Penny Rounding for Cash Transactions - Frequently Asked Questions (6/24/2026)

Why is the Town Clerk’s Office rounding totals up to the nearest nickel? (6/24/2026)

The US Mint discontinued penny production in late 2025. Banks and businesses have begun having issues securing pennies to meet demand, and the Town’s bank is no longer distributing pennies. Businesses handling cash are adapting, and absent policy from the State or Federal government, each business or municipality is left to decide how to move forward.

After reviewing options, law, and what challenges each option would present, the determination was made to notify customers as early as possible, offer alternate methods of payment, and to round cash payments up to the nearest $.05.

The US Mint and US Treasury have issued further information regarding the penny and its discontinuance.

Can a credit be applied to my account? (6/24/2026)

Due to software limitations, carrying credits on accounts in the Town Clerk’s office is not a viable option for penny rounding.

Can the Town apply symmetrical rounding or round down? (6/24/2026)

The Town Clerk’s Office primarily serves as a local intermediary for the State, with the Town transferring collected funds to the State each day. Rounding down would require the Town (taxpayers) to cover the difference as the whole fee would still be owed.

Ideally, State fees will be adjusted to calculate in increments of $.05, nullifying the issue.

Is it legal to round up? (6/24/2026)

Some states are passing laws or issuing guidance to clarify rounding rules. Barrington's council has confirmed that currently in New Hampshire, the decision on how to round has been left to individual municipalities and businesses. Current guidance includes clearly posting the policy, notifying customers, offering alternative payment options, and applying the chosen rounding policy consistently across cash transactions.

Each customer can make the determination regarding which payment option is best for their situation.

If I pay by check or credit card, will my total be rounded? (6/24/2026)

The rounding will only apply to cash transactions when exact change is not provided by the customer. Checks, online payments, and credit cards will not be impacted.

Customers can avoid having a transaction rounded up by providing exact change or using an alternate payment option.