Accounting / CPA Permits & Licenses in Nashua, NH

Single-member LLCs report on Schedule C of owner’s Form 1040. Multi-member LLCs file Form 1065. Electing S-Corp status requires Form 2553 and ongoing compliance.

Required if withholding is insufficient. Must use Form 1040-ES.

Most NH municipalities do not require a general business license for professional services like CPA. Check specific city clerk (e.g., Concord Code of Ordinances Sec. 14-1 requires registration for certain businesses but exempts professionals)

NH municipalities regulate via local zoning ordinances (e.g., Concord Zoning Ordinance Article 4 allows home offices for CPAs with no external signage or excessive traffic). No statewide zoning for businesses.

Required under NH RSA 155-A and local codes for changes affecting safety/structure. Not needed for standard office use without modifications.

Governed by municipal zoning ordinances (e.g., Concord Zoning Ordinance Sec. 6.5 specifies size, lighting limits for professional offices).

Required under NH Fire Code (NFPA 1) adoption by municipalities. CPA offices typically low-hazard; may only need basic inspection.

Issued after building and fire inspections pass. Not required for existing compliant spaces.

Common in larger cities like Manchester/Concord to reduce false alarms.

Health permits not required for professional office services.

Only for high-traffic uses; not required for professional services.

General nuisance ordinances apply but no specific permit needed.

Required for all employers with one or more employees in New Hampshire, including part-time and seasonal workers. Sole proprietors without employees are exempt. Coverage must be obtained through private insurers or the state fund.

Not mandated by New Hampshire state law or the NH Board of Accountancy for CPAs or accounting firms. However, it is strongly recommended due to professional liability risks. Some clients or contracts may require proof of E&O coverage.

Required for all LLCs. Annual report required separately (see below). Fees as of 2024.

Required for all LLCs. Covers period November 1 to October 31.

Required for individuals performing CPA services. Prerequisites: 150 semester hours education, pass CPA exam, 1 year experience. Firm ownership requires at least one NH-licensed CPA.

Required for LLCs/firms offering CPA services. Must have majority ownership by NH-licensed CPAs; peer review required for certain firms.

Required if using trade name/DBA different from registered LLC name. Renew if changes occur.

Accounting/CPA services are generally not subject to New Hampshire sales tax, as NH does not tax professional services. However, if the LLC sells taxable items (e.g., software, printed materials), registration is required. NH has no general sales tax on services.

NH LLCs providing accounting/CPA services are generally not subject to BPT unless they meet the threshold for business profits tax (over $250,000 in business income apportioned to NH). As of 2024, NH taxes business income over $250,000 at 6.5%. LLCs taxed as pass-through entities may not owe BPT unless structured to meet the threshold.

Required for all employers paying wages to employees in NH. Includes withholding state income tax from employee paychecks. Even single-member LLCs with employees must register.

Employers must pay unemployment insurance tax on first $16,000 of wages per employee annually. Rate varies by experience (new employers: 0.17%).

All LLCs registered in NH must file an annual report. This is not a tax but a compliance obligation. Includes updated business address, registered agent, and management info.

Not all NH towns/cities impose LBT. Larger cities like Manchester, Nashua, and Concord do. CPAs must check with local clerk. Tax is based on business type and gross receipts or square footage. Example: Concord Business Tax requires registration at https://www.concordnh.gov/business-tax.

Single-member LLCs with no employees may use owner’s SSN, but most CPAs obtain EIN for professionalism and banking. Required for opening business bank accounts.

Not mandated by New Hampshire state law for accounting businesses. However, landlords, clients, or business partners may require it as a condition of doing business. Covers third-party bodily injury or property damage.

No surety bond is required to form an LLC or operate as a CPA in New Hampshire. The NH Board of Accountancy does not require a license bond for individual CPAs or CPA firms.

Required for any vehicle registered to the business. Follows New Hampshire’s financial responsibility laws. Minimum liability limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage (25/50/25).

Not required by law but may be necessary for risk management if the business sells tangible goods (e.g., tax preparation software in physical form, books). Accounting and CPA services are generally not considered product-based, so this does not typically apply.

Only required if the business holds a liquor license or serves alcohol at events. Not applicable to standard accounting or CPA firms unless hosting events with alcohol service.

While not insurance, individual CPAs must be licensed by the NH Board of Accountancy. Firms offering CPA services must ensure licensed CPAs supervise work. No firm-level bonding or E&O insurance mandate exists, but individual CPAs are subject to ethical and professional standards.

All LLCs registered in New Hampshire must file an annual report with the Secretary of State by April 1st. This includes updating information such as principal office address, registered agent, and management structure.

CPA licenses are renewed every two years. The renewal cycle ends on December 31 of odd-numbered years. Licensees must complete continuing education requirements prior to renewal.

At least 40 of the 80 hours must be in technical subjects (accounting, auditing, taxation, or financial planning). Ethics requirement includes topics such as professional standards, independence, and regulatory issues. CPE must be from NASBA-approved providers or equivalent.

Not applicable to most accounting firms. Only relevant if operating as a nonprofit or qualifying for specific tax exemptions. Most CPA firms do not qualify.

Not a state tax. Federal self-employment tax applies to net income from the LLC passed through to the owner. Multi-member LLCs taxed as partnerships also require owners to pay self-employment tax on distributive share.

Employers must file federal Form 941 quarterly and New Hampshire Form WH-2 for state withholding. Employers must also file Form W-2 annually by January 31. New Hampshire does not have a state income tax, but employers must still report wages for federal compliance.

LLCs taxed as partnerships must file Form 1065 annually. This is an informational return; income passes through to members. If unable to file by March 15, use Form 7004 for automatic 6-month extension.

Self-employed individuals and LLC members must make estimated tax payments if they expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal taxes. Payments cover income and self-employment taxes. Use Form 1040-ES to calculate amounts.

Keep all business tax records for at least 3 years. Employment tax records must be kept for at least 4 years after the tax becomes due or is paid. Supporting documents (receipts, invoices, bank statements) should be retained for 7 years if claiming deductions. New Hampshire does not have additional record retention laws beyond federal standards.

CPA licensees must conspicuously display their current license certificate at the principal place of business. Firms must also maintain a current firm registration certificate issued by the Board of Accountancy.

Employers must register with the DRA before making any wage payments. Registration can be completed online via the NH Business Portal. This is a one-time requirement unless business structure changes.

Employers must file Form UI-3/40R quarterly and remit unemployment insurance taxes. New employers are assigned a standard rate. Employers must also file annual Form W-2 and state equivalent (Form NH W-2) by January 31.

Employers must display federal and state labor law posters in a conspicuous location accessible to employees. Required posters include: Minimum Wage, Equal Employment Opportunity, Family and Medical Leave Act (if applicable), OSHA Workplace Safety, and New Hampshire Workers' Compensation Notice. Posters can be downloaded free from DOL websites.

LLCs must update their registered agent, principal office address, and other key information within 30 days of any change. This is done via amendment filing. Failure to maintain current information may lead to loss of good standing or dissolution.