New Hampshire C-Corporation Compliance Guide
Everything you need to legally form and operate a C-Corporation in New Hampshire. Filing fees, tax forms, ongoing requirements, and the trade-offs of this structure.
Is a C-Corporation Right for You?
Startups raising VC funding, businesses planning IPO, or those needing multiple share classes / foreign owners.
Double taxation on distributed profits. Most complex structure. Rarely optimal for small businesses.
Tax treatment
Entity-level federal tax (flat 21%). Dividends taxed again to shareholders (double taxation).
| Item | New Hampshire Requirement |
|---|---|
| Formal state filing required | Yes — file Articles of Incorporation with the New Hampshire Secretary of State. |
| State filing fee | $100 |
| Federal tax form filed | Form 1120 |
| Employer Identification Number (EIN) | Required — apply free at irs.gov (5 minutes online) |
| Registered agent required | Yes — must have a physical New Hampshire address available during business hours. |
| Annual/periodic report | annual — fee $100 |
| State income tax | New Hampshire has no individual income tax. |
Formation Packet
New Hampshire C-Corporation — Corporate Bylaws, Resolutions & EIN Walkthrough
You've filed with the state — now you need the documents banks, the IRS, and courts actually ask for: a corporate bylaws, initial resolutions, an EIN application walkthrough, a banking resolution, and an ownership ledger. One editable Word document, delivered by email within minutes.
Filing Sequence in New Hampshire
- 1
Choose a business name
Search New Hampshire SoS name database. Reserve the name if desired (~$25 fee, optional).
- 2
Get an EIN from the IRS
Free at irs.gov. Takes ~5 minutes online. Required for all business banking, payroll, and tax filings.
- 3
File formation documents ($100)
Submit Articles of Incorporation to New Hampshire Secretary of State. Include registered agent info. Processing ~7 business days.
- 4
Register for state taxes
New Hampshire has no state sales tax.
- 5
Open a business bank account
Separate business finances from personal. Bank will require EIN, formation docs (for entities), and often an operating agreement.
Compare Other Structures in New Hampshire
Not legal or tax advice.
State filing requirements change. Verify fees and deadlines with the New HampshireSecretary of State and Department of Revenue before filing. Structure choice has tax and liability implications — consult a licensed CPA or attorney for your specific situation.