eCommerce Permits & Licenses in Concord, NH

Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a ecommerce in Concord, NH. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.

Business Enterprise Tax (BET) Registration

New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (DRA)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

eCommerce LLCs typically meet threshold if paying owners/employees. Same form as BPT.

General Liability Insurance

Not mandated by state law
Required
Fee: $500.00-$1500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

New Hampshire does not mandate general liability insurance for e‑commerce retailers, but many landlords, marketplaces, and vendors require proof of coverage.

Certificate of Formation (LLC Registration)

New Hampshire Secretary of State - Corporation Division
Required
Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

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

Annual Report

New Hampshire Secretary of State - Corporation Division
Required
Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: annual
Type: registration

Required for all active LLCs. Online filing mandatory.

Business Profits Tax Registration

New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Applies to eCommerce if NH nexus (sales, property, or payroll). Register via DRA Form BT-SUMMARY.

Sales and Use Tax Registration (Meals & Rooms optional)

New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

NH has no broad sales tax, but Meals & Rooms Tax (9%) applies to lodging/food if applicable to eCommerce.

Assumed Business Name (DBA) Registration

New Hampshire Secretary of State - Corporation Division
May Apply
Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Required if eCommerce uses trade name/DBA. Search names first at sos.nh.gov.

New Hampshire Sales and Use Tax Permit

New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

New Hampshire does not impose a general sales tax on most goods. However, specific items are taxed (e.g., meals, rooms, admissions, telecommunications, and certain services). As an eCommerce business, if you sell taxable items (e.g., prepared food, lodging, or taxable services), registration is required. See: https://www.tax.nh.gov/sales-and-use/publications/regs/rev202.pdf

Employer Withholding Tax Registration

New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (DRA)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

All employers in New Hampshire must register and withhold state income tax from employee wages. Applies even to single-member LLCs paying the owner a salary. See: https://www.tax.nh.gov/withholding/registering

Unemployment Insurance Tax Registration

New Hampshire Employment Security
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Required for all employers with one or more employees. Includes part-time and temporary workers. LLC members are not counted unless they receive wages as employees.

New Hampshire Business Profits Tax (BPT)

NH Department of Revenue Administration
May Apply
Fee: $500.00-$500.00
Renewal: annual
Type: filing

Most LLCs are pass-through entities and do not pay BPT. However, if the LLC elects corporate taxation or is treated as a corporation, BPT may apply. General partnerships and S-corps are exempt. See: https://www.tax.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemf331/files/documents/bpt-info.pdf

New Hampshire Interest and Dividends Tax Registration

New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

This tax applies only to businesses that pay interest or dividends to nonresidents of New Hampshire. Most eCommerce LLCs will not be subject to this requirement unless they issue such payments. See: https://www.tax.nh.gov/iandd/who-must-file

Local Business Tax (LBT) or Tax Rate Certificate

Municipalities in New Hampshire
May Apply
Fee: $25.00-$150.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Not all towns impose LBT. The tax applies to businesses earning over $100,000 in gross receipts in a municipality. The LLC must file a Tax Rate Certificate with each municipality where it has a physical presence or economic nexus. See: https://www.nh.gov/dca/localgov/pdfs/lbt_guide.pdf

Meals and Rooms Tax Registration

New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (DRA)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Standard rate is 8.5% for meals and rooms. If the business sells food, lodging, or event access online, this tax may apply. Registration required even for remote sellers with economic nexus. See: https://www.tax.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemf331/files/documents/mr-info.pdf

Remote Seller Sales Tax Registration (Economic Nexus)

New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

New Hampshire follows the SSUT and requires remote sellers with over $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions to register, collect, and remit sales tax. Applies to out-of-state eCommerce businesses. See: https://www.tax.nh.gov/sales-and-use/economic-nexus

Local Business License

New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: license

New Hampshire municipalities have authority to require local business licenses. Purely online eCommerce from home typically exempt. Check specific city clerk.

Home Occupation Permit

Varies by municipality (e.g., Town of Bedford)
May Apply
Fee: $25.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Required if home-based business generates traffic, employees, or exterior changes. Pure online operations often minimal review.

Zoning Compliance - Home Business

Town of Londonderry, NH
May Apply
Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Most NH towns allow home occupations if no customer traffic, signage, or employees. Online-only typically permitted.

Building Permit for Business Use

City of Manchester, NH
May Apply
Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Required for structural changes, electrical for inventory lighting, etc.

Fire Safety Inspection - Commercial Space

City of Nashua, NH
May Apply
Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit

Home-based eCommerce typically exempt unless high inventory volumes trigger inspection.

Alarm Permit - Business Security System

City of Portsmouth, NH
May Apply
Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit

Many municipalities require alarm registration to reduce false alarms.

Sign Permit

Local Planning/Zoning Department
May Apply
Fee: $50.00-$300.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Pure eCommerce/home-based typically doesn't require signage.

Certificate of Occupancy

Local Building Department
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Verifies building code compliance for intended occupancy type.

Health Department Permit - Inventory Storage

Rockingham County Health Department
May Apply
Fee: $100.00-$300.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit

Pure drop-shipping or non-perishable goods typically exempt.

Parking Plan Review

City of Manchester Planning Board
May Apply
Fee: $500.00-$500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Home-based eCommerce exempt unless generating significant traffic.

Workers' Compensation Insurance

New Hampshire Department of Labor - Division of Workers' Compensation
May Apply
Fee: $1.50-$5.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Sole proprietors and single‑member LLCs with no employees are exempt. Owners who are also employees are generally covered if the business has any other employee.

Commercial Auto Insurance

New Hampshire Department of Safety - Division of Motor Vehicles
May Apply
Fee: $1200.00-$3000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Minimum liability limits required by NH law: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage.

Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions) Insurance

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – Office of Advocacy
May Apply
Fee: $300.00-$300.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Not required for pure product sales; only needed if the LLC provides professional or advisory services.

Surety Bonds (License/Contract Bonds)

New Hampshire Department of Safety – Licensing Division (for contractors)
May Apply
Fee: $5000.00-$5000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

e‑commerce retailers that do not hold a professional or contractor license are not required to post a surety bond in NH.

Product Liability Insurance

Not mandated by state law
May Apply
Fee: $1000.00-$3000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

NH law does not require product liability insurance, but many manufacturers and marketplaces require proof of coverage.

Liquor Liability Insurance

Not applicable
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Not applicable to a standard e‑commerce retailer unless it sells alcohol and holds the appropriate NH liquor license.

Workers' Compensation Insurance – Exemption for Sole Proprietors

New Hampshire Department of Labor – Workers' Compensation Division
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Owners who are the only worker are exempt from the workers’ comp requirement in NH.

Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Required
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

All LLCs, including single-member LLCs, are required to obtain an EIN from the IRS regardless of whether they have employees. This is mandatory for tax administration purposes.

File Federal Income Tax Return for LLC

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Required
Renewal: annual
Type: filing

A single-member LLC is disregarded for federal tax purposes and reports income on Schedule C of Form 1040. Multi-member LLCs are treated as partnerships and must file Form 1065. The LLC itself does not pay federal income tax unless it elects corporate taxation.

Collect and Remit Sales Tax (Economic Nexus under P.L. 115-141)

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) / U.S. Supreme Court (South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc.)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: filing

While sales tax is a state-level obligation, the federal government authorized states to require remote sellers to collect sales tax following the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair decision. This applies to all eCommerce businesses selling to customers in states with economic nexus laws. New Hampshire does not have a sales tax, but out-of-state sales may trigger obligations elsewhere.

FTC Compliance with Truth-in-Advertising and Consumer Protection Rules

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Required
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

eCommerce businesses must ensure all advertising is truthful, not misleading, and substantiated. Must disclose material connections (e.g., affiliate links), provide clear return/refund policies, and comply with the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA) for negative option billing.

Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA) Compliance

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Requires clear disclosure of terms, express informed consent before charging, and simple cancellation mechanisms for recurring billing. Applies specifically to eCommerce businesses using auto-renewal models.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Website Compliance

Department of Justice (DOJ)
May Apply
Fee: $3000.00-$50000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

While DOJ has not issued final website accessibility rules, courts have consistently held that eCommerce websites must be accessible under Title III of the ADA. Compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA is the de facto standard. Numerous lawsuits target inaccessible online stores.

OSHA Workplace Safety Reporting (Annual)

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
May Apply
Renewal: annual
Type: filing

Required to submit Form 300A (Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses) electronically if located in a participating state and meets size threshold. Most eCommerce businesses without physical warehouses or manufacturing are exempt due to small size or low-risk classification.

I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

All U.S. employers, including LLCs, must complete Form I-9 for each employee to verify identity and authorization to work. Applies even to remote workers. E-Verify is not federally required unless in certain states or federal contracts.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Compliance

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Requires payment of federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour), overtime pay (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours/week), and proper recordkeeping. Applies to eCommerce businesses with employees involved in order fulfillment, customer service, or management.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Compliance

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Requires eligible employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical and family reasons. Most small eCommerce LLCs do not meet the threshold, but growth could trigger this requirement.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Endorsement Guides Compliance

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Requires clear and conspicuous disclosure of material connections between endorsers and the brand (e.g., “#ad”, “paid partnership”). Applies to all eCommerce businesses using influencer marketing on social media.

Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Compliance

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Requires verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children under 13. Applies to eCommerce sites with content or marketing aimed at children.

CAN-SPAM Act Compliance

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Requires accurate subject lines, clear identification as an ad, physical address inclusion, and opt-out mechanisms. Applies to all eCommerce businesses conducting email marketing.

No Industry-Specific Federal License Required for General eCommerce

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: license

Most general eCommerce businesses (e.g., selling clothing, electronics) do not require federal licenses. However, selling specific items triggers licensing: FDA registration for food/cosmetics (21 U.S.C. § 350d), ATF permits for alcohol (27 CFR Part 19), FCC equipment authorization for wireless devices. This entry confirms no blanket federal license exists for general eCommerce.

Step-by-Step Compliance Guide

  1. Register your Limited Liability Company (LLC) with the New Hampshire Secretary of State - Corporation Division, which requires a one-time fee of $100.00.
  2. Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service, which is required for most eCommerce businesses.
  3. Ensure your online store complies with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations regarding truth-in-advertising and consumer protection, with no associated fee.
  4. File an Annual Report with the New Hampshire Secretary of State - Corporation Division each year, incurring a $100.00 fee.
  5. Comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title III for website accessibility, potentially costing between $1,000.00 and $50,000.00.
  6. File your Federal Income Tax Return as an LLC with the Internal Revenue Service annually, with fees varying based on income.
  7. Maintain accurate record-keeping for all tax and business transactions as required by the Internal Revenue Service.
  8. Consider obtaining General Liability Insurance, though not mandated by New Hampshire state law, with premiums ranging from $500.00 to $1,500.00.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Assuming a general federal business license is required for all eCommerce businesses.
  • Ignoring the need for ongoing FTC compliance related to advertising and marketing practices.
  • Failing to file annual income taxes with the IRS, even if the business has no profit.
  • Neglecting the importance of ADA website accessibility compliance, which can lead to lawsuits.
  • Overlooking the requirement to file Federal Estimated Tax Payments quarterly or annually.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the annual cost of compliance for an eCommerce business in Concord, NH?

The minimum annual cost is $100.00 for the Annual Report filed with the New Hampshire Secretary of State. However, costs can increase significantly depending on insurance choices and potential ADA compliance expenses.

Does Concord, NH require a business license for online stores?

No, Concord, NH does not require a general business license for eCommerce businesses; however, you still need to comply with federal and state regulations like those from the IRS and FTC.

What does the FTC compliance entail for an eCommerce business?

FTC compliance involves adhering to truth-in-advertising standards, consumer protection rules, and online privacy regulations. This includes clear disclosures, honest marketing, and secure data handling.

How often do I need to file with the New Hampshire Secretary of State?

You are required to file an Annual Report with the New Hampshire Secretary of State - Corporation Division every year, and the fee for this report is $100.00.

What is an EIN and why do I need one?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique tax ID number assigned by the IRS to businesses. It’s required for most LLCs and is used for filing taxes and opening business bank accounts.

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