How to Start an LLC in New Hampshire

The state of New Hampshire offers a variety of business incentives made available by the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, provided your LLC meets the specific criteria. For example, the New Hampshire Job Training Fund provides qualifying businesses with a 50/50 cash match grant of $750 to $100,000 for customized training of a company’s employees.

For entrepreneurs wanting to start a business in New Hampshire, creating a New Hampshire limited liability company (LLC) is generally the fastest and easiest way. With more simplified rules and regulations, an LLC is an ideal business entity for startups and small to medium-sized businesses, granting you the advantages and protections that larger New Hampshire corporations benefit from.

Learn more about the benefits of the LLC business structure.

In this guide, you’ll find information on naming your LLC, getting a Registered Agent, the fees you’ll need to pay, New Hampshire business taxes, and much more. We also cover your registration needs, filing your New Hampshire LLC, and how you'll correspond with the New Hampshire Secretary of State (SOS).

Step 1: Choose a New Hampshire LLC Search and Choose a Unique Business Name

To start the process, you’ll need a name for your LLC that’s unique and stands out, but you'll want to make sure that it's not being used by any other business or formed entity in the state. If you’re having trouble coming up with a name, try using Bizee’s Business Name Generator to brainstorm ideas. You'll also need to follow a few naming rules, which you can read about in detail on the New Hampshire Business Names page.

Once you’ve chosen a name, you’ll need to make sure it’s available in New Hampshire. To find out whether another corporation or company in the state is already using your preferred business name, use our tool to do a business name search. You can also carry out a name search within the New Hampshire Secretary of State's website via their business name lookup.

Step 2: Provide an Official Business Address for your LLC

Regardless of whether your business is in an office building, a home (if the company is run from a residence), or any other physical location, every New Hampshire LLC must have a designated street address. It can be located outside the state of New Hampshire, but it cannot be a P.O. Box.

Step 3: Assign a Registered Agent

A Registered Agent is someone who receives official legal and tax correspondence and is responsible for filing reports with the New Hampshire Secretary of State (SOS). Every LLC in New Hampshire is required to have a Registered Agent.

This position can be filled by you, another manager in your business, or a dedicated Registered Agent service. If your New Hampshire Registered Agent is a person, they must have a physical street address in New Hampshire and must be present during business hours to receive important documents on behalf of your business. In New Hampshire, you appoint your Registered Agent when you file your Certificate of Formation and formally create your business.

All of Bizee’s packages include Registered Agent service. It’s free for the first year and just $119 per year after that. We also provide you with access to our dashboard where you can easily view any document we've received on your behalf.

Step 4: File Your Certificate of Formation with the New Hampshire Secretary of State

Once you've gathered all the information for your New Hampshire LLC, you’ll need to file your Certificate of Formation with the New Hampshire Secretary of State.

Your Certificate of Formation can be filed online, by mail, or in person with the New Hampshire Secretary of State. The New Hampshire LLC filing fee is $100, with an additional cost of $2 if you choose to file electronically.

You only need to file your Certificate of Formation once, however, all LLCs in New Hampshire must file an annual report via the online business service once a year to remain compliant with the Secretary of State. The filing fee set by the NH Secretary of State is $100.

What Are the Fees and Requirements to Form a Business in New Hampshire?

*includes online processing fees

Annual Report

*includes online processing fees

Step 5: Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service

You’ll need an EIN to identify your business to the IRS. You use this number when filing and paying taxes or when submitting payroll information and payments for your employees. An EIN is also required to open a business bank account. You can obtain one directly from the IRS, or you can have Bizee obtain one for you as part of the New Hampshire LLC formation process.

Step 6: Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is a kind of "instruction manual" that explains how you'll run your business. An LLC Operating Agreement will outline key components of your business — how decisions will be made, how the business is divided among members, and what will happen if a member leaves the company.

Although some states require businesses to have this document in place, you're not legally required to have an LLC Operating Agreement in place to conduct business in New Hampshire. We do recommend having one for your business nonetheless.

Other New Hampshire LLC Types

Professional LLC

Professional Limited Liability Companies (PLLCs) are different from professional corporations in that they typically have licensing requirements applicable to certain fields, such as law and medicine. In order to form a PLLC, you may need a state license to practice.

Learn more about PLLC vs. LLC and which one is right for your business.

Foreign LLC

If your business is already operating in another state and expanding to New Hampshire — or vice versa — you’ll need to form a Foreign LLC.

Learn more about New Hampshire Foreign LLC registration.

Helpful Resources from the State of New Hampshire

More Information in This Guide

You’ll find plenty more insight and guidance on the other pages of this guide, including: