How to register a business name in New Hampshire as a Corporation?
What is a New Hampshire corporation?
Corporation setup can start either with one member or unlimited members. The corporation has the separate legal entity status of its members. It has its own seal to enter into an agreement. Members have limited liability for the debts and obligations of the corporation. They cannot be called for personal assets to discharge the liabilities of the corporation. The tax structure of the corporation will be covered in the coming paragraphs.
Kinds of corporation in New Hampshire
Like many other states of USA New Hampshire offer following kinds of corporation entities
- Benefit Corporation
- Domestic Profit Corporation
- Foreign Profit Corporation
- Professional Corporation
- Nonprofit Corporation
Simple guide to register a corporation in New Hampshire (Domestic Profit Corporation)
Check corporation name availability in New Hampshire
Corporation name must be distinguishable from already registered business entities in New Hampshire State. It must include the word corporation, Incorporated, or Limited or any abbreviation of these words. You may check name availability online or with Corporate Division office, Secretary of New Hampshire.
Corporation Name Reservation in New Hampshire
You can reserve any distinguishable name for corporation by filling with the Corporate Division office, Secretary of New Hampshire. Your application will not be processed unless you will pay the desired fee for name reservation. Name reservation form is available at the official website of the New Hampshire State Secretary and at Corporate Division office, Secretary of New Hampshire. Initially the name will be reserved for 120 days.
Preparation of Articles of Incorporation
If you have not reserved the name prior to filing of articles of incorporation then no need to file a name reservation with the articles of incorporation. Further, following information will be needed to complete the articles of incorporation.
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First Article:
Provide the name of the corporation if already reserved or not. But be sure that it must be distinguishable from already registered business entities in New Hampshire. Further, you have to provide a principal office address, mailing address, and email and phone number of the corporation. - Second Article: Provide at least one share with or without par value as an authorized share capital.
- Third Article: The registered agent is the person who would receive service of process and other legal communication. A registered agent and registered office must be provided. The registered agent may be an individual or any registered business entity located in New Hampshire. The registered address must be a complete street address of the registered agent.
- Forth Article: Provide the brief purpose or type of the corporation such as hairdresser, cleaning services etc.
- Fifth Article: Describe the status of the corporation either elected as business, corporation or not.
- Sixth Article: List the name and address of all incorporators, also the incorporate(s) listed must sign the Articles of Incorporation.
State Processing Time to from corporation in New Hampshire
Secretary of State New Hampshire usually takes working day to approve the article.
Obtain Employer Identification Number for NH Corporation
Upon successful incorporation of new business in the USA you can apply for an employer identification number (EIN) by filling the SS-4 form with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Filling annual report of a New Hampshire corporation
Every corporation has to file with the State Secretary an annual report due by April 1st of each year. Online facility available for filing of the annual report with prescribed fee. If any corporation will fail to pay and submit the annual report, its status will be changed to not in good standing and can be administratively dissolved if it fails to submit two consecutive annual reports.
New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing
Certificate of Good Standing implies that the corporation is complying all legal requirements. Online service is not available in New Hampshire. You can request a certificate of good standing by providing following information along with prescribed fee with the corporation division, New Hampshire Department of the State:
- State the name of the entity you want to appear on the certificate
- Address where certificate is to be mailed
- Contact person’s name
- Phone Number
- Enclose a check
Conversion of limited liability company into New Hampshire Corporation
NH Secretary of state allows to convert a limited liability company into a corporation.
Conversion of C-Corporation into S-Corporation for different tax scheme
You may elect to convert into an S corporation status for tax purposes by submitting Form 2553 with the IRS. The election should be filed within two months and 15 days after the beginning of the corporation's first tax year.
How to File Taxes?
- You can choose a fiscal year end or calendar to file taxes of your corporation.
- You have to file a Form 1120 along with necessary schedules and Form 1120S for an S Corporation.
- Reconcile all schedules
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