Politics & Finances

Massachusetts Agrees to Pay New Hampshire $3.5 Over Property Tax Dispute

Massachusetts Agrees to Pay New Hampshire $3.5 Over Property Tax Dispute

Massachusetts officials have agreed to pay New Hampshire officials $3.5 million to settle a property tax dispute that has been ongoing since 2014.

According to Boston ABC affiliate WCVB, the states first entered into an agreement about land near the Merrimack River in 1957.

Construction of the 15 flood management facilities in question started in the 1940s, under the direction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The facilities can be found from New Hampton to Harrisville in New Hampshire but primarily stop flooding on the Massachusetts side of the river.

According to the outlet, the spat between the Northeastern states began "over lost property taxes caused by infrastructure in New Hampshire that helps to prevent Merrimack River flooding that primarily benefits Massachusetts."

Since 2014, the two states have been at an impasse regarding the exact amount that should be paid annually.

In a statement obtained by the network news outlet, New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella said:

“After eight years of impasse, I am pleased that our two great states have been able to reach agreement on this settlement payment to compensate New Hampshire citizens for almost a decade of lost revenue."

Formella also confirmed that both sides have agreed on a formula to determine how much is owed going forward. 

Previously, New Hampshire was paid 70% of the lost property tax revenue. At this time, officials from both states have remained quiet regarding the specifics of the calculations that will be used in the future.

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu (R) also weighed in on the resolution. Local news source Manchester Ink Link reported that the state's 82nd governor said:

“New Hampshire will finally be properly compensated for the vital services that it provides to the entire Merrimack Valley. I am proud of the work of my staff, Commission members, the Department of Revenue, and the Attorney General’s Office in achieving this result.”

What do you think about this interstate property tax issue in New England? If you need help with your own property taxes, match with the perfect tax professional for you today.

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Rebekah Barton

Rebekah Barton

Rebekah's search engine optimization career began completely by accident as a college student. Over the course of her career so far, she has "grown up" with the SEO industry, from writing content while juggling classes to managing her own teams of writers and overseeing SEO strategy in subsequent roles. She is excited to bring her passion for high-quality content to CountingWorks, Inc.

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