How to Start a Small Business in New Hampshire
Starting a business requires a great deal of planning and research to ensure success. Though not a requirement, new businesses wishing to operate in the state of New Hampshire should strongly consider attending workshops for new business owners. These workshops provide new business owners in New Hampshire with information regarding business plan development, and ways to finance the business.
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Instructions
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Select a location for your small business. If you opt to operate your small business from home, this step may be avoided. Operating your business from home may be the best alternative, particularly if you're a starting out on a tight budget. Check with your New Hampshire city to be sure your business location meets the zoning laws of the local government.
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Choose a business name. After selecting a business name, check with the New Hampshire Secretary of State's office to ensure availability. New Hampshire business names must not bear any resemblance to another business name previously registered with the state. No two businesses in New Hampshire can operate under the same business name. Business owners choosing to operate as a sole proprietor may file a fictitious business name, also known as a doing business as, or DBA. A fictitious business name allows a sole proprietor to use a business name other than their personal name.
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Register the business. As indicated on the NH Business Resource Center website, every company that wants to operate in the state of New Hampshire, with the exception of a sole proprietorship, must register with the New Hampshire Secretary of State's Corporation Division. New Hampshire businesses that appear as a partnership, LLC, S Corporation or C Corporation must register. Articles of incorporation or organization must be filed with the New Hampshire Secretary of State's office, along with the appropriate filing fee.
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Apply for an employer identification number. New Hampshire businesses that operate as a corporation or LLC must obtain an EIN. Furthermore, all New Hampshire businesses with employees must apply for an EIN. An EIN may be obtained by contacting the IRS via fax, phone, mail or online. To obtain an EIN for immediate use, submit Form SS-4 online on the IRS website or call (800) 829-4933 to speak with an IRS representative.
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Register for New Hampshire state taxes. The Business.gov website explains, New Hampshire businesses must obtain a state tax ID number for issues like unemployment insurance tax and income tax withholding. This step may be avoided if your New Hampshire small business operates as a sole proprietorship without employees.
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Obtain any necessary business licenses and permits required in New Hampshire for your business type. Furthermore, you may be required to obtain a sales permit in the New Hampshire county where your small business resides. The licenses or permits necessary to operate a business depends on the type of business. For example, a retail clothing store may be required to obtain zoning permits for its store location. In addition to seller's permits, a sales tax permit and business license will likely be required. However, a home-based bookkeeping business operating in New Hampshire may only require a business license to operate. Check with the City Clerk in your New Hampshire city or town to determine licensing requirements for the business.
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