How New Hampshire compares
Ranked against the other 49 states on the figures we hold. Rates that combine state and local components — sales tax, the minimum wage where it varies by region — are shown on this page but not ranked, because a single number would misstate them.
| Figure | NH | Nationally | In its region |
|---|---|---|---|
| PopulationUS Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 estimates, July 1, 2025 | 1,415,342 | 41st highest of 50 | 7 of 11 |
| GDP ($bn)Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2025 | 125.5 | 39th highest of 50 | 7 of 11 |
| Median household incomeUS Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, 2024 | $99,782 | 6th highest of 50 | 4 of 11 |
| Unemployment rateBureau of Labor Statistics, LAUS (seasonally adjusted, preliminary), September 2026 | 2.6% | tied 3rd lowest of 50 | 1 of 11 |
| Foreign-born shareUS Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, 2024 | 5.9% | 35th highest of 50 | 9 of 11 |
| Property tax ratechecked Nov 2026; confirm with the New Hampshire legislature | 1.93% | 48th lowest of 50 | 10 of 11 |
| Deposit return window (days)checked Nov 2026; confirm with the New Hampshire legislature | 30 | tied 15th lowest of 50 | 5 of 11 |
| Eviction notice (days)checked Nov 2026; confirm with the New Hampshire legislature | 30 | tied 2nd highest of 50 | 2 of 11 |
| Final pay deadline (days)checked Nov 2026; confirm with the New Hampshire legislature | 0 | tied 1st lowest of the 29 states that set one | 1 of 7 |
- State income tax: no9 of 50 states answer the same way
- At-will employment: yesthe same in all 50 states — it does not set New Hampshire apart
- Paid sick leave required: no30 of 50 states answer the same way
- Paid family leave: no38 of 50 states answer the same way
- Workers' comp required: yes49 of 50 states answer the same way
- Rent control permitted: no46 of 50 states answer the same way
- Annual report required: yes43 of 50 states answer the same way
Statistical figures: US Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025) · US Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (2024) · Bureau of Economic Analysis (2025) · Bureau of Labor Statistics, LAUS (seasonally adjusted, preliminary) (September 2026) · SBA Office of Advocacy, 2025 Small Business Profiles (2025). Tax, wage, business and tenancy figures are recorded from state sources and were last checked on 2026-11-05 — confirm anything you are about to act on with the New Hampshire legislature.
How long you have in New Hampshire
The periods that decide whether something is on time. Days are calendar days unless the underlying rule says otherwise.
- Return a security deposit within
- 30 days
- Eviction notice before filing
- 30 days
- Final paycheck within
- 0 days
- LLC formation processed in
- 5–7 days
- Annual report due
- Annually by April 1
- Overtime starts after
- 40 hrs/week (FLSA)
AI Legal Insights — New Hampshire
AI-generated · Updated July 2026
New Hampshire operates under an at-will employment doctrine, meaning employment can generally be terminated by either party at any time for any lawful reason. The state does not mandate paid sick leave or paid family leave, placing the responsibility for such benefits on individual employer policies.
The business environment is highly competitive due to the absence of state income and sales taxes, which lowers the overall tax burden on corporations and consumers. With a low LLC filing fee of $100 and a robust small business sector of 131,000 entities, the state is attractive for entrepreneurs.
The foreign-born population in New Hampshire stands at approximately 8.0% of the total population. This demographic contributes to the state's workforce and economic diversity within the Granite State.
- ›Ensure all employment agreements clearly outline at-will status to avoid ambiguity.
- ›Include specific clauses regarding local tax compliance given the unique lack of state sales tax.
- ›Verify all service contracts comply with New Hampshire's specific consumer protection statutes.
AI-generated insights · Verify with a licensed attorney before relying on this information.
🔍 What documents do you need in New Hampshire?
Select your situation — get instant recommendations tailored to New Hampshire law.
Employment Laws
New Hampshire labor regulations
New Hampshire is an at-will employment state with relatively light labor regulation. The state minimum wage matches the federal $7.25/hr, and there is no paid sick leave mandate; paid family leave is available only through a voluntary state program. New Hampshire has no personal income tax — the Interest & Dividends Tax was repealed for periods after December 31, 2024 — and its unemployment rate is among the lowest in the country (2.6%).
| Law | NH Rule | Federal Floor |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr (state law follows the federal minimum) | $7.25/hr |
| Tipped Minimum Wage | 45% of the minimum wage ($3.27/hr cash wage); tips must bring pay up to $7.25 | $2.13/hr cash wage |
| Overtime | After 40 hrs/week at 1.5× rate (follows FLSA) | FLSA: after 40 hrs/week |
| Paid Sick Leave | None required by state law | None (federal) |
| Paid Family Leave | Voluntary program only — state employees are covered, and private employers and individuals can choose to buy coverage | FMLA: 12 weeks unpaid |
| Workers Comp | Mandatory for employers with 1+ employee, including part-time employees | Federal employees: yes |
| At-Will Employment | Yes | Default nationwide |
| Final Paycheck | Within 72 hours if fired; by the next regular payday if the employee quits | No federal deadline |
| Meal Breaks | 30-minute meal break after 5 consecutive hours of work, unless the employee can eat while working | No federal requirement |
- New Hampshire has no mandatory paid sick leave or paid family leave; employees rely on federal FMLA (unpaid, 12 weeks), employer policies, or the voluntary state paid family leave program.
- The state Law Against Discrimination prohibits discrimination based on age, sex, race, color, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, religious creed, and national origin, for employers with 6 or more employees.
- The state Whistleblowers' Protection Act protects employees who report violations of law from retaliation.
- New Hampshire has no tax on wages, and the Interest & Dividends Tax was repealed for periods after December 31, 2024, so there is no personal income tax at all.
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor state minimum wage table · state labor agencies (checked Nov 2026)
Landlord-Tenant Laws
New Hampshire rental regulations
New Hampshire landlord-tenant law is relatively landlord-friendly compared with neighboring states. There is no rent control. Security deposits are capped at 1 month's rent or $100, whichever is greater, and must be returned within 30 days. Eviction for non-payment of rent starts with a 7-day notice; many other terminations require 30 days' notice, and all evictions go through the circuit court.
| Topic | NH Rule |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit | Capped at 1 month's rent or $100, whichever is greater; the landlord must give a receipt and keep the deposit separate from personal funds |
| Deposit Return | Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, with an itemized list of any deductions |
| Deposit Interest | Landlords holding a deposit for a year or more must pay interest on it |
| Rent Control | No rent control in New Hampshire |
| Eviction Notice (Non-Payment) | 7-day eviction notice for non-payment of rent; paying the rent owed plus allowed costs before the notice period ends generally stops the eviction |
| Eviction Notice (Other Reasons) | 30-day notice for most other lawful reasons; 7 days for certain serious problems such as substantial damage or behavior threatening health or safety |
| Eviction Process | The landlord files a landlord-tenant writ in circuit court; the tenant has the right to a hearing, and no lockout is allowed without a court order |
| Habitability | Landlords must keep rental units fit to live in and comply with health and safety codes; serious code violations can be a defense to eviction for non-payment |
| Retaliation Protection | Landlord may not retaliate against a tenant for reporting code violations or habitability issues |
Both landlords and tenants have enforceable rights under New Hampshire law. Document all communications and keep copies of your lease agreement. Use AI review to spot risky clauses before signing.
Starting a Business
New Hampshire LLC formation guide
New Hampshire has no personal income tax and no general sales tax, which makes it attractive for owners and workers. LLC formation costs $100, and the annual report is due by April 1 each year with a $100 fee. The main business taxes are the Business Profits Tax (7.5%) and the Business Enterprise Tax; businesses still file BPT/BET returns even though individuals have no income tax return. The state's location near Boston and its educated workforce support technology, healthcare, and manufacturing businesses.
Step-by-step LLC formation
- 1Choose a business name — must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company"; check availability with the New Hampshire Secretary of State
- 2Designate a registered agent with a physical New Hampshire address (no P.O. boxes)
- 3File a Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State online and pay the $100 filing fee
- 4Get an EIN from the IRS — free at irs.gov
- 5Register with the NH Department of Revenue Administration — the Business Profits Tax and Business Enterprise Tax apply to businesses above the filing thresholds
- 6If you have employees, register with New Hampshire Employment Security for unemployment insurance and obtain workers' compensation coverage
- 7File the annual report with the Secretary of State by April 1 each year — $100 fee
- 8Open a business bank account using your EIN and formation documents
- 9Check local business licenses and zoning with your municipality — requirements vary by city and industry
Every LLC also needs a free EIN from the IRS (Form SS-4). Apply online at irs.gov — takes about 15 minutes and is required to open a business bank account.
Popular IRS Forms
Most-filed federal forms for New Hampshire taxpayers
Fill these out online with plain-English guidance — every field explained, no accountant required. Download as a ready-to-file PDF when done.
The main annual federal income tax return every taxpayer files.
Fill out free →Give your SSN or EIN to a client before getting paid as a contractor.
Fill out free →Report $600+ paid to independent contractors during the year.
Fill out free →Tell your employer how much federal tax to withhold from pay.
Fill out free →Report income and expenses from a sole proprietorship or LLC.
Fill out free →Report payroll taxes withheld from employees each quarter.
Fill out free →Get an automatic 6-month extension to file your 1040.
Fill out free →The year-end wage statement employers issue to each employee.
Fill out free →Review Your New Hampshire Contract — Free
Upload any document. Our AI flags risky clauses, explains legal jargon, and gives you a plain-English risk report specific to New Hampshire law.
Federal Offices
United States government offices in New Hampshire
Walk-in assistance by appointment only. Call (844) 545-5640 to schedule, or book online at irs.gov.
Free Legal Aid
New Hampshire legal assistance organizations
These organizations provide free or reduced-cost civil legal services to qualifying New Hampshire residents.
Before your consultation: upload your document for a free AI risk scan — understand the key issues before meeting an attorney.
Free AI contract review →Latest Tax & Business News
Check these official sources for latest New Hampshire tax & business news:
Upcoming Deadlines
Forms on BrieflyGo
Business Resources
Top New Hampshire Cities
Localized legal, tax & contract help for each city.
Got a New Hampshire government document?
Upload it — AI reads and explains every line in plain English.
BrieflyGo Tools for New Hampshire
AI-powered legal and tax tools — free to start, no login required.
FreeUpload any contract — AI highlights risks, explains every clause in plain English, and suggests fixes in seconds.
Review free →
Federal + state deadlines in one place. Never miss a quarterly payment or filing date again.
Open calendar →
NDA, lease, employment contracts and 200+ more. AI pre-fills from your details — ready in minutes.
Browse templates →
IRS 1040, 1099-NEC, W-9, USCIS forms — search the full catalog, fill online, download as PDF.
Find forms →Common Questions
New Hampshire legal & business FAQ
Review Your New Hampshire Contract — Free
Upload any document. Our AI flags risky clauses, explains legal jargon, and gives you a plain-English risk report specific to New Hampshire law.