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Before you open your business, determine which of the numerous local, state and federal regulations apply to you. Avoid the temptation to ignore regulatory details. Doing so may save time in the short term, but could become an obstacle as your business grows.
Starting your new New Hampshire business
Below is a list of the most common requirements that affect small / new businesses. The list is by no means exhaustive, as regulations vary by industry. Consult the list below for a solid start to meeting your regulatory requirements, and then carefully investigate the additional regulations that affect your industry.
Business Licenses There are many types of licenses, and you will need one to operate legally. If your business is located within the city limits, you must obtain a license from the city. If you are outside the city limits, you must obtain a license from the county. Investigate whether you need a business license through your state government web site.
New Hampshire Business Name Businesses that use a name other than the owner's must register the fictitious name with the county as required by the Trade Name Registration Act. Check for the appropriate name of the Trade Name Registration Act in your area. This does not apply to corporations doing business under their corporate name or to those practicing any profession under a partnership name.
Protecting Your Idea If applicable to your business, you may want to apply for trademarks, patents and your copyrights. Information regarding these applications is listed below.
Starting a business in New Hampshire
One of the original 13 states (it entered the Union in 1788), New Hampshire was named after the English county of Hampshire. New Hampshire is called the "Granite State" because of its numerous granite quarries; the nickname may also reflect the state's attachment to tradition and its history of a frugal government. There are no general sales or individual income taxes, which fits with the state motto of "Live free or die." A relatively small state, New Hampshire plays a major role every four years in the presidential election, as it holds the first primary election. New Hampshire's state bird is the purple finch and its capital is Concord.
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