INITIAL FILING REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A NEW HAMPSHIRE NONPROFIT

  1. HOW TO INCORPORATE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE:
    • File Articles of Incorporation (nonprofits that consist of at least 5 members)
      • Send to: Secretary of State Corporations Division State House 107 North Main Street Concord, NH 03301-4989
        • The organization must also submit this filing to the clerk of the town or city in which the business will be located. (Filing Fee: $5)
      • The filing fee is $100 (Online filing fee is $102)
      • For more information,
        • Website: sos.nh.gov
        • Call:
          • (603) 271-3246
          • (603) 271-3244
  2. HOW TO OBTAIN 501(c) (3) TAX-EXEMPT STATUS:
    • File Form 1023 online at Pay.gov.
      • Filing fee is $600 ($275 for 1023-EZ Form)
      • For more information
        • Website: www.irs.gov/charities 
        • Call:
          • (800) 829–3676 (Form related questions)
          • (800) 829–1040 (general information)
  3. HOW TO REGISTER WITH THE NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE’S ATTORNEY GENERAL:
    • File Form NHCT-11, together with: the Articles of Agreement, Bylaws, a financial statement (or copy of recent bank statement if newly formed), and the organization’s mission statement.
      • Send to: N.H. Department of Justice Charitable Trusts Unit 33 Capitol Street Concord, NH 03301
      • The filing fee is $25
      • For more information,

ANNUAL FILING REQUIREMENTS TO MAINTAIN A NEW HAMPSHIRE NONPROFIT

  1. NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE’S DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE ADMINISTRATION:
    • File Business Enterprise Tax Form BET (501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations are exempt from this tax and filing unless they engage in unrelated business activities)
      • Note that the due date is 2 and a half months after the end of the fiscal year.
      • Send to: NH Department of Revenue Administration PO Box 637 Concord, NH 03302-0637
      • There is no filing fee
      • Note on tax: If the annual estimated tax is higher than $200, quarterly estimated tax payments must be filed (Form NH-1120-ES). Tax is .0075 times the enterprise value tax base.
      • For more information,
  2. NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE’S ATTORNEY GENERAL:
    • File Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, or Form NHCT-12
      • Note that the due date is 4 and a half months after the end of fiscal year
      • Send to: N.H. Department of Justice Charitable Trusts Unit 33 Capitol Street Concord, NH 03301
      • Can also be filed online.
      • The filing fee is $75
      • Audit: Charitable organizations with revenues of $1,000,000 or more must also submit their audited financial statements. Private foundations are exempt from this requirement
      • Financial Statement: Charitable organizations with revenues between $500,000 and $1,000,000 must also submit a financial statement that complies with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles). Private foundations are exempt from this requirement.
      • Alternative filings: If the organization is not required to file Form 990 or 990-EZ due to asset level, then it must file Form NHCT-2A. Otherwise, the organization should file a copy of the Form 990 or 990-EZ.
      • For more information,
  3. INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE:
    • File the Annual Return Form 990 with an online service provider.
      • Note that the due date is 4 and a half months after the end of fiscal year.
      • A list of online service providers can be found here.
      • There is no filing fee.
      • For more information,
        • Website: irs.gov/charities
        • Call:
          • (800) 829-3676 (Form related questions)
          • (800) 829-1040 (general information)
      • For Public Charities: Please go to the IRS website to determine which of the three forms to file: Form 990, Form 990-EZ, or Form 990-N.
      • For Private Foundations: You are required to submit the Form 990-PF.
  4. NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE’S SECRETARY OF STATE:
    • File 5 Year Return Form
      • Note that return must be filed during the first calendar year ending with a 5 or a 0 after the date of incorporation, and every 5 years thereafter. The form to be filed will be mailed by the Corporation Division to the principle address of the organization.
      • Send to: Secretary of State Corporations Division State House 107 North Main Street Concord, MA 03301-4989
      • Can also be filed online here.
      • The filing fee is $25
      • For more information,