How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire LLC Online Filing Fee: $100

The main cost to start an LLC in New Hampshire is the $100 fee to file your LLC's Certificate of Formation online with the New Hampshire Department of State.

For a look at LLC costs in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.

Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in New Hampshire

If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into New Hampshire, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in New Hampshire.

The cost for registering a New Hampshire foreign LLC is $100. You can register a foreign LLC in New Hampshire by filing an Application for Foreign Limited Liability Company Registration (Form FLLC-1).

Optional LLC Formation Costs

There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:

LLC Name Reservation

Reserve your name for up to 120 days prior to LLC formation by filing an LLC Name Reservation (Form 1) and paying the $15 filing fee.

Trade Name

File an Application for Registration of Trade Name (Form TN-1) and pay the $50 filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name.

Eight Basic Steps to Start an LLC in New Hampshire

Step 1: Name Your New Hampshire LLC
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
Step 3: File a Certificate of Formation
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 5: Get an EIN
Step 6: Business Taxes
Step 7: File the Annual Report
Step 8: Keep Your Company Compliant

Step 1: Name Your New Hampshire LLC

When you name your New Hampshire LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:

1. Is available for use in the state of New Hampshire
2. Meets New Hampshire naming requirements
3. Is available as a web domain

Recommended: Visit our Start an LLC in New Hampshire guide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in New Hampshire.

Not sure what to name your business? Check out our How to Name a Business guide and free LLC Name Generator.

We recommend that you 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 today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

All LLCs in New Hampshire must appoint a registered agent. A registered agent primarily acts as your LLC’s main point of contact with the state. But most importantly, they are responsible for accepting service of process in the event your business is sued.

Your New Hampshire registered agent must:

• Be at least 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in New Hampshire
• Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process

Step 3: File the Certificate of Formation

The New Hampshire Form LLC-1 - Certificate of Formation is a document that is filed with the New Hampshire Department of State to form an LLC. The fee for filing a Certificate of Formation is $100 online.

For detailed instructions for completing the Certificate of Formation, visit our How to File the New Hampshire Certificate of Formation guide.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement isn't required for New Hampshire LLCs, 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.

For more information on operating agreements, read our New Hampshire LLC operating agreement guide.

Step 5: Get an EIN

What is an EIN? An EIN or Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue System (IRS) to identify a business for tax reporting purposes. An EIN is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.

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

• Opening a business bank account
• Hiring employees

Step 6: Business Taxes

Business Profits Tax

New Hampshire does not require LLC members to pay income tax on their income from their company’s revenue. Instead, New Hampshire levies a flat 7.6% tax on LLCs with gross receipts over $92,000. 

You can file online or by mail. This tax is due on the 15th day of the third month following the close of the tax year.

Business Enterprise Tax

In addition to the Business Profits Tax, New Hampshire businesses must also file a return for the Business Enterprise Tax. This flat-rate tax is on "the sum of all compensation paid or accrued, interest paid or accrued, and dividends paid by the business enterprise, after special adjustments and apportionment." 

Even if your LLC does not meet the filing threshold, you must file a BET summary return online or by mail.

Step 7: File the Annual Report

New Hampshire requires LLCs to file an annual report online with the New Hampshire Department of State. The filing fee is $100.

New Hampshire charges a $50 penalty if you miss the April 1 filing deadline. After two years, New Hampshire dissolves LLCs that have not filed an annual report. LLCs cannot file a new annual report if the prior year’s report was not filed.

Step 8: Keep Your Company Compliant

Maintaining legal compliance for your New Hampshire LLC involves understanding the necessary business permits and licenses, tax requirements, and regulations surrounding the hiring of employees. Here are the steps to keep in mind:

• Apply for business licenses and permits. Your federal, state, and local licensing requirements vary based on the type of business you have.
• Keep up to date with your New Hampshire LLC taxes. Depending on the nature of your business, you might need to register for Unemployment Insurance Tax as well as state income tax. New Hampshire does not impose a sales tax.
• Handle your federal tax obligations. You'll need to report your income to the IRS each year.
• If you plan on hiring employees, ensure that you:
• Verify their ability to legally work in the US.
• Report them as "new hires" to the state.
• Provide workers' compensation insurance.
• Withhold employee taxes.
• Display compliance posters in your workspace.