Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a dry cleaner in Manchester, NH. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
Employers must register with NH Employment Security and pay state unemployment insurance tax. Rate varies by experience rating; new employers pay 0.17% (as of 2024) on first $17,500 of each employee's wages.
LLCs are generally pass-through entities, but if the LLC elects corporate taxation or has sufficient NH-sourced income, it may be liable. Most small LLCs are not subject to BPT unless income exceeds $250,000. See RSA 77-A:2.
BET applies to all entities doing business in NH, including LLCs. Threshold for liability is $108,000 in taxable enterprise value (as of 2024). Most small dry cleaners may not exceed this. Filed with BPT return if applicable.
Required for LLCs with employees or multiple members. Single-member LLCs with no employees may use owner's SSN, but EIN is recommended for liability protection.
Many NH towns and cities impose a local business tax (e.g., Manchester, Concord). Contact local clerk for specific requirements. Not statewide; varies by location.
Imposed under RSA 149-M:4. Applies to all dry cleaners using perc. Report and pay using DES Form ENV-F-100. Part of state's Hazardous Waste Management Fund.
NH does not require a statewide business license, but many municipalities do. Check specific city/county clerk. Example: Concord requires registration ($50 fee). Manchester requires business registration.
Required for all employers withholding from employee wages. Must file periodic withholding tax returns (Form WH-1).
Required for all LLCs. Annual report required separately (see below). Fees current as of 2024.
Required for all LLCs. No general statewide business license beyond entity registration.
Renewal required every 5 years. Applies if DBA used.
Form BT-Summary. Required for all taxable businesses; dry cleaners typically register for Business Profits Tax if revenue >$92k (2024 threshold).
NH has no general sales tax, but 9% Meals & Rooms tax if offering laundry services classified as such. Confirm with DRA.
Dry cleaners using perc (tetrachloroethylene) must obtain EPA ID# via DES and register as SQG/VSQG. RCRA Subtitle C. Confirmed via DES HW program.
Most small dry cleaners register under Env-Or 500 series as synthetic minors. No Title V permit if <10 tons/year HAPs.
Dry cleaning typically classified as commercial use; requires zoning approval. Must verify property is zoned for dry cleaning (often C-1 or C-2 districts). Site plan review may be required.
Dry cleaners often require ventilation/perchloroethylene system modifications triggering building permits.
Local fire departments conduct inspections. Dry cleaning chemicals (PCE) classified as hazardous requiring suppression systems.
Air permit required for PCE emissions. Local health departments may have additional wastewater discharge permits.
Signage must comply with local sign ordinances (size, lighting, placement restrictions).
Dry cleaning = mercantile occupancy requiring fire and building code compliance.
Many NH municipalities require alarm registration to reduce false alarms.
Most modern dry cleaners use above-ground systems, avoiding UST requirements.
NH law (Workers’ Compensation Act, RSA 331‑1) requires any employer with at least one employee to maintain workers’ comp insurance or be self‑insured with Department approval.
NH minimum liability limits are $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. Commercial vehicles must meet at least these limits.
Dry cleaning services are subject to New Hampshire's 7% Services and Other Activities Tax (SOAT), which is administered under the Sales and Use Tax system. Registration required if providing taxable services. See RSA 78-A:3 and DRA guidance.
Members must also report self‑employment tax on Schedule SE if applicable.
Requires labeling, SDS availability, and employee training.
Employers must maintain exposure below the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 100 ppm (8‑hour TWA).
Applies to entrances, parking, service counters, and restrooms.
Requires emission controls, recordkeeping, and submission of a Notification of Compliance to the state EPA program.
Dry cleaners using PCE typically qualify as hazardous waste generators.
Includes requirements for leak detection, financial assurance, and reporting.
Many dry cleaners route wash water to municipal sewer; if direct discharge, an NPDES permit is required.
Claims about stain‑removal effectiveness, “green” cleaning, or pricing must be supported by evidence.
Includes minimum wage, overtime, recordkeeping, and child‑labor provisions.
Employers must retain I‑9 forms for 3 years after hire or 1 year after termination, whichever is later.
Most small dry‑cleaning shops will fall below the employee threshold, but the rule must be evaluated annually.
Requires a HAZMAT endorsement on the driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL) and compliance with 49 CFR 172‑173.
Dry cleaners must submit TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory (Form 40) if not already listed.
All NH LLCs must file an annual report each calendar year. Filing can be completed online.
All businesses with taxable net income must file a BPT return (Form BPT‑100).
While New Hampshire does not require general liability insurance, many landlords, vendors, and customers require proof of coverage before entering contracts.
Professional liability is generally optional for dry cleaners unless required by a specific contract or franchise agreement.
New Hampshire does not have a statewide bond requirement for dry cleaners, but some towns may require a modest license bond.
May be required by third‑party vendors or if the dry cleaner sells retail items (e.g., garment bags, detergents).
Dry‑cleaning operations do not serve alcohol; therefore liquor liability insurance is not required.
While not a traditional “insurance” statute, New Hampshire law (RSA 485‑1) requires businesses that store or use certain hazardous chemicals to demonstrate financial responsibility, often satisfied via liability insurance or a surety bond.
All LLCs that are not single‑member disregarded entities must obtain an EIN.
BET applies to most businesses; filing is combined with the BPT return on Form BPT‑100.
Even if the calculated payment is $0, the filing (Form BPT‑100‑Q) must be submitted.
Employers must file Form WH‑100 and remit withheld amounts.
Employers must file UI‑100 and remit contributions each quarter.
Proof of coverage must be kept on file and posted at the worksite.
Permit requires submission of a Standard Emissions Report and proof of proper solvent recovery equipment.
Requires submission of the EPA RCRA Form 040 (Generator Identification Number) and annual waste manifest records.
Inspection covers fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems (if any), and safe storage of flammable solvents.
Ensures compliance with the NH Building Code, especially regarding ventilation for dry‑cleaning equipment.
Required posters include Minimum Wage, OSHA, Family & Medical Leave, and NH Wage & Hour.
Include BPT/BET returns, payroll reports, workers’ comp certificates, environmental permits, and fire inspection reports.
Many New Hampshire towns require a “General Business License” plus a “Dry‑Cleaning Permit” fee.
The FTC Care Labeling Rule requires that dry cleaners accurately identify the materials used in garments and provide appropriate care instructions to consumers. Non-compliance can result in legal action from the Federal Trade Commission.
The HCS, enforced by OSHA, requires dry cleaners to inform employees about the hazardous chemicals used in the cleaning process. This includes proper labeling, safety data sheets, and employee training.
The IRS generally does not charge a fee to obtain an EIN; however, there may be service fees if you use a third-party service to apply for one on your behalf. It is a required step for most businesses.
As an LLC, you’ll need to file federal income taxes with the IRS, and the specific requirements depend on how your LLC is classified for tax purposes. You may need to file as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation.
The FTC Green Guides provide guidance on making truthful and non-deceptive environmental marketing claims. Dry cleaners should be aware of these guidelines if they advertise any environmentally friendly cleaning practices.
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