How to Form an LLC in New Hampshire (2026): Real Costs, Real Steps

New Hampshire charges $100 to file Articles of Organization and has no annual report requirement—just a one-time filing. But LLCs with gross receipts over $92,000 may owe Business Profits Tax (7.5%) or Business Enterprise Tax (0.55% on compensation and interest), making New Hampshire uniquely affordable for side hustles while still tax-friendly for larger operations compared to most states. You'll need a registered agent (Northwest at $125/year is our default pick), an EIN from the IRS, and an operating agreement. Most founders open a business account with Mercury for clean separation. Total year-one outlay: approximately $225, with zero recurring state filing fees.

Year-1 Cost Table

New Hampshire LLC year-1 cost breakdown (2026)
Item Cost Source
Articles of Organization (state filing fee) $100 cite
Annual Report (NH has NO annual report) $0 cite
Registered Agent (Northwest, 1st year) $125 cite
Business Profits Tax / Business Enterprise Tax (if gross receipts >$92k or enterprise value tax base >$267k) BPT 7.5% / BET 0.55% cite
Estimated Year-1 Total (no expedite) $225 cite

The 6 Steps

  1. Step 1: File Articles of Organization

    Submit the formation document to the New Hampshire Secretary of State. See the cost table above for the current filing fee.

  2. Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent

    Every New Hampshire LLC needs a registered agent with a New Hampshire street address. You can serve yourself, but most founders use a commercial RA — Northwest is our default pick.

  3. Step 3: Get an EIN (Federal Employer Identification Number)

    Apply with the IRS using your stamped Articles of Organization. Free, takes 5 minutes online.

  4. Step 4: Adopt an Operating Agreement

    Required by best practice — banks routinely request it before opening business accounts.

  5. Step 5: Open a Business Bank Account

    Mercury for software/online businesses; a local credit union for cash-heavy retail. Keep personal and business finances separate from day one.

  6. Step 6: File State Tax Registrations

    Register for New Hampshire state taxes (sales tax permit, payroll registration if you have employees, etc.) before you transact.

Recommended Tools

Northwest vs ZenBusiness for New Hampshire LLCs

Verdict (as of 2026): Northwest Registered Agent is our default pick for New Hampshire LLCs. They publish a New Hampshire-specific registered-agent page (linked in the cost table) and do not upsell add-ons at checkout. ZenBusiness wins only if you want bundled formation in a single flow.

Criterion Northwest ZenBusiness
Registered-agent only price (New Hampshire)$125/yr$199/yr
Bundled formationOptional add-onIncluded in formation plans
Privacy (address shielding)StrongStrong
Upsells at checkoutNoneSeveral
Annual-report filing service$100/yr add-on$199/yr add-on

Frequently Asked Questions

Does New Hampshire have an annual report for LLCs?

No. New Hampshire requires only the initial Articles of Organization filing; there is no annual or biennial report requirement, which saves you ongoing state filing fees every year.

What are the Business Profits Tax and Business Enterprise Tax in New Hampshire?

LLCs with gross receipts over $92,000 or enterprise value tax base over $267,000 must file and may owe BPT (7.5% on net income) and BET (0.55% on compensation, interest, and dividends paid). Smaller LLCs pay neither state tax. Verify current thresholds at revenue.nh.gov.

How long does it take to form an LLC in New Hampshire?

Standard processing is typically 5–10 business days. The Secretary of State offers expedited service for an additional fee; check sos.nh.gov for current turnaround times and expedite costs.

Do I need a New Hampshire registered agent if I live out of state?

Yes. Every NH LLC must have a registered agent with a physical New Hampshire street address. Northwest Registered Agent ($125/year) is a reliable choice and handles service of process professionally.

Can I be my own registered agent in New Hampshire?

Yes, if you have a physical street address in New Hampshire and are available during business hours to receive legal documents. Most founders use a commercial service like Northwest for privacy and reliability.

Annual Filing Deadline

New Hampshire does not require LLCs to file annual or biennial reports, eliminating ongoing state compliance costs beyond potential BPT/BET filings for businesses exceeding the gross receipts threshold.

Authoritative Sources

Other States

Skip the research — let AthenAI form your New Hampshire LLC