I formed a single-member LLC in NH last month for my freelance graphic design work. I keep seeing mixed info about whether I need a separate state license or permit on top of the LLC registration. Some sources say the LLC covers it, others mention a "business license" that doesn't seem to exist as a general thing. Anyone been through this? I'm in Nashua if that matters.
Licensing
Does a New Hampshire LLC need a separate license for freelance work?
NH doesn't have a general state business license. Your LLC registration is the main state-level thing. Local city/town permits are separate and depend on what you're doing.
What Jeff said. i'd add that if you're selling taxable goods or services you'll want to look at the NH DRA for a tax registration. Services like design usually aren't taxable in NH though. Worth a phone call to confirm.
Thanks. So no general license, but maybe a local one? Do I need to check with Nashua city hall specifically?
I'm in Manchester and never got any city license for freelance IT work. Been diong it three years. Your mileage may vary by town but I doubt Nashua is wildly different.
Home-based businesses can trigger local zoning stuff. Not a license exactly but if clients come to your house or you have signage, the city might care. If it's just you and a laptop, probably nobody will ever ask.
This is the kind of question where you get five answers and three of them are "it depends." NH is pretty lght on this compared to Mass. If you were across the border you'd be drowning in permits.
One thing people forget is the annual report. That's not a license but it's a filing you have to keep up with or the LLC gets administratively dissolved. Easy to miss.
I did see the annual report fee mentioned. Is that the $100 one?
Yeah, $100 due in April based on when you formed. The state sends a reminder but don't rely on it.
Also worth mentioning: if your freelance work is in a field that's regulated, like accounting or counseling, that's a whole different story with professional licensing. Graphic design isn't, so you're fine there.
Curious what made you go LLC instead of just sole prop. I freelanced for years as a sole prop and it was way less paperwork.
Mostly liability peace of mind and a couple of bigger clients who prefer contracting with an LLC. The paperwork is annoyi ng but manageable so far.
If you're a single member LLC, make sure you're not accidentally creating confusion with your personal taxes. The LLC itself doesn't change how you file federally by default. A lot of new LLC owners don't realize that.
Re: Nashua specifically, I'd just call the city clerk's office and ask directly. Takes five minutes and you get an actual answer instead of forum guessing. Not trying to be dismissive, it's just that local rules are where the real variation lives.
Agreed on calling. And if they say you need something, get the name of the person and the specific ordinance. I've been told wrong things by municipal staff before.
Sort of off topic but does anyone know if the LLC formation service ads are worth it? I did mine myself and it was fine but a friend is convinced she needs to pay someone.