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How to Start a Business in New Hampshire

How to register a business in New Hampshire and everything else it takes to open legally, in order — sole proprietor vs. LLC, the state filing, your EIN, tax registration, and licenses, with the official New Hampshire links for each step. Most people finish the core setup in one to three weeks.

LLC filing fee
~$100
Processing
1–3 business days online
Ongoing report
annual · ~$100
State sales tax
no
State income tax
no

  1. How to register a business in New Hampshire

    Sole proprietors under their own name file nothing with New Hampshire to exist — a DBA if you use a trade name, plus local licenses. To register an LLC or corporation you file formation paperwork with the New Hampshire business filing office (about $100, 1–3 business days online), then get a free EIN and register for state taxes.

    New Hampshire business registration ↗

  2. Pick a structure (sole proprietor or LLC)

    Most New Hampshire owners start as a sole proprietor (free, no filing) or form an LLC for liability protection. The LLC filing fee is about $100, and formation typically takes about 1–3 business days online. Confirm the current fee on the state site before you pay.

    New Hampshire business filing office ↗

  3. Name a registered agent

    If you form an LLC or corporation, New Hampshire needs a registered agent with a physical in-state address. You can be your own agent if you're available during business hours, or hire a service for about $100–$150/year.

  4. Get your EIN from the IRS

    An Employer Identification Number is free from the IRS and takes a few minutes online. You need it to open a business bank account and to hire.

    IRS — Apply for an EIN ↗

  5. Register for New Hampshire taxes

    New Hampshire has no state sales tax and has no state individual income tax. New Hampshire has no sales tax and no wage income tax, but does tax business profits above a threshold (BPT/BET).

    New Hampshire tax registration ↗

  6. Confirm local licenses and permits

    New Hampshire rarely issues a single statewide "business license" — most licensing is by city or county, plus profession-specific licenses. Check your city and your trade.

    New Hampshire professional licensing ↗

  7. Open a business bank account and get insurance

    Keep business and personal money separate from day one. General liability insurance is the baseline; some contracts also require a bond.

  8. Put the ongoing report on your calendar

    New Hampshire requires an annual report (about $100).

    New Hampshire reports ↗

Start your business in New Hampshire

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Frequently asked

How do I register a business in New Hampshire?

Sole proprietors under their own name file nothing with New Hampshire to exist — a DBA if you use a trade name, plus local licenses. To register an LLC or corporation you file formation paperwork with the New Hampshire business filing office (about $100, 1–3 business days online), then get a free EIN and register for state taxes.

How much does it cost to register a business in New Hampshire?

Registering as a sole proprietor is free (a DBA filing, if you use a trade name, is usually $10–$50 at the county or state). Registering an LLC costs about $100 in New Hampshire, plus an annual report (~$100). An EIN from the IRS is free.

How much does it cost to start an LLC in New Hampshire?

The state filing fee is about $100. Beyond that, budget for a registered agent if you hire one (~$100–$150/year), the annual report (~$100), and any local license fees. An EIN is free.

Do I need an LLC to start a business in New Hampshire?

No. You can operate as a sole proprietor in New Hampshire with no state filing. An LLC adds a layer of personal liability protection and can make you look more established to customers and lenders — it's a judgment call based on your risk and goals, not a legal requirement.

How long does it take to form an LLC in New Hampshire?

Standard processing is about 1–3 business days online. Many states offer paid expedited options.

Does New Hampshire have a sales tax?

New Hampshire has no state sales tax. Some localities may still levy their own — confirm locally.

What ongoing filings does a New Hampshire LLC have?

New Hampshire requires an annual report (about $100).

Official sources

Fees and timelines are commonly-cited figures last reviewed September 2026 and can change — always confirm on the official site. This is educational information, not legal or tax advice.

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AI-generated guidance is for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or investment advice. Disclosures · Trust center