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Basic
$199
Fees for filing legal documents to register or maintain a business.
02 weeks processing
Agent fee
Registered Address
Document filing with the Secretary of State
Standard
$499
Fees for filing legal documents to register or maintain a business.
05 days processing
Includes everything in basic package
Comprehensive name check
Preparation of Articles of Incorporation
Lifetime customer support (phone & email)
Federal Tax ID (EIN) Obtainment Service
Premium
$599
Fees for filing legal documents to register or maintain a business.
01 day processing
Includes everything in standard package
2 hours of free tax consultation
Key Points for New Hampshire LLCs
Business-Friendly
New Hampshire is known for its straightforward business regulations and supportive environment for small businesses, with fewer compliance burdens.
Member Privacy Option
The state allows LLCs to exclude member names from public documents if desired, providing privacy that attracts entrepreneurs.
No State Income Tax
New Hampshire LLCs enjoy pass-through taxation with no state income tax at the entity level, enhancing financial flexibility for businesses in a state known for low taxation.
Understanding New Hampshire LLCs
A New Hampshire LLC combines limited liability protection similar to corporations with the flexibility of partnerships, allowing owners to structure governance and finances in a way that suits their business.
What is a New Hampshire LLC?
It is a business entity formed under state law via a Certificate of Formation, with required information like LLC name, registered agent with physical NH address, principal business address, and whether member-managed or manager-managed.
A New Hampshire LLC offers several benefits, including:
Predictable ongoing costs so you can budget reliably. No state personal income tax on LLC members when LLC is taxed as pass-through. Flexibility in internal governance. State has useful infrastructure for both formation and compliance.
Why choose an LLC in New Hampshire?
Choosing an LLC in New Hampshire gives you strong protections, relatively low and predictable fees, and a favorable tax treatment for many small businesses. It works well for entrepreneurs who want formal legal protection with manageable ongoing obligations.
Key Benefits Include:
Privacy Protection
No State Personal Income Tax
Business Credibility
Simple Legal Structure
Predictable Costs
Clear Guidelines
Pros and Cons of an LLC in New Hampshire
Starting a New Hampshire LLC: Benefits
A New Hampshire LLC shields personal assets from business liability, has a modest initial filing cost, and predictable annual maintenance obligations.
Taxation of a New Hampshire LLC
LLCs are by default taxed as pass-through entities: profits/losses go to members. Although members do not pay state personal income tax on the LLC’s profits, LLCs may be subject to business-level taxes if revenue thresholds are met.
Starting a New Hampshire LLC: Drawbacks
Missing the April 1 deadline for the annual report incurs a late fee and a “Not in Good Standing” status. If you skip for two consecutive years, the LLC can be administratively dissolved. Some business-level taxes apply if income/revenue is over certain thresholds.
Who Can Form an LLC in New Hampshire?
Any individual or business entity (including non-residents and foreign LLCs) may form or register to operate an LLC in New Hampshire.
Types of LLCs in New Hampshire
Domestic LLC (New Hampshire-based LLC)
A domestic LLC is one formed under New Hampshire law that operates primarily in NH. It must file the Certificate of Formation, maintain a registered agent, pay the annual report fee, and comply with NH-level business taxes when applicable.
Foreign LLC (Out-of-state LLC registering in New Hampshire)
A foreign LLC (formed in another state) doing business in NH must register with the New Hampshire Secretary of State as a foreign LLC, appoint a registered agent in NH, file required reports, and pay the same annual report fee.
Professional LLC (PLLC)
New Hampshire does not have a distinct Professional LLC classification under the LLC statutes similar to some states; professionals are subject to licensing requirements applicable to their profession.
How to Start an LLC in New Hampshire
Choose a Business Name
Select a unique name that includes "LLC" or "L.L.C." and ensure it’s distinguishable from existing entities in New Hampshire. Use the Secretary of State’s name search tool to verify availability.
Appoint a Registered Agent
Designate a registered agent to accept legal documents. This can be an individual or a registered service company with a physical address in New Hampshire.
File the Articles of Organization
Submit Form LLC to the New Hampshire Secretary of State, providing LLC name, principal office address, and registered agent details.
Create an Operating Agreement
Though not required, it’s recommended to draft an Operating Agreement outlining ownership, governance, and profit distribution to reinforce liability protection and support tax compliance.
New Hampshire LLC Requirements
Age and Residency
Number of Members
Management Structure
Registered Agent and Office
Name Compliance
New Hampshire LLC Application
To start an LLC in New Hampshire, the key step is filing the Certificate of Formation with the New Hampshire Secretary of State. This document officially creates your LLC.
Required Information
- LLC name (must include “Limited Liability Company” or “LLC”, be distinguishable in NH).
- Registered agent name and physical street address in New Hampshire.
- Principal business address.
- Organizer(s) name(s) & address(es).
- Whether member-managed or manager-managed structure.
Filing Options
- Online via New Hampshire QuickStart with the Secretary of State.
- By mail if desired.
Post-Filing Requirements
- Operating Agreement is not legally required but strongly recommended to clarify internal governance and member relationships.
- Registered agent must be maintained.
- Must file the Annual Report every year by April 1 after formation.
New Hampshire LLC Taxation
Pass-Through Default & Member Tax Implications
LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities: members report LLC income or loss on their federal tax returns. There's no state personal income tax on wages/income for most individuals.
Business Profits Tax (BPT) & Business Enterprise Tax (BET)
LLCs doing business in New Hampshire may owe the Business Profits Tax if income exceeds threshold, and the Business Enterprise Tax on enterprise value or gross receipts under certain thresholds.
Other State Taxes & Compliance
LLCs with employees must comply with payroll withholding, unemployment taxes, etc. If selling taxable goods/services outside New Hampshire or doing business in other states, may have sales/use tax or nexus obligations elsewhere.
New Hampshire LLC Annual Filing (Annual Report)
What to File
Annual Report must include LLC name; current principal & mailing addresses; registered agent name & address; names and addresses of members/managers if required; any changes in management or address.
Filing Deadlines
Due annually by April 1 (for both domestic and foreign LLCs). First report due the year after formation.
Penalties & Consequences
If filed late, LLC is “Not in Good Standing” and a late fee is assessed in addition annual report fee. If you fail for two consecutive years, the state may administratively dissolve the LLC.
Expanding Your New Hampshire LLC
As your business grows, you may operate in states outside New Hampshire. This involves registering as a foreign LLC in each state where you do business, meeting those states’ local filing, licensing, and tax requirements.
Registering a Foreign LLC in New Hampshire
If your LLC was formed in another state but wants to do business in New Hampshire, you must file for foreign qualification with the Secretary of State, appoint a registered agent, file required statements, and pay required fees.
Doing Business in Other States
For each additional state, maintain good standing in New Hampshire, comply with that state’s requirements (tax, licensing, reports), and understand how your LLC’s income may be apportioned across states.
Find The Right State To
Form An LLC
Every state has different rules, costs, and considerations for LLC formation.
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Doing Business in New Hampshire
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most states require you to have a registered agent to handle legal documents and notices during business hours.
While not always required by law, having an operating agreement is a smart move to outline your LLC’s rules and avoid disputes down the road.
An EIN is a federal tax ID; most LLCs need one to open a business bank account, file taxes, or hire employees.