on claims history.
When are New Hampshire payroll taxes due?
New Hampshire SUI taxes are typically filed quarterly. Federal payroll tax deposits follow the IRS monthly or semi-weekly schedule. Check with the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration for current due dates.
Does New Hampshire have local payroll taxes?
New Hampshire does not have local income taxes in addition to the state-level requirements.
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Legal & Tax Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice. Employment laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements change frequently. The information on this page reflects our understanding as of February 2026 and may not reflect recent changes in federal or New Hampshire state law.
Do not act or refrain from acting based solely on the information in this article. Always consult a qualified attorney, CPA, or HR professional familiar with New Hampshire law before making payroll or compliance decisions for your business.