Why NH Landlords and Small Business Owners Should Choose a New Hampshire CPA Over a Cheap Tax Service
- Ryan Poirier
- Nov 28
- 3 min read
If you own rental property or run a business here in New Hampshire, you’ve probably seen the ads:
“File your taxes for free!”
“Fast. Simple. Online.”
“Maximum refund guaranteed!”
It sounds tempting—but here’s the truth: those “free” services often come with hidden costs, missed deductions, and a total lack of accountability when things go wrong. That might be fine for a college student with one W-2. But for a landlord with three units in Claremont? Or a self-employed contractor in Sutton? It’s a different game entirely.
Let’s talk about why working with a local CPA—especially one who knows New Hampshire’s unique tax landscape—is worth every penny.
1. NH Taxes Are Not Like Other States
Most national or out-of-state tax services just run your federal numbers and assume that’s good enough. It’s not—at least not here in the Granite State.
New Hampshire has its own quirks:
The Business Profits Tax (BPT) and Business Enterprise Tax (BET)
The Personal Compensation Deduction (which can eliminate BPT for many sole props and landlords—but is often missed by generic software)
Unique rules for LLCs, rental income, and multi-member partnerships
Special NH-specific adjustments that don’t show up on your federal return
If you use a generic online service or national chain, these details are often missed—or worse, filed incorrectly.
As a local New Hampshire CPA, we specialize in this. We know how the state looks at your income, and we make sure your filing reflects everything you’re legally entitled to claim.
2. Accountability Matters When Things Go Wrong
Free and low-cost preparers have one thing in common: when something goes sideways with the IRS or the DRA, you’re on your own.
When you work with a CPA:
We're licensed, regulated, and insured
We stand behind our work and help you fix issues if they come up
We maintain your records and help with future audits or amended returns
You get actual advice—not just data entry disguised as service
As a business owner or landlord, you're exposed to more risk, more scrutiny, and more complexity. You don’t want a tax preparer who disappears the minute a notice shows up.
3. You Could Be Leaving Money on the Table
A generic return might get the job “done”—but that’s not the same as getting it done right.
We’ve seen New Hampshire clients overpay by thousands simply because their out-of-state preparer didn’t know about:
The safe harbor rule for personal compensation
Allocating rent-related expenses properly for NH tax
How to minimize BET with smart structuring of wages vs distributions
Timing depreciation to match NH treatment
Most of these missed opportunities aren’t due to negligence—they’re just not on the radar of national tax prep companies.
4. You’re Not Just Filing—You’re Building Something
Your tax return isn’t just a form. It’s a reflection of your business. It connects to:
Loan applications
Property purchases
Business planning
Exit strategies
Retirement savings
When you work with a CPA, you’re not just paying for tax prep. You’re investing in ongoing strategy—the kind that builds long-term wealth, protects your time, and sets your business up for future success.
We’re here all year, not just April.
Final Thoughts: Local New Hampshire CPA Wins
In New Hampshire, the tax rules are different. The people are different. The way we build, rent, and run businesses is different too.
That’s why you need a CPA who’s here—who understands what matters when you own property in Newport, run a shop in New London, or operate out of your garage in Warner.
Don’t trust your livelihood to a box-checker or a faceless app.Let’s get it right—and let’s keep more of your money in your business, not in the state’s pocket.
Ready to work with someone who knows NH inside and out?
📞 Schedule a free 15-minute review
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