How to Start an LLC in New Hampshire (2026)

From The Business Formation Podcast · 8:39

Show by The Business Formation Podcast

To start an LLC in New Hampshire, you file a Certificate of Formation, Form LLC-1, with the New Hampshire Secretary of State. It's $102 online, or $100 by mail. Every step for 2026, including the strict name rules, the $100 annual report due April 1, and the three best ways to have it filed for you. The 3 best ways to file in New Hampshire (2026) Mainstay Filing (our pick): $199/yr + state fee ($301 at checkout with New Hampshire's $102 fee). Includes your Form LLC-1 filed, your EIN application, your registered agent every year and your annual report filed by April 1. Renews at $199/yr. https://www.mainstayfiling.com/new-hampshire/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-new-hampshire NH Registered Agent.org: $199 + state fee ($301 at checkout). Prepares and files your Certificate of Formation, with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.nhregisteredagent.org/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-new-hampshire New Hampshire Registered Agent.co: $199 + state fee ($301 at checkout). Forms your New Hampshire LLC with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.newhampshireregisteredagent.co/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-new-hampshire Chapters 0:00 The short answer0:31 Step 1: Choose a name1:03 Step 2: Name a registered agent1:26 Step 3: File the Certificate of Formation2:04 Step 4: Write an operating agreement2:23 Step 5: Get a free EIN2:49 Step 6: File the annual report3:20 What it costs3:59 Online or by mail4:24 Why the annual report matters4:50 Choosing your agent5:14 What the form asks for5:39 First-year checklist6:12 The 3 best ways to file in New Hampshire7:40 Three years of service fees8:07 Recap New Hampshire LLC facts (checked October 7, 2026) Filing: Certificate of Formation, Form LLC-1, with the New Hampshire Secretary of State through NH QuickStart: $100 plus a $2 online handling charge ($102); $100 by mail. As of September 29, 2026, filings may take up to 5 business days; in-person expedite for filings on hold, $25. Name: must contain "limited liability company," "L.L.C." or "LLC"; strict distinguishability rules. Reservation: 120 days, $15. Registered agent: a New Hampshire resident or an authorized business at a New Hampshire street address (no PO box); you can be your own agent. Change: $15. The Certificate must describe the nature of the business ("any lawful activity" is not accepted). Operating agreement: not filed. EIN: free from the IRS at IRS.gov. Annual report: $100 ($102 online), January 1 to April 1 each year starting the year after formation (skipped that year if formed December 1 to April 1). Late fee $50; two missed years means administrative dissolution; reinstatement within 3 years $135. No beneficial ownership (BOI) report for U.S. companies (FinCEN). Sources New Hampshire Form LLC-1 (PDF): https://www.sos.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt561/files/documents/2023-12/form_llc-1_-10-2018.pdf New Hampshire Secretary of State, LLC forms and fees: https://www.sos.nh.gov/corporations-0/forms-and-fees/limited-liability-companies Business FAQs: https://www.sos.nh.gov/corporations-0/business-faqs Registered agents: https://www.sos.nh.gov/registered-agents IRS, Get an EIN: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number FinCEN, BOI: https://www.fincen.gov/boi Company prices from each company's own page and checkout, October 7, 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.

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