If you want to start a business in New Hampshire, you need to learn the steps on how to register it. You need to start by identifying your business' legal structure. This will determine the documents and processes that are required to open your business, as well as the tax benefits you can enjoy.
Next, you can go to the New Hampshire Secretary of State office or website to register your business name. Make sure you have done a search on the available business entity name. Once you reserve your business name, you have 120 days to complete the filing of your business registration.
Depending on the type or nature of your business, you need to secure additional licenses and permits to operate. These are important since they will be required before you can complete your business registration. You can find more information about this at the New Hampshire official government website, Doing Business section. For example, businesses that involve professional services need to secure professional licensing permits. The location of your business might also require additional zoning permits.
You must also register your business for tax at the New Hampshire Department of Revenue office. All businesses in the state must pay the Business Enterprise Tax and Business Profits Tax. In addition to the tax registration, you must check what insurances are required for your business to operate. Related: Unsecured business line of credit for startup.
New Hampshire State's constitution is the second oldest among the country's 50 states. Residents can question the holding of convention and consider modifications for the constitution every ten years. Proposals that pass in these conventions must be approved by two-thirds of voters at the popular referendum. Throughout its history, many proposals and modifications have been adopted. But the majority of the original constitution is kept intact.
The state of New Hampshire is divided into 10 counties, 13 municipalities, and 221 townships. Each county is administered by three commissioners. Other elected officials include the attorney, registrar of deeds, registrar probate, treasurer, and the sheriff. There are also 167 public school districts and 148 special districts in the state.
Municipalities in the state are administered by elected mayors and councils, while some municipal charters follow a commission system or council-manager type of government. Selectmen and other local officials are chosen in the annual town meeting.
See the main New Hampshire Page for county links.© State & Local 1995-2023