Hotel / Motel Permits & Licenses in Dover, NH

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

Applies to all LLCs. No exam or prerequisites.

Registration renewed automatically via annual report. Applies if DBA used.

Many New Hampshire towns and cities impose a local business tax (LBT) or 'privilege tax' on businesses operating within their jurisdiction. The rate and filing requirements vary by location. Contact the local town or city clerk for specific requirements. See NH RSA 31:6-a.

Required for all LLCs with employees and recommended for all LLCs for banking and tax purposes. Applied for online via IRS website. Not a tax, but a prerequisite for federal and state tax compliance.

LLC owners must report business income on personal tax returns. Self-employment tax (15.3%) applies to net earnings. Estimated taxes required if tax liability exceeds $1,000. See IRS Publication 535 and Form 1040-ES.

Employers must withhold federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare from employee wages. File Form 941 quarterly, Form 940 annually for FUTA, and issue W-2 forms. See IRS Circular E.

Required for all hotels/motels (RSA 353). Local occupancy/fire permits often required prior to state approval.

9% state rooms tax + local option (up to 9%). Local health permit needed for food service.

9% state tax + local option (up to 9%). Must register before operation.

Required by all NH municipalities; issued by local building official after fire/safety inspections.

Mandatory for all hotels/motels; local fire department conducts inspection.

Required for all employers with one or more employees in New Hampshire, including part-time and seasonal workers. Sole proprietors and partners may elect out, but must file Form WC-3. LLC members are generally not considered employees unless they opt in. Coverage must be obtained through a private insurer or the state fund (NH Insurance Fund).

While not mandated by New Hampshire law, general liability insurance is strongly recommended and often required by property owners, lenders, or franchise agreements. Covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury on premises.

Required for all hotels/motels renting rooms >14 days/year. Register via DRA Form BT-SUM-825. Collects 8.5% Rooms & Meals Tax (2024 rate).

Hotels/motels must register to remit 8.5% state + local occupancy taxes. Included with Rooms & Meals registration.

Required for all hotels, motels, rooming houses with >2 guest rooms. Application via DHHS Food Protection. Inspections required; no exam.

Plan review required pre-construction ($300+). Annual inspection.

Hotels and motels in New Hampshire are required to collect a 9% Transient Room Tax on all room rentals of less than 30 days. This is in addition to the 7% state sales tax on other taxable services (e.g., restaurant meals, telephone services). See RSA 78-A and Administrative Bulletin #21-1.

All employers must register and withhold New Hampshire's 5% interest and dividends tax (often referred to as the 'dividend tax') from employee wages if they perform services in NH. This tax applies to compensation for personal services performed in NH. See Publication PTW and RSA 283.

Employers with one or more employees must register with NH Employment Security and pay unemployment insurance tax. The tax rate varies by experience rating (0.08% to 10.4% for 2024) on the first $17,500 of each employee's wages. See RSA 273-A:3.

LLCs taxed as corporations or electing to be taxed as such may be subject to BPT at 3% on business enterprise income over $200,000. Pass-through entities may be subject to the Business Enterprise Tax (BET), not BPT. See RSA 77-A and Publication BPT.

BET is imposed at 0.5% on 'enterprise income' (based on business profits, property, and compensation). Applies to all businesses with more than $150,000 in enterprise income (2024 threshold). Most LLCs are subject to BET unless electing corporate taxation. See RSA 77-A:2 and Publication BET.

FTC enforces truth-in-advertising rules. Hotels must not misrepresent room availability, pricing, amenities, or location. Applies to websites, third-party booking platforms, and promotional materials.

Requires payment of federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour), overtime (1.5x regular rate for >40 hours/week), and proper recordkeeping. Applies to housekeeping, front desk, and maintenance staff.

Requires eligible employees (12 months, 1,250 hours) to receive up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave annually for qualifying reasons. Most larger hotels are subject.

All employers must complete Form I-9 for each employee to verify identity and work authorization. Applies to U.S. citizens and non-citizens alike.

Requires use of FCC-compliant equipment. Also, hotels must comply with CALEA-related obligations if providing VoIP services. Wi-Fi networks must not interfere with licensed spectrum.

While FDA does not directly enforce at the local level, it sets the national Food Code. Hotels with food service must follow safe handling, storage, and employee hygiene standards.

Requires Federal Basic Permit under 27 CFR Part 16. Must also comply with federal labeling and advertising rules for alcoholic beverages.

All LLCs registered in New Hampshire must file an annual report with the Secretary of State. The report confirms business information such as principal address, registered agent, and management structure. Failure to file may lead to administrative dissolution.

Required for all motor vehicles registered to the business. Minimum liability coverage: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage (25/50/25). Applies to shuttle vans, service vehicles, or any company-owned vehicle used by the hotel.

While not explicitly mandated by statute as a standalone policy, the New Hampshire Liquor Commission requires compliance with all applicable laws, and liquor liability coverage is a standard condition of maintaining a liquor license. Most insurers require it as part of a commercial package policy when alcohol is served. Known as 'dram shop' coverage, it protects against claims arising from intoxicated patrons causing harm.

A surety bond is required as part of the liquor license application process. The bond amount varies based on license type and projected sales (e.g., $1,000 to $10,000). It guarantees compliance with state liquor laws. For example, a Class III license (on-premises consumption) typically requires a $5,000 bond. See NH Liquor Commission Form LCB-101.

Not legally required in New Hampshire for hotels/motels. However, recommended for protection against claims of negligence, misrepresentation, or failure to deliver services. Often required by management contracts or franchisors.

Not mandated by New Hampshire law. However, if the hotel sells tangible goods to guests, it may be liable for product defects. Coverage is often included in a commercial general liability (CGL) policy. Recommended but not legally required.

While not required for all sole proprietorships, an EIN is mandatory for LLCs with employees or multiple members. Hotels typically require an EIN due to staffing.

As an LLC, the hotel business is typically a pass-through entity. Profits are reported on owners’ personal tax returns via Form 1065 (if multi-member) or Schedule C (if single-member). Self-employment tax applies.

Hotels must comply with general industry standards (29 CFR 1910), including hazard communication, emergency egress, and injury reporting. Employers with 10+ employees must maintain OSHA Form 300 logs.

Applies to all places of public accommodation. Hotels must ensure accessible guest rooms, entrances, restrooms, signage, and reservation systems. Standards are defined in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

Required for any renovation, repair, or painting that disturbs lead-based paint in pre-1978 buildings. Hotels undergoing remodeling must comply.

Requires notification to EPA or state agency before asbestos removal. Applies to any facility with asbestos, including older motels.

Hotels and motels are subject to BPT on gross receipts from room rentals and other services. The tax rate is tiered based on total taxable gross receipts. Must register with DRA.

If the business earns net profits over $50,000, it must make quarterly estimated Business Profits Tax payments. This is separate from the Business Privilege Tax.

All hotels and motels must collect and remit the 9% Meals and Rooms Tax on guest room rentals. The filing frequency (monthly or quarterly) is determined by DRA based on average monthly tax liability. Must register via DRA’s online portal.

Hotels that prepare or serve food must comply with the New Hampshire Retail Food Code. Inspections cover food storage, handling, sanitation, and employee hygiene. Frequency varies by local health authority.

While not universally scheduled annually, most municipalities conduct inspections every 1–3 years. Larger hotels may be inspected more frequently.

The Certificate of Formation, current Annual Report receipt, and any local business licenses must be displayed in a public area of the hotel (e.g., front desk). Also includes posting of the Meals and Rooms Tax registration certificate.

Employers must display current posters on minimum wage, OSHA safety rights, EEO, FMLA, and New Hampshire-specific labor laws. Posters must be visible to employees. Federal posters available at https://www.dol.gov/posters; state posters at https://www.dol.nh.gov/worker-rights/posters/index.html

Businesses must retain all tax records, including Meals and Rooms Tax, Business Privilege Tax, and payroll records, for a minimum of 3 years. Includes receipts, ledgers, and tax returns. Digital records acceptable if accurate and accessible.

All employers in New Hampshire must carry workers' compensation insurance. Coverage must be verified annually. Policy must be displayed at the workplace.

Employers must file quarterly wage reports and pay unemployment insurance taxes. Registration required with NH Employment Security. First $16,000 in wages per employee is taxable.

All hotels and motels must register with the DRA for Meals and Rooms Tax. While the registration does not expire, any change in ownership, address, or management must be reported within 30 days. Certificate must be posted.

All fire alarm and sprinkler systems in hotels must be tested annually by a licensed contractor. A Certificate of Inspection must be filed with the local fire department and kept on site. Required under NFPA 72 and NFPA 25.