How to Start an LLC in New Hampshire (2025 Guide)

Wondering how to start an LLC in New Hampshire? We’ve got you covered.

To get started, you’ll need to pick a suitable business name, choose a registered agent, and file your Certificate of Formation with the Department of State. The cost to form an LLC in New Hampshire is $102.

You can do this independently, consult with a business attorney for specialized legal guidance, or join the other 65% of our readers and hire a specialized New Hampshire LLC formation service (recommended).

Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

LegalZoom ($249 + State Fees)

Cost to Start an LLC in New Hampshire

How to Form an LLC in New Hampshire in 5 Steps

In order to form your LLC in New Hampshire, you’ll need to complete the following steps:

Name Your New Hampshire LLC
Choose a Registered Agent
File the Certificate of Formation
Create an Operating Agreement
Get an EIN

Step 1: Name Your New Hampshire LLC

Before you get started, you will need to pick a suitable name for your New Hampshire LLC.

This will need to comply with all New Hampshire naming requirements, be available, and (ideally) have a matching domain that you’ll use for your website.

1. New Hampshire LLC Naming Guidelines

Your name must contain the words “limited liability company” or a suitable abbreviation (e.g., “L.L.C.,” “LLC,” etc.).
Your name must be distinguishable from all business names that have been registered with the New Hampshire Department of State.
Your name cannot contain language that implies that it has been organized for a purpose that is not permitted by its Certificate of Formation.
Your name cannot include words that suggest that your LLC is affiliated with or sponsored by a state or federal body (e.g., State Department, FBI, etc.).

For more information, have a look at New Hampshire’s statutory naming guidelines for LLCs.

2. New Hampshire Name Availability Search

To check whether your desired name has already been taken by another business entity in New Hampshire, you can perform a business search on the New Hampshire Department of State’s website.

If you’re not going to start your LLC right away, it might be a good idea to consider reserving your name for up to 120 days. Keep in mind that you’ll need to pay a $15 filing fee in order to do this.

For more information, you can have a look at our New Hampshire LLC Name Search guide.

3. Finding the Right Domain

You should check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don’t plan to create a business website right away, this is an extremely important step as it will prevent others from acquiring it, potentially saving you both time and money in the long term.

Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.

FAQ: Naming a New Hampshire LLC

LLC is short for “limited liability company.” It is a simple business structure that offers more flexibility than a traditional corporation while still providing legal protection for your personal assets. Read our What is a Limited Liability Company guide for more information.

Or, watch our two-minute video: What is an LLC?

You must follow the New Hampshire LLC naming guidelines when choosing a name for your LLC:

Include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
Do not use words that could confuse your business with a government agency (FBI, State Department, CIA, etc.).
Receive the proper licensing when using the words such as lawyer or doctor.

If you are having trouble coming up with a name for your LLC, use our LLC Name Generator. That will not only find a unique name for your business but an available URL to match.

Most LLCs do not need a trade name in New Hampshire, also known as a DBA. The name of the LLC can serve as your company’s brand name and you can accept checks and other payments under that name as well. However, you may wish to register a DBA if you would like to conduct business under another name.

To learn more about DBAs in your state, read our How to File a DBA guide.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in New Hampshire

After you find the right name for your LLC, you will need to nominate a New Hampshire registered agent. This is a necessary step in your Certificate of Formation (i.e., the document used to file and register your LLC with the Department of State).

What is a registered agent?

A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important tax forms, legal documents, notice of lawsuits, and official government correspondence on behalf of your business. You can think of your registered agent as your business’s primary point of contact with the state.

Who can be a registered agent?

A registered agent must be a resident of New Hampshire or a corporation that is authorized to transact business in the state. You can choose to elect an individual within the company (e.g., yourself, etc.), use an attorney (not recommended due to the high cost), or go with a registered agent service.

Note: Your registered agent will need to have a physical street address in New Hampshire (P.O. boxes are not accepted) where in-hand delivery of legal documents can take place.

Get Free Registered Agent Services

Form an LLC with Northwest Registered Agent to get one year of registered agent services free of charge.

FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent

Yes, but you’ll need to be a resident of the state of New Hampshire.

Keep in mind that using your home address is generally not recommended as this will become publicly available.

Read more about being your own registered agent.

Using a professional registered agent service is an affordable way to manage government filings for your LLC. For most businesses, the advantages of using a professional service significantly outweigh the annual costs.

Step 3: File the New Hampshire LLC Certificate of Formation

To register your New Hampshire LLC, you will need to file the Certificate of Formation with the New Hampshire Corporation Division. You can do this by mail or with the online portal.

Before filing, you will need to have completed your Certificate of Formation correctly. We recommend having the following information on hand:

The name of your LLC
Your LLC’s principal office address, business phone number, and business email
Your LLC’s purpose and applicable NAICS Code (used to classify your type of business)
The name and address of your LLC’s registered agent
The manager and/or member information of your LLC

File the Certificate of Formation

OPTION 1: File Online With NH QuickStart

– OR –

OPTION 2: File by Mail

Fee: $102, payable to the “State of New Hampshire.”

Mailing Address:
Corporation Division, NH Dept. of State
107 N. Main St., Rm. 204
Concord, NH 03301

For help with completing the form, visit our New Hampshire Certificate of Formation guide.

Note: If you’re expanding your existing business to the state of New Hampshire, you’ll need to register as a foreign limited liability company (LLC).

Note: New Hampshire is one of eight states that require a NAICS code to form an LLC, along with Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and New Mexico. You can look up the NAICS code for your type of business by using our NAICS Code Lookup Tool.

FAQ: Filing New Hampshire LLC Documents

According to the New Hampshire Secretary of State, the processing time for Certificate of Formation filings is between seven and ten business days after the document has been received.

An LLC is referred to as a “domestic LLC” when it conducts business in the state where it was formed. A foreign LLC must be formed when an existing LLC wishes to expand its business to another state.

Read our What Is a Foreign LLC article to learn more.

The cost of filing your formation documents – known as the Certificate of Formation – with the Department of State is $100, regardless of whether you file online or via mail.

Having said that, your total LLC formation cost may be higher depending on how you go about filing.

To learn more, read our guide on the cost to form a New Hampshire LLC.

Step 4: Create a New Hampshire LLC Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is not required for a New Hampshire Limited Liability Company (LLC), but it’s a good practice to have one.

What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

You can use the free tool in our Business Center to create a custom operating agreement in minutes — or download our free templates:

FAQ: Creating a New Hampshire LLC Operating Agreement

No. The New Hampshire LLC operating agreement is an internal document that you should keep on file for future reference. However, many other states do legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement in place.

Step 5: Get an EIN for Your New Hampshire LLC

You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify a business entity and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. It is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number is required for the following:

To open a business bank account for the company
For federal and state tax purposes
To hire employees for the company

Where do I get an EIN? An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.

FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: You do not need an SSN to get an EIN. Learn more here.

Get an EIN

Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS

– OR –

Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax

Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999

Fax: (855) 641-6935

Fee: Free

FAQ: Getting an EIN

An SSN is not required to get an EIN. You can simply fill out IRS Form SS-4 and leave section 7b blank. Then call the IRS at (267) 941-1099 to complete your EIN application. Learn more about applying as an international applicant.

All LLCs with employees, or any LLC with more than one member, must have an EIN. This is required by the IRS.

Learn why we recommend always getting an EIN and how to get one for free in our Do I Need an EIN for an LLC guide.

When you get an EIN, you will be informed of the different tax classification options that are available. Most LLCs elect the default tax status.

However, some LLCs can reduce their federal tax obligation by choosing the S corporation (S corp) status. To learn more, read our LLC vs. S Corp guide.

Best LLC Services in New Hampshire Compared

* Total costs include New Hampshire state filing fee on top of each service’s initial filing fee
Service	Total Cost*	Filing	Registered Agent	EIN	Operating Agreement
Northwest TOP PICK 25% TRUiC Discount	$181	$29	Free 1st Year $125/yr after	$50	Free
Tailor Brands 35% TRUiC Discount	$429	$0	$199/yr	$99	$29
ZenBusiness	$399	$0	$99 1st Year $199/yr after	$99	$99
LegalZoom	$529	$0	$249/yr	$79	$99

For a comprehensive comparison, read our Best LLC Service guide. We reviewed and ranked the top LLC formation services to help you determine the best fit for your new business.

Important Next Steps to Protect Your New Hampshire LLC

After you’ve formed your LLC, you’ll need to complete several key steps in order to:

Separate your personal and business assets
Stay compliant with state and federal laws

1. Get a Business Bank Account and Credit Card

Getting a dedicated business bank account is an essential part of operating legitimately as it keeps your personal and business assets separate, and therefore helps shield your personal limited liability.

Skipping this step can often lead to:

Courts determining that you haven’t been treating your LLC as a separate entity
Your “corporate veil” being pierced, meaning that you will no longer benefit from limited liability in law.

Recommended: Have a look at our Best Business Bank Accounts for LLCs in 2025 review.

You can also choose to acquire a corporate credit card if you’re interested in building your credit and potentially raising capital down the line.

2. Check If You Need a New Hampshire Business License

New Hampshire does not require LLCs to hold a “general” business license in order to operate.

Even so, you should know that business licensing is regulated at a local, state, and federal level, so your licensing needs will ultimately depend on your exact location and industry:

Local Licenses: You’ll need to check with your city or county clerk’s office to identify any local licensing requirements, such as zoning permits or health department approvals you’ll need.
State-Level Licenses: If your business operates in a regulated field — such as food service, child care, construction, or real estate — you’ll likely need to obtain a license or permit from the appropriate New Hampshire state agency or licensing board. You will also need to register your business with the New Hampshire Secretary of State.
Federal Licenses: While most New Hampshire LLCs will not be subject to federal regulation, those involved in heavily regulated industries (such as agriculture, alcohol, and firearms) will. You can have a look at this Small Business Administration article for the relevant federal agency you’ll need to contact.

A few questions to ask yourself when deciding whether you need a license include:

Will you prepare or serve food to the public? If so, you may need a food service license or health permit before opening your business.
Will you work as a licensed professional? If your LLC will focus on regulated fields — such as medicine, law, insurance, or real estate — you’ll need to ensure that you or a member of your LLC is appropriately licensed.
Will your LLC’s activities negatively impact the environment? If so, you might need to obtain a business license or permit from the NH Department of Environmental Services.

For more information, you can have a look at our New Hampshire Business License guide; If you’d rather have a service handle this step for you, we recommend checking out LegalZoom’s Business License service.

3. Understand Your New Hampshire LLC Tax Obligations

New Hampshire LLCs are not all taxed in the same way; this is because LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities by default, meaning that they are largely taxed similarly to sole proprietors — the business gets paid, the profits pass to you as the owner, and you get taxed. There is no “corporate” tax involved.

This means that:

On a Federal Level

You’ll need to submit personal income tax returns using either Form 1040 (for single member LLCs) or Form 1065 (for multi-member LLCs). If you have employees, you will also be subject to federal income tax withholding.

On a State Level

Your LLC may have to pay additional taxes — such as lodging, transportation, communication services, or other industry-specific taxes. At the same time, New Hampshire imposes a Business Profits Tax (currently 7.5%) and a Business Enterprise Tax (0.55%) on businesses that meet certain income thresholds.

On a Local Level

Your LLC will be required to pay property taxes to the city or town where it operates. This includes both general municipal property taxes and the State Education Tax, which is assessed locally to help fund public schools.

For more information on the New Hampshire-specific LLC tax obligations that may apply to you, we recommend having a look at our in-depth New Hampshire LLC Taxes guide. Alternatively, you can schedule a free online consultation with 1800-Accountant for all your tax-related questions.

4. Get Business Insurance for Your LLC in New Hampshire

Even though an LLC offers limited liability, you’ll still likely need to purchase some form of business insurance to protect your LLC’s assets.

This is because an LLC’s default limited liability protects your personal assets, not the business’s. Some of the most common types of business insurance include:

General Liability Insurance: This is a broad insurance policy that protects your business from lawsuits. Most small businesses end up getting general liability insurance.
Professional Liability Insurance: This is a business insurance policy for professional service providers (consultants, accountants, etc.) that covers against claims of malpractice and other business errors.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance: This coverage protects employees in the event of a work-related injury, illness, or death. In New Hampshire, it’s legally required for any business with one or more employees, regardless of whether they are full-time, part-time, or seasonal.

Without insurance: If a client slips and falls in your graphic design studio and sues for $20,000 in medical bills, they could go after your business assets — including your computers, office furniture, and the $7,500 in your business bank account — though your personal car and home would still be protected.

With insurance: Your general liability policy could cover the $20,000 claim, so both your business equipment and personal assets would remain safe.

That’s why many small business owners turn to providers like Next Insurance for affordable, tailored coverage. Get a free quote today.

Want to learn exactly what coverage your New Hampshire business may need? Read our full New Hampshire Business Insurance Guide.

5. Learn How to Properly Sign Your LLC’s Legal Documents

Improperly signing a document as yourself and not as a representative of the business can leave you open to personal liability.

When signing legal documents on behalf of your company, you we recommend following this formula to avoid any problems:

Formal name of your business
Your signature
Your name
Your position in the business as its authorized representative

6. Submit an Annual Report for Your New Hampshire LLC

New Hampshire requires all LLCs based in the state to file an annual report and pay a $100 fee. The purpose of this report is to keep the government updated with information about your LLC, such as its current legal name, address, and officers.

This annual report is due on or before the first day of the fourth month following the end of your fiscal year, and can be submitted to the Department of State either online or by mail for a $100 fee. If the annual report is not filed by this deadline, your LLC will need to pay a $50 penalty for the first month the report is late and an additional $25 for each subsequent month.

If there are no changes to your business or principal information, you can use the One Click Annual Report option to file quickly without reentering your details.

Failing to file by the deadline will trigger a $50 penalty for the first month the report is late, plus an additional $25 for each month it remains unfiled after that.

To stay on top of this deadline and other important compliance tasks, we recommend hiring a professional registered agent service — they can help ensure you never miss a filing.

New Hampshire Business Resources

Business Center

Check out our business center for regular updates, vetted reviews, free downloadables, and video guides that aim to help you start and grow your business.

Local Resources

Have a look at New Hampshire’s local business resources:

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