Forming a New Hampshire LLC
(2025 Guide)
2025 LLC Guide
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forms your LLC with Northwest for $39 (60% off). Details inside.
How to Start an LLC in New Hampshire (Step-by-Step Guide)
Discover how to start an LLC in New Hampshire, our step-by-step guide. Learn the essential requirements and process to form your business today.
To establish an LLC in New Hampshire, submit a Certificate of Formation to the New Hampshire Secretary of State. The filing fee is $102 and the process takes around 10 days for approval.
There are five essential steps:
– Choose a Name for Your LLC
– Appoint a Registered Agent
– Submit the Certificate of Formation
– Draft an Operating Agreement
– Obtain an EIN
For those interested in setting up the LLC independently, consult our complimentary guide below. Alternatively, if you prefer professional assistance, we suggest hiring Northwest Registered Agent.
Need to save time?
Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).
(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)
How much does it cost to establish an LLC in New Hampshire?
Starting an LLC requires a fee of $102, followed by an annual cost of $100.
What do these fees cover? The $102 fee is for filing the Certificate of Formation, which officially creates an LLC. The $100 annual fee is for submitting your Annual Report, a required filing to keep your LLC compliant. For more details on LLC expenses, refer to LLC Costs in New Hampshire.
How long does it take to form an LLC in New Hampshire?
Submitting by mail results in approval within 7-10 business days, plus mailing time. Filing online also results in approval within 7-10 business days.
For updates on any potential delays, please refer to How long does it take to get an LLC in New Hampshire.
Here’s how to establish an LLC in New Hampshire
1. Conduct a Search for Your LLC Name
Check the availability of your LLC name in the state.
This is necessary since no two businesses in the state can share the same name. Initially, search for your desired business name and compare it with those already registered in the state. To ensure the uniqueness of your chosen LLC name, use the Business Name Search tool.
Next, get acquainted with the state’s naming guidelines to ensure your LLC name gets approved. More detailed information is available here: New Hampshire LLC Name.
Note:
Most people choose “LLC”.
2. Select a New Hampshire Registered Agent
The following step involves selecting a Registered Agent. A New Hampshire Registered Agent is an individual or company responsible for receiving legal mail and state notices on behalf of your New Hampshire Limited Liability Company.
Who is eligible to be an LLC Registered Agent? You have three options for appointing a Registered Agent:
You
A friend or family member
A Registered Agent Service
New Hampshire mandates that LLC Registered Agents must maintain a physical street address within the state. PO Boxes are not permissible. The name and address of the Registered Agent will be included in public records.
If you lack an address in New Hampshire or desire increased privacy, you can opt for a Registered Agent Service for your LLC.
We suggest Northwest Registered Agent
One of the aspects we appreciate most about Northwest is their willingness to allow you to use their office address for your LLC filing. This ensures your personal address is not listed in public records.
Additionally, they provide a service to scan any mail addressed to your LLC and upload it to your online account. Northwest offers exceptional customer service, and we trust them as our own Registered Agent.
Special offer:
Form your LLC with Northwest for $39 + state fee and get a free year of Registered Agent service.
(Read our Northwest Registered Agent review.)
3. Submit a Certificate of Formation
To establish an LLC, you must submit a Certificate of Formation to the New Hampshire Secretary of State.
Filing this certificate online incurs a one-time fee of $102.
If you prefer to handle this process on your own, refer to our detailed guide: New Hampshire Certificate of Formation. Alternatively, you can hire a company to manage the filing for you.
Need to save time?
Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).
(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)
4. Draft an LLC Operating Agreement
An LLC Operating Agreement acts as a complementary document to the Certificate of Formation. While the Certificate of Formation establishes your LLC, the Operating Agreement identifies the owners of the LLC.
Moreover, many banks require an Operating Agreement when setting up an LLC bank account. It is also invaluable if legal issues arise, as it demonstrates the proper management of your LLC. For these reasons, we advise all LLCs, including Single-Member LLCs, to have an Operating Agreement.
Additionally, an Operating Agreement is considered an “internal document.” This means you don’t need to file it with the state or the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). Simply keep a copy with your business records. You can download a free template below. Then, watch our New Hampshire Operating Agreement video for a step-by-step guide on how to complete it.
Download a free LLC Operating Agreement:
Member-managed: Google Doc | Word | PDF
Manager-managed: Google Doc | Word
(What’s better? See Member-managed vs Manager-managed LLC)
5. Obtain an EIN for Your LLC
The following step is to secure a New Hampshire EIN from the IRS for your LLC. Note: An EIN, also known as a Federal Tax ID Number or Federal Employer Identification Number, is essential.
An EIN is needed to:
– Identify your LLC for tax purposes
– Open a business bank account
– Apply for business licenses and permits
How much does an EIN cost? The IRS provides an EIN at no charge.
How long does it take to receive an EIN? Online applications are processed in 15 minutes, while mail or fax applications may take 1-3 months.
How can I obtain an EIN?
– US Citizens/Residents: With an SSN or ITIN, apply online. Follow these instructions: Apply for an EIN online.
– Non-US Residents: You can’t apply online, but you can obtain an EIN via fax or mail. See these instructions: How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.
What should I do after my LLC is approved?
After your LLC approval, follow these essential steps:
Open an LLC business bank account
Establish a dedicated business bank account for your LLC. This simplifies accounting and record-keeping for your business finances. A separate business account also upholds your personal liability protection by keeping your business finances distinct from personal ones.
Get business licenses and permits
Fortunately, New Hampshire doesn’t require a state general business license. However, depending on your LLC’s location, you might need a local business license or permit. For example, starting a daycare might necessitate a business license from the city or county. Discover more on our New Hampshire Business License page.
File your LLC Annual Report
All New Hampshire LLCs must submit an Annual Report each year to remain in good standing with the state. The cost of filing an Annual Report in New Hampshire is $100 annually. When are these reports due? Every LLC Annual Report must be filed by April 1st each year. For instance, if your LLC was approved on March 13, 2025, your first Annual Report is due by April 1, 2026. You can file your LLC’s Annual Report online or by mail, with the online option being more convenient. Follow our step-by-step guide here: New Hampshire LLC Annual Report.
File and pay business taxes
LLCs are exempt from federal income tax; instead, the LLC Members pay taxes as part of their personal tax returns. How is your LLC taxed? The IRS taxes an LLC based on its number of owners: a Single-Member LLC is taxed like a Sole Proprietorship, while a Multi-Member LLC is taxed as a Partnership. Alternatively, you can choose to have the IRS tax your LLC like a C-Corporation or S-Corporation. In addition to federal taxes, there are state and local taxes such as the Gross Receipts Tax and Business Profits Tax. Learn more in New Hampshire LLC Taxes.
Helpful Resources
If you have any inquiries regarding filing your LLC, you can reach out to the Nevada Secretary of State at 775-684-5708. They are available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Pacific Time.
How to Start an LLC in New Hampshire FAQs
Can I start an LLC online in New Hampshire?
Absolutely, you can establish your LLC online. The fee for filing the Certificate of Formation is $102. Once you submit your LLC online, it typically gets approved within 7-10 business days.
What are the benefits of an LLC?
One major advantage of an LLC is the protection of your personal assets. This means if your business faces a lawsuit, your personal assets, like your home, vehicles, and bank accounts, remain safe. This protection extends to all LLC members, whether you have a Single-Member or Multi-Member LLC. All LLC members are shielded from business debts and liabilities. This type of security isn’t available if you operate as a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership, where owners lack protection in case of legal issues. Therefore, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are a favored business structure. Another advantage is LLC pass-through taxation, meaning the LLC itself doesn’t pay federal income taxes. Instead, profits are passed to the LLC Members, who then report them on their personal tax returns. For further details, see How are LLCs taxed.
Is New Hampshire a good state to start an LLC?
Whether New Hampshire is suitable for starting an LLC depends on your residence and business location. If you live or do business in New Hampshire, it’s advisable to start your LLC there. Many websites discuss tax rates and benefits of certain states, but these don’t apply if you’re not residing or doing business there. For instance, establishing an LLC in Delaware while living and operating in New Hampshire requires registering the Delaware LLC in New Hampshire, incurring additional fees. You would also be liable for New Hampshire taxes, leading to extra expenses and complications without benefits. In conclusion, if you reside and do business in New Hampshire, it’s a favorable state to start a business. Otherwise, it’s not advisable.
Real estate exception: If you’re buying real estate outside New Hampshire, form your LLC in the state where the property is located. For more information, refer to Best State to Form an LLC.
About Us
We specialize in guiding individuals through the process of forming LLCs across all states, while also offering a range of comprehensive business services tailored to entrepreneurs.
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