How to Start an LLC in New Hampshire (2026)

Full transcript

0:00 The short answer

Dan 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.

Maya Why the extra two dollars online?

Dan That's an online handling charge. It's $100 plus $2.

Maya This is The Business Formation Podcast. Today, New Hampshire for 2026, in six steps, with what it costs, and the three best ways to get it filed for you. Where do we begin?

0:31 Step 1: Choose a name

Dan The name needs limited liability company, L.L.C., or LLC.

Maya And it has to be different from others?

Dan New Hampshire is strict about that. A name that differs only by a plural, a spelling, punctuation, or an added number isn't distinguishable.

Maya Even a number?

Dan Even a number. Staff decide availability when you file, but you can search the business records for free first.

Maya Can I reserve a name?

Dan Yes, for 120 days. It's $15.

1:03 Step 2: Name a registered agent

Maya Who can be my agent in New Hampshire?

Dan A New Hampshire resident, or a business authorized there. Either way, with a street address in the state.

Maya What about a P.O. box?

Dan Not allowed.

Maya Can I be my own?

Dan You can.

Maya Is that address public?

Dan Yes. That's why many owners use a commercial agent. And if you change agents later, it's $15.

1:26 Step 3: File the Certificate of Formation

Maya Where do I file?

Dan Through NH QuickStart, the state's online portal. You submit Form LLC-1 and pay $100 plus the $2 handling charge.

Maya I'm Maya, by the way, here with Dan.

Dan Great to have you, Maya. The form asks for the name, the nature of your business, the registered agent, and whether managers run the LLC.

Maya Can I write any lawful activity?

Dan No. That isn't accepted. You describe what you actually do.

Maya How long does the state take?

Dan As of September 29, 2026, filings may take up to five business days. And by mail, it's $100.

2:04 Step 4: Write an operating agreement

Maya Does New Hampshire file my operating agreement?

Dan No. The state doesn't file them, and there's no fee.

Maya So it stays with me?

Dan Yes. Keep it with your records.

Maya What goes in it?

Dan Who owns what, how profits are split, who makes decisions, and what happens when a member leaves.

2:23 Step 5: Get a free EIN

Maya What's the federal step?

Dan An EIN, free, from the IRS at IRS.gov. Apply after the state files your Certificate.

Maya How fast?

Dan If the online application is approved, the IRS issues the number right away. Have the Social Security number or ITIN of the person in charge ready.

Maya And the beneficial ownership report?

Dan Skip it. FinCEN no longer requires one from U.S. companies.

2:49 Step 6: File the annual report

Maya What does New Hampshire want every year?

Dan An annual report, between January 1 and April 1, starting the year after you form.

Maya The cost?

Dan $100, or $102 online.

Maya What if I form late in the year?

Dan If you form between December 1 and April 1, you skip that first year.

Maya And a late filing?

Dan A $50 penalty, and it can't be waived. Miss two years in a row, and the LLC is administratively dissolved.

3:20 What it costs

Maya Give me the do-it-yourself number.

Dan $102 to form online, or $100 by mail.

Maya And year two?

Dan The annual report. $102 online.

Maya Every year after that?

Dan Yes, $100 or $102 each year. The EIN is free.

Maya Any extras?

Dan A $15 name reservation, and $15 to change your agent.

Maya So three years of state fees, filing online?

Dan $102 for the Certificate and $102 for each of two reports, for $306.

3:59 Online or by mail

Maya Compare the two ways to file for me.

Dan Online is $102. Mail is $100.

Maya Only $2 apart.

Dan Right. Online goes through NH QuickStart, and as of September 29, filings may take up to five business days.

Maya Is there a way to speed up a held filing?

Dan For filings on hold, an in-person expedite is $25.

4:24 Why the annual report matters

Maya Let me press on the report. It's $100 a year. What if I skip it?

Dan There's a $50 late fee, and it can't be waived.

Maya And if I miss two in a row?

Dan Administrative dissolution.

Maya How do I come back?

Dan Reinstatement within three years costs $135.

Maya So being on time saves money.

Dan Always. And the deadline is April 1, every year.

4:50 Choosing your agent

Maya Back to the agent. What are my options?

Dan You, if you're a New Hampshire resident with a street address in the state. A business authorized there. Or a commercial agent.

Maya What's the downside of being my own?

Dan Your address is public.

Maya What about a mailbox?

Dan A P.O. box isn't accepted. The agent needs a street address.

Maya And changing agents?

Dan $15.

5:14 What the form asks for

Maya Take me through Form LLC-1.

Dan The name first. Then the nature of the business.

Maya What counts as that?

Dan A description of what you actually do. Any lawful activity isn't accepted.

Maya Anything else?

Dan Your registered agent, and whether managers run the LLC.

Maya So decide the business description before you start.

Dan Yes. That's where filings tend to stall.

5:39 First-year checklist

Maya Give me the order of operations.

Dan Search the name. Choose your agent. File Form LLC-1 through NH QuickStart for $102. Then apply for your EIN and write your operating agreement.

Maya And after that?

Dan Put April 1 on your calendar for the annual report, starting next year.

Maya Anything that trips people up?

Dan The business description and the name. Both have strict rules, so settle them before you file.

Maya And the money?

Dan Plan on $102 now, then $102 each April 1 after that.

6:12 The 3 best ways to file in New Hampshire

Maya What if I'd rather have someone else file it?

Dan Here are the three best ways to file in New Hampshire. Number one, our pick, is Mainstay Filing, $199 a year plus the state fee. With the $102 state fee, checkout comes to $301.

Maya What's included?

Dan Your Form LLC-1 filed, your EIN application, and your registered agent every year. It renews at the same $199.

Maya And the annual report?

Dan Mainstay files it by April 1 every year, so there's no $50 late fee. You pay only the state fee.

Maya Number two?

Dan NH Registered Agent.org. It prepares and files your Certificate of Formation for $199 plus the state fee, also $301 at checkout. The first year of agent service is free, then $99 a year.

Maya And number three?

Dan New Hampshire Registered Agent.co. Same offer. $199 plus the state fee, first year of agent service free, then $99 a year.

Maya How do I choose?

Dan If you'll file your own annual report, numbers two and three cost less from year two, at $99 a year for the agent alone. The $100 state fee is the same either way.

7:40 Three years of service fees

Maya Give me the three-year view.

Dan Mainstay is $199 a year, so $597. Number two or three is $199 in year one, then $99 in each of the next two years, for $397.

Maya A $200 gap.

Dan Yes. With Mainstay, that gap covers your annual report being filed on time, so you avoid that $50 late fee.

8:07 Recap

Maya Can I hear it one more time?

Dan Choose a name with LLC in it, name a registered agent at a New Hampshire street address, file Form LLC-1 online for $102, write an operating agreement, get your free EIN, and file your $100 annual report by April 1 every year.

Maya The links to all three services and every official source are in the show notes. Thanks for listening to The Business Formation Podcast, and good luck with your new New Hampshire LLC.