How to Start a Business in New Hampshire
Everything you need to form your New Hampshire LLC, corporation, or sole proprietorship, with exact fees, timelines, and step-by-step instructions.
New Hampshire offers advantages for starting a business. LLCs cost $100 to form, and the state has no sales tax or personal income tax. The Business Profits Tax of 7.5% applies only to businesses earning more than $109,000, and the Business Enterprise Tax of 0.55% applies only above $298,000, allowing new startups to operate initially without these taxes.
This guide covers every step of forming a business in New Hampshire, from choosing your business structure to obtaining licenses.
Choosing Your New Hampshire Business Structure
This is the first decision and it affects everything: taxes, liability, paperwork. If you are unsure, an LLC is the right default for most New Hampshire small businesses.
| Entity Type | Liability Protection | Taxation | New Hampshire Filing Fee | Annual Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLC | Yes | Pass-through | $100 | $100 Annual Report | Most small businesses |
| Corporation | Yes | Double (C-Corp) or pass-through (S-Corp) | $100 | $100 Annual Report | Raising investment, stock options |
| Sole Proprietorship | No | Pass-through | $0 | $0 | Freelancers, side hustles |
| Partnership | No | Pass-through | $0 | $0 | 2+ owners (consider an LLC instead) |
8 Steps to Start Your New Hampshire Business
- 1
Choose your business structure
LLC, corporation, or sole proprietorship. Each has different costs, tax treatment, and liability protection.
- 2
Pick and reserve your business name
Search the New Hampshire Secretary of State, Corporation Division database. Reserve for $15 (120 days).
- 3
Appoint a registered agent
Must have a physical New Hampshire street address. Can be yourself (free) or a service ($100 to $300 per year).
- 4
File your formation documents
Certificate of Formation (Form LLC-1) ($100) or Articles of Incorporation (Form 11), also used for a benefit corporation; Form 11PC for a professional corporation ($100) with the New Hampshire Secretary of State, Corporation Division.
- 5
Get your EIN from the IRS
Free, online, takes about 5 minutes. Do not pay anyone for this.
- 6
Register for a sales tax permit if you sell goods
Through the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration. State sales tax rate: none.
- 7
Get required licenses and permits
New Hampshire has no general statewide business license.
- 8
Register for New Hampshire taxes
Personal income tax: none.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in New Hampshire?
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LLC filing fee (New Hampshire Secretary of State, Corporation Division) Required | $100 | Varies by filing type and time of year. The Corporation Division posts its current processing date in the announcements... |
| Corporation filing fee Required | $100 | If forming a corporation instead |
| Annual Report Required | $100 | April 1 of each year following the year of registration. |
| Name reservation | $15 | 120 days |
| Registered agent service | $0 to $300/yr | Free if you serve as your own |
| EIN (IRS) Required | $0 | Always free |
| Business license | Varies | New Hampshire has no general statewide business license. |
| Operating agreement | $0 to $500+ | Free template or attorney-drafted |
| Realistic LLC total (year 1) | $100 to $500 |
Start a Specific Business in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Business Guides
- How to Start an LLC in New Hampshire
- How to Start a Corporation in New Hampshire
- Sole Proprietorship in New Hampshire: How to Start One
- New Hampshire Business License: What You Need and How to Get It
- New Hampshire Home-Based Business Laws: Zoning, Permits and Rules
- How to Get an EIN in New Hampshire
- New Hampshire Business Name Search: How to Check and Reserve a Name
- How to Get a Resale Certificate in New Hampshire
- New Hampshire Registered Agent: Requirements and How to Choose One
- Best LLC Services in New Hampshire
- New Hampshire Business Taxes Explained for New Owners
- How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in New Hampshire
Why Start a Business in New Hampshire?
- New Hampshire has no general sales tax and no personal income tax; the Interest and Dividends Tax was repealed for taxable periods beginning after December 31, 2024.
- An LLC Certificate of Formation costs $100, or $102 filed online through NH QuickStart including the $2 electronic handling charge.
- Articles of Incorporation for a corporation or benefit corporation also cost $100, so the LLC and corporation entry cost is identical.
- The annual report fee is $100 for both LLCs and corporations, due April 1 each year, with a $50 late fee.
- The Business Profits Tax of 7.5% applies only above $109,000 of gross business income, and the 0.55% Business Enterprise Tax only above $298,000, so small startups often owe neither.
- State GDP reached $125.5 billion in 2025 with a resident population of 1,409,032 in 2024, giving a high output per resident for a small state.
New Hampshire Business Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to form an LLC in New Hampshire?
- Processing time varies based on filing type and time of year, with current dates posted on the NH QuickStart login page. Expedited service is available in person at the Corporation Division Customer Lobby for an additional $25 fee.
- What does it cost to start an LLC in year one?
- The Certificate of Formation costs $100 to file, or $102 if filed online through NH QuickStart. The first annual report of $100 is not due until April 1 of the following year.
- Can I form an LLC in New Hampshire as a non-resident?
- Filing is available online through NH QuickStart or in person at the Corporation Division Customer Lobby. The filing fee is $100, or $102 if filed online.
- What is the cheapest way to start a business in New Hampshire?
- An LLC costs $100 to file and a corporation costs $100, so they have the same formation cost in New Hampshire.
- Do I need an operating agreement to start an LLC in New Hampshire?
- The Certificate of Formation is the required formation document with a $100 filing fee. Your first annual report of $100 is due April 1 of each year following registration.