[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.