Pokemon Go? Not On My Property!
One of the most notable trends of 2016 thus far is undoubtedly Pokemon Go. The craze has swept the world, and smart phone users everywhere are wandering the streets looking for Pokemon. But what happens when players venture onto private property?
Unfortunately for many players, property laws remain unchanged despite the rise of the game’s popularity. On public streets, players have the right to roam and search as they always have. However, players may not enter private property without permission of the owner without facing the risk of traditional property violations, such as trespassing. There have been several accounts of property owners shooting players because of their presence on private property, or, as happened recently in Florida, for sitting suspiciously in a vehicle outside a residence.
So before searching for Pokemon, consider: is this Pokemon on private property? If so, it may be worth letting it get away, before risking real world consequences. Remember, the law pauses for nobody: even Pokemon.
For more information on property rights, contact our office today.
How Expensive Are New Hampshire’s Property Taxes on a National Level?
It’s no surprise to any New Hampshire property owner that property taxes are high in the Granite State. But just how high are they compared to other states? According to 2015 research, New Hampshire property owners pay the third highest tax rate in the county, averaging almost $3700 per year.
The states with the highest tax rates are:
1. 
New Jersey;
2. Illinois;
3. New Hampshire;
4. Wisconsin;
5. Texas.
Allocation varies by municipality, but most New Hampshire property taxes are used to fund state and local public services, education, road and municipal maintenance.
Fortunately for New Hampshire residents, the high property tax is countered with a lack of state sales and income tax. Further, most New Hampshire residents report that while property taxes are high, their incomes make the burden bearable. In contrast, states like Illinois are facing shrinking incomes as property taxes grow; according to The Pew Charitable Trusts, the state’s middle-class saw a median income drop of 12% between 2000 and 2013.
For New Hampshire residents hoping to reduce their town tax rate, we encourage attendance at local town meetings. Most municipalities in New Hampshire still require town budgets be approved by municipal voters at an annual town meeting, and restricting budgetary expenses is the most effective way to lower the overall tax burden of municipal residents. For more information on how you can help get involved to lower your town’s property taxes, contact us at (603) 226-1188.
Ranking Source: AIMEE PICCHI MONEYWATCH April 8, 2015, 5:55 AM
Recent New Hampshire Legislation Makes New Hampshire A Great State for Businesses.
New Hampshire has always had its tax advantages, with its lack of a broad-based sales or income tax, but recent legislation is making New Hampshire even more appealing to entreprenuers and business owners.
In 2015, the New Hampshire Legislature passed legislation lowering business taxes for the first time in 20 years. In June 2016, Governor Hassan signed two bills- SB 239 and SB 342- which simplify and reduce certain aspects of business taxes. SB 239 simplifies the tax-filing process, and increases the equipment deduction threshold to $100,000. SB 342 reduces tax burdens on businesses sold or transferred.
So what does this mean for Granite State businesses? This means less difficult tax filings, and more money in the pockets of business owners. Additionally, these appealing changes may incentivize businesses to operate in New Hampshire rather than surrounding states. As more businesses come to New Hampshire, more job opportunities will arise; property values may rise; and property taxes in certain municipalities could decrease. For more information on how these changes may affect your business, contact our office today.