Seasonal Resident Registering Vehicle in NH?

Long Pine · 03-03-2012, 10:35 PM

Does anyone know the rules regarding whether a seasonal resident (who owns a home) in NH can register their vehicle in NH or whether this is only available to those who establish permanent residency in NH to the exclusion of any other state?

There are clearly reasons why this makes sense if it is permissible. Buying a new vehicle in NH means no sales tax, but if you then register it in my current home state (CT), they demand that you pay the difference in sales tax between what you paid in NH (0%) and the current state tax rate (6.35%), thus defeating the purpose of buying in NH. However, if the vehicle is registered in NH, sales tax is avoided. Presumably if you live in a state like CT that also has annual personal property tax on vehicles, you could avoid this as well by registering the vehicle in NH.

I intend to call the DMV in both states this week, but am skeptical about getting an accurate answer since this is probably a rare situation. I don't want to break any rules but certainly don't want to miss out on taking advantage of an opportunity that may be legally available to me either. Just wondering if any of you have crossed this bridge. Thanks!

03-03-2012, 10:35 PM	#1
Long Pine Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 93 Thanks: 12 Thanked 33 Times in 12 Posts	Seasonal Resident Registering Vehicle in NH? Does anyone know the rules regarding whether a seasonal resident (who owns a home) in NH can register their vehicle in NH or whether this is only available to those who establish permanent residency in NH to the exclusion of any other state? There are clearly reasons why this makes sense if it is permissible. Buying a new vehicle in NH means no sales tax, but if you then register it in my current home state (CT), they demand that you pay the difference in sales tax between what you paid in NH (0%) and the current state tax rate (6.35%), thus defeating the purpose of buying in NH. However, if the vehicle is registered in NH, sales tax is avoided. Presumably if you live in a state like CT that also has annual personal property tax on vehicles, you could avoid this as well by registering the vehicle in NH. I intend to call the DMV in both states this week, but am skeptical about getting an accurate answer since this is probably a rare situation. I don't want to break any rules but certainly don't want to miss out on taking advantage of an opportunity that may be legally available to me either. Just wondering if any of you have crossed this bridge. Thanks!