How to Start a Business in New Hampshire (Step by Step Guide)

Starting Business in New HampshireAre you thinking about starting your own business in New Hampshire? If so, then you have come to the right place!

On this page, you can find step by step DIY instructions on how to incorporate your business in New Hampshire. From selecting the business entity type to forms to be filled, we have covered it all.

Let’s get Started

The first step in setting up your business is to select the business structure.

Broadly there are 4 types of business entities that can be registered:

  1. Limited Liability Company (Most Popular)
  2. Corporation
  3. Sole Proprietorship
  4. Partnership

Each business structure differs on the basis of taxation, asset liability and estate planning. We have written a detailed tutorial on how to choose a business entity type for your business here.

Below we have given a broad outline of the steps involved in registering an LLC or Corporation in New Hampshire.

Clicking on each step, opens up a detailed guide on how to complete it.

How to Start an LLC in New Hampshire

Agency ResponsibleNew Hampshire Secretary of State – Corporation Division
Form(s) to be filledCertificate of Formation (Form LLC-1)
ModeMail or Online
Name ReservationOptional, Fee $15 (Online)
Filing Fee$100
Time2 weeks
LawNH Rev Stat § 304-C:7 (2013)


Summary:

  1. Choose business name for your LLC
  2. File for Business name reservation in New Hampshire (Optional)
  3. Select a Registered Agent
  4. Fill Certificate of Formation (Form LLC-1)
  5. Draft an Operating Agreement
  6. Get an EIN Number (IRS Form SS-4)
  7. Obtain relevant licenses and permits
  8. Obtain Tax ID number
  9. Get business license and permits
  10. (Ongoing) File Annual Report

How to Start a Corporation in New Hampshire

Agency ResponsibleNew Hampshire Secretary of State – Corporation Division
Form(s) to be filledArticles of Incorporation (Form 11PC)
ModeMail or Online
Name ReservationOptional, Fee $15 (Online)
Filing Fee$100
Time2 weeks
Lawfill later

Summary:

  1. Search for a Business Name
  2. File for Business Name Reservation (Optional)
  3. Select Registered Agent
  4. Fill Articles of Incorporation (Form 11PC)
  5. Create Corporate Bylaws
  6. Get federal EIN Number
  7. Obtain Tax ID number
  8. Get business license and permits
  9. (Ongoing) File Annual Report



References:
https://law.justia.com/codes/new-hampshire/2013/title-xxviii/chapter-304-c/
https://law.justia.com/codes/new-hampshire/2009/TITLEXXVII/CHAPTER293-A/CHAPTER293-A.html
Last fact-checked on 25/07/2018

New Hampshire Business Entity & Corporation Search

All the businesses operating or authorized to do business in New Hampshire must register with Corporation Division of the New Hampshire Secretary of State. The division is also responsible for record keeping and regular compliance of registered business entities. These business records are available to the public and can be accessed on the NH Secretary […]

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