Key Points:
- Tax and Sales: New Hampshire has no general sales tax, which applies to medical cannabis sales, creating an advantage for in-state cannabis businesses.
- CBD and Hemp Businesses: CBD businesses face strict compliance and reporting standards, while hemp businesses benefit from simpler tax and regulatory requirements due to their agricultural focus.
- Role of a Cannabis Accountant: Compliance, tax strategy, risk management, and strategic planning
What is a Cannabis CPA?
A Cannabis CPA is a certified public accountant with specialized knowledge in the unique financial and federal tax regulations. Due to the industry's specific legal and tax challenges, their expertise is crucial for maintaining compliance and enhancing financial oversight.
- In New Hampshire, only medical cannabis is legally permitted, with about seven licensed Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs) managing the cultivation, processing, and distribution of medical marijuana to registered patients statewide. All such businesses require specialized accounting to address the unique regulatory and financial demands of the industry.
CPAs and Accounting Firms Offering Services to Cannabis Businesses in NH |
CannaCPAs |
Puff Puff Accounting |
- Are you a New Hampshire-licensed CPA offering services to cannabis-related businesses? Request to be listed .
Tax and Sales Considerations in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has no general sales tax, which includes medical cannabis sales. This provides a unique advantage for all businesses operating within the state.
Key Accounting Differences Between CBD and Hemp Businesses
- CBD Businesses: Strict regulatory compliance is essential for CBD businesses, requiring adherence to detailed state and federal guidelines for product labeling, sourcing, and local tax reporting. Accountants manage inventory, track extraction and testing costs, and separate CBD sales from other revenue for accurate reporting.
- Hemp Businesses: Focused on agricultural production, hemp has simpler tax requirements than cannabis due to its low THC content. Accountants track costs for seeds, equipment, and land management while ensuring compliance with agricultural subsidies and tax deductions, allowing for more streamlined accounting.
Specialized Services Provided by Cannabis Accountants
Cannabis accountants offer targeted financial services to meet the needs of cannabis businesses, including:
- Regulatory Compliance: Staying current with New Hampshire’s evolving cannabis laws to ensure businesses meet licensing, reporting, and tax requirements.
- Financial Management: Addressing the specific challenges of cannabis business operations, such as cash flow, inventory, and cost management.
- Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating potential financial and regulatory risks, including fraud prevention and internal controls.
- Strategic Planning: Providing insights to support growth, expansion, and resource allocation.
Unique Challenges for Cannabis Businesses
Cannabis businesses encounter distinct obstacles, including:
- Strict Inventory Tracking: Detailed tracking of cannabis products from seed to sale is mandatory, requiring robust inventory systems.
- State and Local Regulations: Cannabis laws vary and frequently change, adding complexity to compliance.