Last updated
The New Hampshire Secretary of State's Corporation Division files LLCs on Form LLC-1, a Certificate of Formation. It is $100. Electronic payments carry a further $2.00 handling charge, which the state sets by law in RSA 5:10-a. After that the cost that matters is the yearly report: $100 a year, starting the year after you register. Our New Hampshire business guide covers record searches.
How much will the first two years cost?
| When | Filing | State fee |
|---|---|---|
| Formation | Form LLC-1, Certificate of Formation | $100 |
| Online payment | Handling charge on electronic fees | $2.00 |
| Next April 1 | Annual report | $100 |
| After April 1 | Late fee on the report | $50 |
The state's LLC forms and fees page lists these. A name reservation, Form 1, is $15 if you want one.
What name can a New Hampshire LLC use?
The name needs Limited Liability Company, L.L.C., LLC or a similar abbreviation. Under RSA 304-C:32 it must be distinguishable from other names, and the state's name availability guide says articles, plurals and punctuation are ignored when names are compared. Words like Bank, Credit Union and Trust Company need approval from the Banking Department. Names dissolved within the last 120 days stay protected.
Because staff decide availability on filing, a search can only tell you so much. Try the steps in how to check LLC name availability. If you need time, Form 1 holds a name for 120 days. Do not send Form 1 with Form LLC-1. See name reservation for the general rules.
Who is your registered agent?
New Hampshire wants an individual, corporation or LLC located in the state, with a physical office that is not a PO Box. Owners, managers and employees can serve. Our New Hampshire registered agent page has the details and the change form.
How do you file?
- Choose the name and agent.
- Complete Form LLC-1 online in QuickStart, or fill it in and mail one signed original to the Corporation Division with a check payable to the State of New Hampshire.
- Pay $100, plus the $2.00 handling charge if you pay electronically.
- Keep the filed certificate and note the Business ID Number, which is the same as the charter number.
Most filed documents can be viewed and downloaded free on QuickStart.
What should you do after approval?
Write an operating agreement. The state says operating agreements govern internal affairs and are not filed with its office. Then follow how to get an EIN and open a bank account in the exact LLC name.
What does a New Hampshire LLC do each year?
File the annual report by April 1. The report costs $100 and the late fee is $50. It lists at least one member or manager. Domestic entities are dissolved after two years without filing, and foreign entities are suspended after missing the current year. See other dates in annual report deadlines.
How do you prove the LLC is in good standing?
Order a certificate of good standing, in short or long form. By mail or in person it costs $5. The state record shows one of three statuses: Good Standing, Not in Good Standing or Administrative Dissolution. Our certificate of good standing page explains when a bank or another state asks for one.
What stands out in New Hampshire?
The yearly cost: a $100 report on top of a $100 filing fee, and the late fee cannot be waived. Neighbors differ, so check Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont before you decide.
Ready to start? Use the start an LLC form.