How to Get an EIN in New Hampshire

An Employer Identification Number, or EIN, is your business's federal tax ID. If you are starting a business in New Hampshire, you will almost certainly need one. This guide walks you through the application process, what to expect, and what comes next with New Hampshire tax registration.

What Is an EIN and Why You Need One

The IRS assigns an EIN to identify your business for tax purposes, similar to how a Social Security number identifies you personally. It is a nine-digit number in the format XX-XXXXXXX.

An EIN is required if your business is structured as an LLC, corporation, partnership, or S-corporation. Even sole proprietorships often need one, depending on whether you have employees or plan to open a business bank account.

Think of it this way: if your business will have a separate legal identity from you personally, the IRS needs a way to track it. An EIN is that identifier.

Do You Need an EIN in New Hampshire?

You need an EIN if any of the following apply:

• You are forming an LLC, corporation, or partnership
• You have employees or plan to hire them
• You want to open a business bank account in your business name
• You operate as an S-corporation
• You are a nonprofit or tax-exempt organization
• Your business is a trust or estate
• You hire independent contractors and need to issue 1099 forms

If you are a sole proprietor with no employees and operate under your own name, you may be able to use your Social Security number for tax purposes. However, getting an EIN is still recommended because it keeps your personal and business finances separate and protects your privacy.

New Hampshire has no state-specific business tax ID separate from the federal EIN. Your EIN is the primary identifier for your business with both the IRS and the state.

How to Apply for an EIN Online (The Fastest Method)

The fastest way to get an EIN is to apply online through the IRS website. You will receive your number immediately upon approval, usually within minutes. This is the method we recommend.

Materials and Information You Will Need

Before you start your application, gather these items:

• Your Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
• Your legal business name, exactly as it appears on your formation documents (your LLC Certificate of Formation or Articles of Incorporation)
• Your business address in New Hampshire (must be a physical street address, not a PO box)
• The mailing address for your business (can be different from your physical address)
• Your business structure type (LLC, corporation, sole proprietorship, etc.)
• Your business start date
• A description of your business activity (what your business does)
• Information about the principal officer or owner, including their name and phone number
• The total number of employees you expect to have (even if zero for now)

Have this information ready before you begin. The application process is straightforward, and most business owners complete it in 10 to 15 minutes.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Go to the IRS EIN Application Page

Visit the IRS website at irs.gov and search for "Apply for an EIN online." This takes you to the official IRS EIN application tool. You can also access it directly through the IRS's online application system, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Step 2: Select Your Entity Type

The application starts by asking you to select your business structure. Choose from these options:

• Sole proprietorship (if you operate under your own name)
• LLC (Limited Liability Company)
• Partnership
• Corporation (C or S)
• Nonprofit
• Other (trusts, estates, etc.)

If you are filing an LLC in New Hampshire, select the LLC option. The application will adjust the questions based on your selection.

Step 3: Enter Your Responsible Party Information

The IRS asks for the "responsible party." This is the person who has significant control over the business. For a sole proprietorship, it is you. For an LLC, it is typically a member or manager. For a corporation, it is usually a principal officer like the president or treasurer.

Provide their full legal name, Social Security number (or ITIN), date of birth, and street address. If the responsible party is not a US citizen, you will provide an ITIN instead.

Step 4: Provide Your Business Information

Enter your New Hampshire business address. The IRS requires a physical street address. A PO box is not acceptable. If you are running your business from home, use your home street address.

If your mailing address is different (for example, if you use a registered agent or business mailbox), provide that as well.

Step 5: Describe Your Business Activity

Write a brief description of what your business does. For example: "Consulting services for small businesses" or "Retail clothing sales" or "Software development." This helps the IRS classify your business and is used for statistical purposes.

Step 6: Report Your Expected Payroll

The IRS asks whether you expect to have employees and, if so, how many. If you have no employees now but plan to hire them later, indicate that. This information is used to route your EIN to the correct IRS office that handles employment tax.

Step 7: Confirm and Submit

Review all the information you entered. The IRS application includes a confirmation screen showing everything you provided. Check for typos, especially in your business name and address. Then click submit.

Step 8: Receive Your EIN Immediately

If your application is approved (which happens in the vast majority of cases), your EIN will display on the screen immediately. Write it down. You can also print the confirmation page or email it to yourself.

The IRS typically does not send a formal EIN letter anymore, though you can request one. Save your confirmation email or printout as your proof of EIN issuance.

Alternative Application Methods (If You Cannot Apply Online)

The online method is fastest, but you have other options if needed:

• By phone: Call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 during business hours (Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET). You will speak to a representative who files your application over the phone. You will receive your EIN at the end of the call. Processing typically takes 15 to 20 minutes.
• By mail: Complete IRS Form SS-4 (Application for Employer Identification Number) and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks. This method is slower and not recommended unless you have no other option.
• By fax: Some IRS offices accept faxed applications. Call 1-800-829-4933 to ask about fax filing in your situation.

We recommend applying online. It is fast, free, and you have proof of your number immediately.

After You Get Your EIN: New Hampshire Tax Registration

Once you have your EIN, your next step depends on your business structure and expected revenue.

New Hampshire Business Profits Tax

New Hampshire requires businesses to pay the Business Profits Tax at a rate of 7.5% on taxable business income. However, this tax applies only if your business has more than $109,000 of gross business income in a year. If you expect to exceed this threshold, you must register with the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration.

You can register online through the department's Granite Tax Connect portal at gtc.revenue.nh.gov/TAP. Registration is free, but filing the tax return itself has deadlines and requirements.

Business Enterprise Tax

New Hampshire also imposes the Business Enterprise Tax at a rate of 0.55%. This tax applies to compensation, interest, and dividends paid by the business. It applies to enterprises with more than $298,000 of gross receipts or an enterprise value tax base exceeding $298,000 in a year.

Like the Business Profits Tax, this is filed through the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration once your business reaches the threshold.

Meals and Rooms Tax Registration (If Applicable)

If your business operates a hotel, provides sleeping accommodations, sells meals, or rents motor vehicles, you need a Meals and Rooms (Rentals) Operator's License from the Department of Revenue Administration. Apply through the same Granite Tax Connect portal.

Local Permits and Licenses

Your New Hampshire city or town may require additional permits or licenses depending on your business type and location. Contact your local city or town clerk to ask what is required. Common requirements include home-based business permits, zoning variances, and health licenses for food-related businesses.

Regulated professions (such as accounting, architecture, contracting, nursing, and many others) require state licenses from the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. Check their website at oplc.nh.gov/professional-licensing to see whether your profession is regulated.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Using a PO Box as Your Business Address

The IRS requires a physical street address. A mailbox service or PO box will cause your application to be rejected. Use your home address or the address of your business location.

Mistake 2: Delaying Your EIN Application

Do not wait to apply for your EIN. You need it before you open a business bank account or hire employees. Apply as soon as you decide to form a business or shortly after you file your LLC or corporation formation documents with the Secretary of State.

Mistake 3: Providing Incorrect Business Name

Your EIN application must show your business name exactly as it appears on your LLC Certificate of Formation or Articles of Incorporation with the New Hampshire Secretary of State. Even small differences (such as leaving out "LLC" or misspelling a word) can cause problems later. Copy and paste your official business name from your formation documents.

Mistake 4: Not Saving Your Confirmation

Save or print your EIN confirmation page. The IRS does not automatically send letters anymore, and you may need proof of your number for tax filings, bank accounts, or vendor requests. Email the confirmation to yourself or save it to your computer.

Mistake 5: Confusing Your EIN with State Tax IDs

Your EIN is federal. New Hampshire does not issue a separate state-level business tax ID number. However, you may need to register separately for state taxes (Business Profits Tax, Business Enterprise Tax, etc.) depending on your revenue. These are filed using your EIN, not a separate number.

Timeline and What to Expect

Application Method	Processing Time	When You Receive Your EIN
Online (recommended)	Immediate	On screen after submission, usually within minutes
By phone	15 to 20 minutes	At the end of your call with the IRS
By mail (Form SS-4)	2 to 4 weeks	Via IRS letter to your mailing address

Once you have your EIN, you can use it immediately to open a business bank account, apply for licenses, hire employees, and file tax returns.

Note: If you apply in the evening or on a weekend, the online system will process your application and provide your EIN during the next business day. The system operates 24 hours a day, but confirmations are issued during normal IRS business hours.

Key Takeaways

• An EIN is a federal tax ID issued by the IRS. It is required for LLCs, corporations, and most businesses with employees.
• Apply online at irs.gov for instant approval and immediate receipt of your number.
• You will need your Social Security number, business name, business address, and a description of your business activity.
• New Hampshire has no state-specific business tax ID. Your EIN serves as your business identifier for both federal and state purposes.
• After receiving your EIN, register for New Hampshire state taxes if your business income exceeds the thresholds (over $109,000 for Business Profits Tax; over $298,000 for Business Enterprise Tax).
• Contact your local city or town clerk to determine whether you need local permits or licenses.
• Save your EIN confirmation for your records.

Next Steps

With your EIN in hand, you are ready to move forward with your New Hampshire business. Open a business bank account in your business name (you will need your EIN and formation documents). If you have formed an LLC or corporation, ensure your formation documents are filed with the New Hampshire Secretary of State at sos.nh.gov/corporations-0.

If you expect to have employees, register with the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security for unemployment insurance. If you plan to hire contractors, keep records of their tax identification numbers for 1099 reporting.

For questions about New Hampshire-specific tax obligations or compliance, consult the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration at revenue.nh.gov or speak with a qualified accountant or tax professional familiar with New Hampshire business requirements.

Disclaimer: This content is informational only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Business formation and tax requirements vary based on individual circumstances. Before making decisions about your EIN, business structure, or tax obligations, consult with a qualified attorney or certified public accountant (CPA) in New Hampshire who can review your specific situation.