Start a Business in New Hampshire
Costs, permits, taxes, and requirements for NH.
- Cost rank
- 40th of 50
- 106% of the national average · 10 states cost more
- State income tax
- None
- One of 9 states with none — federal tax still applies
- Sales tax
- None
- One of 5 states with none — local rates may still apply
- LLC filing fee
- $100
- One-off, paid to the Secretary of State · 18th cheapest of 50 (median $100)
Where New Hampshire sits on cost
Cheapest third to most expensive third, by startup cost index. Hover a state for its index and rank.
What's different in New Hampshire
New Hampshire taxes the business rather than the wage: there is no sales tax and no tax on ordinary earned income, but the state levies both a profits tax and an enterprise-level tax that can be owed before a business is meaningfully profitable, because it is calculated on payroll, interest and dividends rather than on the bottom line. Property taxes carry most of the public budget, and they arrive inside commercial rent whether or not the tenant ever sees the bill. The market is small and sits next to a much larger one, so pricing has to hold up against Massachusetts competitors an hour away.
- The business is taxed, not the paycheck
- Two state-level business taxes, one of which can apply in a thin year.
- Property tax is inside your rent
- It funds the town, and commercial landlords pass it through, so compare gross rents rather than headline ones.
- Massachusetts is next door
- Customers and staff cross the line in both directions; price and pay accordingly.
Business Guides for New Hampshire
All 53, cheapest first. Ranges are what that business actually costs in NH.
Under $10K 21
- Notary Services $324 – $2,160
- Social Media Management $525 – $3,175
- Pet Sitting $530 – $3,180
- Web Design $525 – $5,300
- Dog Walking $530 – $5,300
- Cleaning Business $1,600 – $8,500
- Tutoring $525 – $10,600
- E-Commerce $530 – $10,600
- Graphic Design $1,050 – $10,600
- Window Cleaning $1,060 – $10,600
- Handyman $2,100 – $10,600
- Personal Training $2,100 – $10,600
- Bookkeeping $2,125 – $10,600
- Lawn Care $2,100 – $12,700
- House Painting $2,120 – $15,900
- Pool Cleaning $2,120 – $15,900
- Tax Preparation $2,125 – $15,900
- Auto Detailing $3,200 – $15,900
- Photography $3,200 – $15,900
- Pressure Washing $3,200 – $15,900
- Vending Machine $3,240 – $16,200
$10K – $50K 17
- Consulting $1,050 – $21,200
- Event Planning $2,125 – $21,200
- DJ Service $3,175 – $21,200
- Interior Design $2,120 – $26,500
- Carpet Cleaning $5,300 – $26,500
- Landscaping $5,300 – $26,500
- Massage Therapy $5,300 – $26,500
- Mobile Spa $8,640 – $27,000
- Wedding Photography $10,600 – $42,400
- Junk Removal $5,300 – $53,000
- Pest Control $10,600 – $53,000
- Pet Grooming $5,300 – $79,500
- Catering $10,600 – $79,500
- Florist $10,600 – $79,500
- Tree Service $10,600 – $79,500
- Electrician $15,900 – $79,500
- Plumbing $15,900 – $79,500
$50K and up 15
- Yoga Studio $15,900 – $106,000
- Bakery $450 – $125,000
- HVAC $21,200 – $106,000
- Moving Company $21,600 – $108,000
- Barber Shop $27,000 – $129,600
- Nail Salon $32,400 – $162,000
- Hair Salon $37,800 – $162,000
- Gym $54,000 – $162,000
- Food Truck $52,000 – $180,000
- Ice Cream Shop $53,000 – $318,000
- Coffee Shop $88,000 – $330,000
- Daycare $5,300 – $530,000
- Car Wash $53,000 – $530,000
- Laundromat $106,000 – $530,000
- Restaurant $189,000 – $540,000
Get a personalized cost estimate for New Hampshire
Calculate CostsBusiness Requirements in New Hampshire
Register Your Business
File with New Hampshire Secretary of State. LLC fee: $100
Get Business License
Most cities require a general business license ($50-$300).
Get EIN
Free from IRS. Required for bank accounts and taxes.
Get Business Insurance
General liability protects from lawsuits. Often required by landlords.