Decide on the legal structure of your business. See our business tax structure page. Common options include:

• Sole Proprietorship
• Partnership
• Limited Liability Company (LLC)
• C-Corporation (C-Corp)
• S-Corporation (S-Corp)
• Nonprofit

For more information, see our Tax Structure Guide!

New Hampshire does not require you to reserve a business name before registration, but it’s recommended to ensure your desired name is available:

• Check Name Availability: New Hampshire Business Name Lookup 
• Reserve a Business Name: Fee: $15.
  • File Online 

Submit the necessary formation documents based on your business structure to the New Hampshire Secretary of State:

• LLC: File Certificate of Formation.

  • Fee: $100.
  • File Online 
  • Download Forms 

• Corporation: File Articles of Incorporation.

  • Fee: $100.
  • File Online 
  • Download Forms 

If operating under a name different from your legal business name, register a Trade Name (DBA) with the New Hampshire Secretary of State:

• Fee: $50.
• File Online 

If your business will hire employees or sell goods, register with the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration:

• Business Profits Tax and Business Enterprise Tax: Required for most businesses.
  • Register Online 
• Employer Taxes: Register for withholding and unemployment taxes if you have employees.
  • Employer Registration 

Certain businesses may require additional permits or licenses depending on their industry or location:

• Use New Hampshire’s Business Licensing Portal to identify required licenses:
  • https://www.nh.gov/

Separate your personal and business finances by opening a business bank account using:

• Your EIN (Employer Identification Number).
• Formation documents or operating agreement.

• Annual Reports: LLCs and Corporations must file an Annual Report with the New Hampshire Secretary of State to maintain good standing:
  • Fee: $100.
  • File Online 

• New Hampshire Secretary of State – Corporation Division: https://sos.nh.gov/corporation-division/
• New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration: https://www.revenue.nh.gov/
• New Hampshire Small Business Development Center (SBDC): https://www.nhsbdc.org/