Conveniently Form an LLC in New Hampshire for Free
If you’re looking for a free and convenient way to form an LLC in New Hampshire, we recommend using Tailor Brands’ LLC formation services. It has over 10 years of experience and has helped for over 500k LLCs.
100% free. No hidden costs.
Tailor Brands’ team will manage all required filings for your LLC in New Hampshire LLC for free, ensuring a smooth process.
You’ll have access to over 20 essential business tools and services to help you grow your LLC in New Hampshire.
Have questions? Tailor Brands offers 24/7 email support and a dedicated team of experts to assist with any concerns.
Things to Know Before Setting up an LLC in New Hampshire
New Hampshire (NH) is considered one of the best states in the US with strong economic growth. So if you’re looking to start an LLC in New Hampshire, know that you’ve chosen a great location for your new business venture.
But just like any other state, there are a couple of rules and regulations that you need to understand to ensure that your LLC in New Hampshire runs effectively.
Let’s briefly discuss some of them below:
- Your LLC in New Hampshire name must be unique and not similar to the name of any other existing New Hampshire business. It must also include the words “Limited Liability Company” or its abbreviations “LLC” or “L.L.C.”
- The turnaround time for the formation of an LLC in New Hampshire is 3–7 business days after payment for online filing. For in-person filing, the entire process takes about two hours, while filing by mail can take up to three weeks.
- For a foreign LLC, you’ll need to file an Application for Foreign Limited Liability Company Registration. You must also send a Certificate of Good Standing from your foreign LLC’s home state. The state filing fee is $100.
- Every year between January 1st and April 1st, an LLC in New Hampshire must file an annual report online through the NH Annual Report Online Filing web page or by mail. The filing fee is $100, and late filings attract a $50 fine.
Forming an LLC in New Hampshire has many benefits, including liability protection and the option to pick a tax structure that works best for your company.
Besides, New Hampshire charges minimal filing fees, which makes it more affordable to set up an LLC in the state.
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A Guide to Starting an LLC in New Hampshire
Establishing an LLC in New Hampshire is a relatively simple process. The state doesn’t have any extraordinary requirements and the process is similar to that in other states.
However, for new entrepreneurs, the process can be overwhelming. That’s why you need a step-by-step guide that will ensure you stay on the right track.
Follow these simple steps to help get your LLC in New Hampshire started.
Choose a Business Name for Your New Hampshire LLC
First off, you need a name for your LLC in New Hampshire. Whether it’s a partnership or an S-corp, choose a name that’s unique, memorable, easy to pronounce and spell, and accurately represents your business. You can conduct a name search using the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s name check service to confirm your chosen name’s availability.
According to New Hampshire’s business name guidelines, the name you choose for your LLC in New Hampshire must not contain phrases suggesting that your business is a government agency. You can’t use restricted words like “Credit Union” or “Bank” unless you have written approval from the New Hampshire Banking Department.
Reserve Your LLC Business Name
If you’re not ready to file your Certificate of Formation and register your business name, it’s best to reserve your LLC name before officially registering with the New Hampshire Secretary of State (SOS). Reserving your business name helps to ensure that no one else can register a similar name during the reservation period.
To reserve your chosen LLC business name, you should file an application for business name reservations with the New Hampshire Secretary of State. Filing can be done online or via email, and the reservation is generally valid for 120 days from the day of filing. The state filing fee is $15, which is quite affordable.
Reserve a Web Domain Name
Just as you ensure that your business name is available with New Hampshire’s SOS, you should also check whether a domain name matching your chosen LLC name is available on domain services. A domain name is simply a website’s address. While you don’t need it to form an LLC in New Hampshire, you’ll require it to build your website.
Even if you’re not yet ready to design a business website, you can still reserve a domain name for your LLC in New Hampshire to ensure no one else claims it. This will be handy when you need it, instead of buying it later at a potentially higher price. You can reserve your domain name and purchase it online through different vendors.
Appoint a New Hampshire Registered Agent
A registered agent service is a business or an individual responsible for handling all the state and federal legal documents on behalf of a business. Every LLC in New Hampshire must have a registered agent. This can be a member or employee of the LLC in New Hampshire, or a separate entity that offers a registered agent service within the state.
The registered agent you choose for your LLC in New Hampshire must reside in New Hampshire or have a business office or physical address within the state, where they should be available during regular business hours. Due to these requirements, some owners of LLCs in New Hampshire prefer to work with a commercial registered agent service.
Choose Your LLC’s Management Structure
You can choose between a member-managed or manager-managed LLC in New Hampshire depending on how you want it to be managed. In a member-managed LLC, the company’s daily operations are handled by one of the LLC’s members while in a manager-managed LLC, a manager is appointed to make day-to-day business decisions.
Though the differences between the two are subtle, each member in a member-managed LLC in New Hampshire can make decisions for the business. For the manager-managed LLC in New Hampshire, however, all the decision-making power is given to the chosen manager, who could be an LLC member or someone else.
Create an LLC Operating Agreement
The operating agreement contains rules on how your LLC in New Hampshire will conduct its operations. Some businesses prefer to draft their operating agreement after registering their LLC, but we recommend doing this beforehand. This will ensure you have a clear vision of your LLC in New Hampshire and how you want things to run before you start.
While New Hampshire doesn’t legally require you to file an LLC operating agreement, it’s one of the essential business documents that can help you settle future member disputes. Operating agreements generally address the LLC’s management structure, voting procedures, members’ rights and responsibilities, and dissolution procedures.
File Your New Hampshire LLC Certificate of Formation
An LLC in New Hampshire can officially be established by filing a Certificate of Formation. You can file online through the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s website or download a copy of the certificate, fill it out, and mail it to the Secretary of State. The filing fee is $100, with an extra $2 transaction fee for online filing.
The New Hampshire Certificate of Formation must include details like your LLC’s name and address, its members, management structure, and nature of business. After you file your application, the Corporations Division will check it for any issues. If there are none, the state will approve your business and make it official.
Get a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
A federal employer identification number (EIN) is a type of tax ID that allows lenders, creditors, and the government to verify the identity of your LLC in New Hampshire. It’s a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and can only be given to one entity at a time. It’s like a social security number for a business.
With a federal employer identification number, you can file taxes for your LLC in New Hampshire, complete payroll for employees, build credit for your business, and even open a new business bank account. You can apply for the EIN via mail or online through the IRS website. There are no filing fee charges; it’s entirely free.
Submit Your LLC’s Beneficial Ownership Information Report
There’s a new requirement for LLCs, which took effect on January 1, 2024, known as the Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOIR). It mandates every LLC in New Hampshire to disclose information about their beneficial owners, such as their names and identifying documents. The report is filed online via FinCEN’s website.
For New Hampshire LLCs created in 2024, the BOIR must be filed within 90 days of getting the state’s approval. If you form your LLC after January 1, 2025, you’ll have just 30 days after your LLC is approved to file. Any LLC in New Hampshire that existed before 2024 will also need to file by January 1, 2025. The application is free.
Set up a Business Bank Account
Having a dedicated bank account helps you separate business finances and personal finances, particularly if you want to enjoy the personal liability protection that an LLC in New Hampshire offers. It will also simplify bookkeeping processes even for small businesses, making it easier to manage cash flow, track expenses, and prepare for taxes.
When you apply for a business bank account, you’ll likely be asked to provide certain documentation, such as your EIN, Certificate of Formation, and a copy of your operating agreement. For the best banking solutions, consider institutions that offer services beneficial to small businesses like minimal fees and online banking.
Understand Your New Hampshire LLC State Taxes
Normally, limited liability companies are treated as pass-through entities, meaning the profits and losses pass through to the members and can be reported on their personal income tax returns. However, New Hampshire doesn’t have a personal income tax, making things different than in most other states.
Instead, the state’s unique approach involves levying a Business Profits Tax (BPT) on the net profits of all businesses within the state. You must register your LLC in New Hampshire with the Department of Revenue Administration to pay any state taxes, including BPT. The filing can be done online at no cost.
Acquire Business Licenses and Permits
Some states require a general business license for all LLCs, but this is not the case in New Hampshire. All business licenses and permits are based on the nature of your business and your business location within the state of New Hampshire. As such, requirements differ from business to business and county to county.
For instance, New Hampshire doesn’t have any state or local sales tax, so there’s no seller’s permit needed for an LLC in New Hampshire. However, professionals like accountants, architects, and physicians will still require professional licenses. Local municipalities and cities can also set their licensing requirements.
Obtain a Certificate of Good Standing
If you comply with state regulations, you can apply for a Certificate of Good Standing. While it’s not mandatory, most owners of an LLC in New Hampshire prefer having it in case a vendor or bank requires it. This certificate verifies that your limited liability company is compliant with all the legal requirements of an LLC in New Hampshire.
You can get a Certificate of Good Standing online via the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s Corporation Division. You can also request the certificate by mail or in person. The filing fee is $25, which you can pay via credit card or e-check. The certificate is valid for 90 days from the date it’s issued.
Stay Compliant
Registering your LLC in New Hampshire gives you a legal foundation to conduct business within the state. However, if you want to avoid fines or dissolution after your limited liability company is up and running, you must ensure that your LLC in New Hampshire stays compliant with the state’s rules and regulations.
Each LLC in New Hampshire has its own set of requirements, but there are some that cut across the board. These include filing annual reports, paying state taxes like the Business Profits Tax and Interest and Dividends Tax, obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and filing the BOI report before the deadline.
Why You Should Outsource Your New Hampshire LLC Formation
Setting up your limited liability company and running it smoothly is not an easy feat. If you’re not familiar with the formation process for an LLC in New Hampshire, you can find it tedious and time-consuming.
Outsourcing the process ensures that everything goes efficiently and smoothly.
Here’s why outsourcing your New Hampshire LLC formation is better than doing it yourself.
Seamless Process
Letting a professional handle the formation of an LLC in Hampshire process for you guarantees a smooth, hassle-free experience.
Setting up an LLC in New Hampshire involves extensive paperwork and navigating government departments. Outsourcing this process means all you need to do is fill out a form and provide the required documents.
No Errors
Even if you make one small error on your LLC in New Hampshire application or miss a file, you may face rejection.
By outsourcing to professionals who have helped register 500K+ businesses, you can benefit from their expertise. They’ll thoroughly review your application to prevent errors.
Swift Filing
Forming a new LLC comes with loads of paperwork that can easily overwhelm even the most organized entrepreneur.
Handling all this paperwork can take a lot of your valuable time and take away your focus from other business aspects. By outsourcing to professionals, you can let the experts handle the review and filing process
Benefits of Setting Up an LLC in New Hampshire
For entrepreneurs looking to start a business in New Hampshire, creating an LLC is generally the fastest and easiest way.
There are lots of advantages to forming an LLC in New Hampshire. Let’s discuss some of them below.
Business-Friendly Tax Environment
To begin with, an LLC in New Hampshire does not need to pay corporate income taxes or state-level personal income taxes. This makes it easier for businesses to operate without the extra burden of high taxes, allowing owners to retain more of their earnings and reinvest money in more businesses, even running multiple LLCs.
Besides, the lack of these taxes simplifies financial planning and compliance, reducing the administrative workload and costs that are normally associated with tax filings. This tax-friendly environment is a great advantage for startups and small businesses looking to maximize profitability and growth potential.
Personal Liability Protection
Perhaps the most outstanding benefit of setting up an LLC in New Hampshire is the personal liability protection it provides. As an LLC owner, your personal assets, such as your savings, home, and car, are protected even when the LLC in New Hampshire fails to pay its debts, fees, or loans. This protection covers all members of the LLC.
Other business structures like Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships do not offer such protection. However, it’s important to note that personal liability protection may not help if you breach your duties as an owner of an LLC in New Hampshire, commit fraud, cause harm due to negligence, or combine your personal and business finances.
Flexible Tax Structure
As a limited liability company in New Hampshire, you and your other members have the flexibility to select a tax structure for your business. For instance, you may choose to tax your LLC in New Hampshire as a Corporation or go for the pass-through taxation structure of less formal business entities like sole proprietorships and partnerships.
If you’re operating a single-member LLC, you can tax it as a Sole Proprietorship. However, you can choose your multi-member LLC to be taxed as a Corporation or S-Corporation. You can change your LLC’s tax status in New Hampshire, but the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows this once every 60 months.
Flexibility in Management
When setting up your LLC in New Hampshire, you may choose to manage the business all by yourself or hire a manager to oversee your day-to-day business operations. It’s up to you and other LLC members to decide how you want to manage your business and the management structure you want.
If you have no experience running an organization, hiring or appointing a manager to manage business operations is a great option. However, if you’re operating a single-member LLC in New Hampshire, you can run your business the way you deem fit. You’re also not required to have a board of directors, as is the case for Corporations.
Flexible Profits Distributions
With an LLC in New Hampshire, members can choose how they need their profits distributed. This is unlike a partnership, where owners must split the profits equally among themselves. Even though LLC members decide how they want to distribute their profits, this needs to be well-documented in the LLC’s operation agreement.
You may have to provide valid reasons behind the distribution of your profits to the Internal Revenue Service when filing your taxes for your LLC in New Hampshire. It must be made clear that this distribution reflects your LLC’s leadership structure, and it’s not just an attempt to help LLC members avoid falling into a higher tax bracket.
Less Paperwork
Another benefit of choosing an LLC in New Hampshire is the minimal amount of paperwork that’s required to get your business up and running. Unlike starting a C-Corporation, an LLC in New Hampshire doesn’t have to record meeting minutes or hold meetings. You also don’t need a board of directors or officers and all the paperwork that comes with keeping records.
This ease of administration allows an LLC owner to focus more on developing their business and customer relationships instead of getting overwhelmed with countless documents. This helps save time and reduce the legal and administrative costs for an LLC in New Hampshire, which is quite beneficial for the business.
Access to Loan Funding
Every startup will benefit from financial aid that can help push their business goals forward and help expand and grow the business. If you register your new business as an LLC in New Hampshire, you can participate in the Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program and easily secure business funding.
Commonly known as the “Brownfields Loans”, this program is funded by the US Environmental Protection Agency and managed by Capital Regional Development Council (CRDC). You can receive a loan of up to $600,000 to set up your LLC in New Hampshire or fuel its business growth.
Perpetual Existence
Unless the New Hampshire Articles of Organization limit an LLC’s existence, a limited liability company exists perpetually. This means that LLC owners can change without leading to the company getting dissolved. A member can retire, pass on, or choose to withdraw from the LLC in New Hampshire, but its operations won’t cease.
However, just like S-Corp dissolution, there are certain situations where an LLC in New Hampshire can be dissolved. Some examples include situations where an LLC’s members consent to a dissolution, a judicial or administrative action dissolves the LLC, or an LLC in New Hampshire fails to file its annual reports and fees for two consecutive years.
Creditors Only Receive Passive Rights
Under New Hampshire law, in case a judgment creditor obtains a charging order against a member’s interest in an LLC, this order creates a lien on that membership interest. The creditor is only entitled to receive the distributions that would normally go to the member; they don’t gain management rights for the LLC in New Hampshire.
Besides, an individual would immediately cease to become a member of an LLC in New Hampshire if they assign their interest for the creditor’s benefits, file for bankruptcy, are declared bankrupt, or do not contest a petition for their liquidation, dissolution, or other similar situations.
Protects the Interests of the LLC Owners
According to the New Hampshire LLC Act, LLC members can safeguard their control of a limited liability company. Under sections 304-C:121, 304-C:123, and 304-C:124, an LLC in New Hampshire agreement may forbid members from transferring their membership interests to others.
Even if the agreement doesn’t prohibit members, a transfer will not dissolve the LLC or guarantee that the transferee will participate in the LLC’s management or automatically become a member. Instead, they may only receive allocations of profits and losses to which the transferor would have been entitled.
Tailor Brands’ Pricing Plans for New Hampshire LLC Formation Services
Tailor Brands offers free and paid plans for forming and managing your LLC in New Hampshire. The Lite, Essential, and Elite plans include features that help streamline LLC formation and branding.
Here’s a breakdown of what each plan includes:
Lite Plan
The Lite Plan is free and ideal for entrepreneurs who need a simple LLC formation service, particularly for freelance LLCs. Here’s what it includes:
- LLC formation: To help you set up your LLC in New Hampshire, Tailor Brands takes care of the paperwork and submits your LLC application.
- Business coaching program: Gain access to expert guidance on marketing, operations, and more to help grow your LLC in New Hampshire.
- Standard customer support: Tailor Brands offers email customer support for all users to answer your questions about your LLC in New Hampshire.
New business owners who prefer to handle their compliance tasks will find this plan practical. It’s a great option if you’re launching a low-cost business idea and need to save on startup expenses for filing, legal services, and other costs.
Price: $0 + state filing fees
Essential Plan
With the Essential plan, you’ll get additional features for smooth operation, legal compliance, and ongoing support, including:
- LLC processing within 2 business days: Tailor Brands processes your LLC in New Hampshire rapidly. If you’re eager to start operations, this quick turnaround is a great advantage.
- Annual compliance filing and updates: Keep your LLC in New Hampshire compliant with annual state requirements as Tailor Brands provides updates of mandatory filings on time.
- Operating agreement preparation: This is one of the legal business documents that define the rules and structure of your LLC in New Hampshire. Get customizable templates to easily create yours.
- Amazon gift card: Receive a $30 Amazon gift card upon subscribing to this plan. Use it to purchase supplies or other essentials for your LLC in New Hampshire.
Price: $199/year + state filing fees
Elite Plan
The Elite plan is the ultimate package, offering premium features for branding and business management, such as:
- Free domain name for one year: You need a professional domain for your LLC in New Hampshire for brand visibility. With the Elite plan, you’ll get a free domain name to establish a website under your business name or DBA.
- 8 free business logos: Design up to eight custom logos for your business for a consistent brand identity. With Tailor Brands’ logo maker, you can experiment with different styles and designs for your LLC in New Hampshire.
- DIY website and online store: Create your business website or online store with the Elite plan. Tailor Brands offers templates and easy-to-use tools to create a professional-looking website for your LLC in New Hampshire.
- Social media post maker: This plan allows you to create and post engaging social media posts with ease. This tool provides content creation templates for promoting your LLC in New Hampshire on social media platforms.
- Business card tools: Tailor Brands provides customizable templates so you can design and create both physical and digital business cards. With a single link or QR code, you can easily share your contact information.
- $50 Amazon gift card: Enjoy a $50 Amazon gift card when you select the Elite Plan with Tailor Brands. Use this to purchase items that you need for your LLC in New Hampshire.
Price: $249/year + state filing fees
Why Choose Tailor Brands to Form Your New Hampshire LLC
Tailor Brands stands tall as a trusted leader in LLC formation services, backed by an impressive portfolio of 500K+ businesses formed.
Here’s what sets them apart from the rest.
100% Free Service
Unlike other formation companies that demand hefty fees for their service, Tailor Brands provides it at no cost!
So say goodbye to unexpected charges and hello to a seamless experience, completely free of charge.
Connect with Experts
With Tailor Brands, you’re not just starting a business, you’re also connecting with a team of dedicated experts
These include tax specialists and financial advisors ready to offer expert advice and ensure your success.
Say Goodbye to Hassles
Why subject yourself to the trouble of dealing with loads of paperwork when you can work with a team of experts?
Tailor Brands will take over the reins, handling all the necessary paperwork to kickstart your business journey.
FAQ
Your New Hampshire LLC’s tax classification depends on the number of its members. A single-member LLC in New Hampshire is taxed like Sole Proprietorship by default, while multi-member LLCs are taxed as general partnerships.
Unless members choose a different status, an LLC in New Hampshire is classified as a pass-through entity. This means that the business itself doesn’t pay federal income tax on its profits. Instead, the LLC’s members pay income taxes through their personal returns.
An LLC in New Hampshire can also be taxed as S-corp or C-corp. Businesses classified as S-corps do not pay corporate income tax and are able to make contributions as members without having to pay the 15.3% federal self-employment tax on these contributions.
An LLC in New Hampshire taxed as C-corps faces double taxation, with the LLC paying 21% federal corporate income tax and the members paying 15.3% self-employment tax on dividends.
When it comes to state taxes, New Hampshire doesn’t have an official state income tax on businesses or individuals. However, depending on the income, an LLC in New Hampshire may be required to pay the state’s Business Enterprise Tax and Business Profits Tax.
New Hampshire employers are also mandated to pay unemployment insurance (UI) tax and workers’ compensation tax.
In the event that you need to shut down your LLC in New Hampshire, you’ll follow the procedures in your operating agreement for dissolution. Normally, dissolving an LLC in New Hampshire requires members to vote.
You’ll also need a Certificate of Dissolution from the Department of Revenue Administration showing that your LLC has no pending taxes. In case you have creditors, you’ll need to inform them of your decision to dissolve the LLC in New Hampshire.
After paying your creditors and distributing any left assets to your LLC’s members, file a Certificate of Cancellation with the New Hampshire Secretary of State to terminate your registration.
By default, LLC owners are only required to pay state and federal taxes on their personal income from the LLC. The LLC in New Hampshire isn’t separately taxed. Some LLCs, especially those with high earnings, may opt to file taxes as either a C-corporation or an S-corporation.
Maintaining the status of your LLC in New Hampshire after its formation requires you to comply with the state’s requirements.
These requirements include, but are not limited to:
- Annual report: Every LLC in New Hampshire must file an annual report by April 1st of every year. The filing can be done online or by mail as early as January 1st and involves a $100 filing fee. Failure to file the annual report before the deadline attracts a $50 fine.
- Employer tax: If you plan to hire one or more employees for your LLC in New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Employment Security (NHES) requires you to file an Employer Status Report. You must also report all your new hires and submit a quarter Tax and Wage Report for each quarter if you have employees.
Registered agent: Each LLC in New Hampshire must have and maintain a registered agent. The registered agent can be an individual who lives within the state or an LLC or a Corporation authorized to do business in NH. They must have a physical office address in the state and be available during working hours.
Yes, you can operate your LLC in New Hampshire under a different name by filing a trade name with the New Hampshire Secretary of State.
The trade name for your LLC in New Hampshire, also known as “Doing Business As” or DBA, must be unique and distinguishable from other registered names. Trade name registration is effective for five years and attracts a filing fee of $50.
Form an LLC in New Hampshire for Free with Tailor Brands
Setting up an LLC in New Hampshire can be overwhelming, even for seasoned entrepreneurs. With Tailor Brands, the process becomes seamless and hassle-free.
Let Tailor Brands’s experienced team of experts handle all your paperwork for your LLC in New Hampshire as you concentrate on what truly matters—growing your business.
$0 + State Filing Fees