How Much Does an LLC Cost in New Hampshire?
Here’s exactly how much it costs to form an LLC in New Hampshire. The state filing fee is $100, making it one of the more affordable states for LLC formation. You can file online for $102 total (includes $2 processing fee) or file by paper for exactly $100.
But the filing fee is just one piece of the puzzle. Let’s break down every cost you’ll encounter when starting your New Hampshire LLC, from required state fees to optional services that can save you time and headaches.
New Hampshire LLC Fee Breakdown
Here are all the official fees you might pay to the New Hampshire Secretary of State:
| Service | Fee | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Formation (paper filing) | $100 | Yes |
| Certificate of Formation (online filing) | $102 | Yes |
| Name Reservation | $15 | Optional |
| Annual Report (paper) | $100 | Yes (due April 1) |
| Annual Report (online) | $102 | Yes (due April 1) |
| Registered Agent Change | $15 paper / $17 online | As needed |
| DBA Filing | $50 | Optional |
| Certificate Amendment | $35 | As needed |
| Certificate of Dissolution | $35 | If dissolving |
Source: New Hampshire Secretary of State, verified March 2026
The Core Filing Fee: $100-$102
Your Certificate of Formation costs exactly $100 if you file by paper, or $102 if you file online (the extra $2 covers the online processing fee). This is the only required upfront cost to form your LLC in New Hampshire.
Unlike some states that have hidden fees or complex fee structures, New Hampshire keeps it simple. The $100 filing fee is all you pay to the state to legally form your LLC.
Annual Requirements: $100 Every Year
After your LLC is formed, you’ll need to file an annual report every year by April 1st. This costs $100 for paper filing or $102 for online filing. Miss this deadline, and your LLC can be administratively dissolved.
Important: The annual report fee is due regardless of whether your LLC made any money that year. It’s a flat $100 administrative fee to keep your LLC in good standing.
Beyond State Fees: The Complete Cost Picture
While the $100 state filing fee gets your LLC legally formed, there are several other costs to consider for a fully operational LLC.
Registered Agent: $0-$125+ Per Year
New Hampshire requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state. You have two options:
- Serve as your own registered agent: Free, but you must have a New Hampshire address and be available during business hours
- Hire a professional registered agent service: Typically costs $125-$300 per year
Most business owners choose a professional service because it provides privacy (your home address stays off public records) and reliability (no missed legal documents if you’re traveling).
Operating Agreement: Free With Proper Template
New Hampshire doesn’t require an operating agreement, but you absolutely should have one. This document protects your personal assets by establishing your LLC as a separate legal entity. You can draft one yourself using a quality template, or hire an attorney for $500-$2,000.
EIN (Tax ID Number): Free From IRS
Your LLC will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, even if you don’t have employees. The good news: it’s completely free when you apply directly with the IRS online.
Warning: Many third-party websites charge $50-$300 for EIN services. Don’t pay for this. The IRS provides EINs for free at irs.gov.
DIY vs. Formation Service: Total Cost Comparison
Here’s how the costs compare for your first year:
DIY Filing Costs
- State filing fee: $100-$102
- Registered agent (if hiring): $125
- Operating agreement template: $0-$50
- EIN from IRS: Free
Total DIY cost: $225-$277
Formation Service Costs
- Service fee: $0-$39 (most services offer free basic plans)
- State filing fee: $100-$102
- Registered agent (usually included): $0
- Operating agreement template: Usually included
- EIN filing assistance: Usually included
Total service cost: $100-$141
Here’s the surprising truth: using a formation service often costs less than doing it yourself, especially when you factor in the included registered agent service and time savings.
DIY Formation
- State filing fee: $100
- Name reservation: varies
- EIN from IRS: Free
- Registered agent: you (must be available during business hours)
- Operating agreement: write your own
You handle all paperwork, compliance tracking, and serve as your own registered agent.
With Northwest Registered Agent
- State filing fee: $100
- Formation service: $39
- Registered agent (1 year): Included free
- EIN filing: Included
- Privacy protection: Included
- Compliance reminders: Included
Professional filing, free registered agent, privacy protection, and compliance support.
Ready to form your New Hampshire LLC the smart way? Start your LLC for just $39 + state fee →
Why Formation Services Make Sense for New Hampshire LLCs
While New Hampshire’s $100 filing fee makes DIY formation tempting, here’s why most business owners choose a formation service:
New Hampshire Has Unique Requirements
Unlike many states that allow generic business purposes, New Hampshire requires you to specify your LLC’s exact business purpose. You can’t just write “any lawful activity.” A formation service knows these nuances and handles them correctly.
Registered Agent Service Included
Most formation services include registered agent service in their packages. Since you need this anyway (and it typically costs $125+ per year), the service often pays for itself.
Faster Processing
While the state’s standard processing time is within 30 days, formation services often have relationships that can speed up approval, especially for online filings.
Error Prevention
A rejected filing means delays and potentially additional fees. Formation services have high approval rates because they know exactly how to complete the paperwork correctly.
Top Formation Services for New Hampshire LLCs
Based on our analysis of pricing, features, and customer reviews, here are the best options for New Hampshire LLC formation:
Northwest Registered Agent
Starting at $39 + state filing fee. Same-day filing available. Includes registered agent service and operates with transparent pricing. No upsells or hidden fees.
Northwest Registered Agent review →
ZenBusiness
Free Starter plan + state filing fee. Processing time is 2-3 weeks for standard service, 1-2 days for rush processing. Popular choice for new business owners.
LegalZoom
Basic plan starts at $0 + state filing fee. Processing time is 7-10 business days. Established provider with comprehensive business services.
Bizee (formerly Incfile)
Free basic package + state filing fee. Next business day processing available. Includes registered agent service for the first year.
Additional Business Services to Consider
Once your LLC is formed, you’ll need several additional services to operate your business effectively.
Business Banking
Your LLC needs its own bank account to maintain legal separation between personal and business finances. This separation is crucial for protecting your personal assets from business liabilities.
Look for business accounts with no monthly fees, unlimited transactions, and good online banking features. Many banks also offer cash bonuses for new business accounts.
Need a business bank account that works for LLCs? Bluevine offers no monthly fees and up to 3.0% APY →
Business Insurance
While forming an LLC provides some liability protection, business insurance adds another layer of security. General liability insurance protects against accidents, property damage, and certain legal claims.
The cost varies based on your industry and coverage needs, but basic policies often start around $200-$400 per year for low-risk businesses.
Get an instant business insurance quote for your New Hampshire LLC. Next Insurance provides fast, affordable coverage →
Accounting and Bookkeeping
Even single-member LLCs need to track income and expenses for tax purposes. Good bookkeeping also helps you understand your business performance and makes tax filing much easier.
You can handle basic bookkeeping yourself with accounting software, or hire a professional bookkeeper for more complex needs.
Need simple accounting software for your new LLC? FreshBooks makes invoicing and expense tracking easy →
New Hampshire LLC Tax Considerations
One of New Hampshire’s biggest advantages for LLCs is the lack of state income tax on most business income. The state only taxes interest and dividend income, which doesn’t apply to most small business profits.
This means your LLC’s income flows through to your personal tax return without additional state-level taxation. You’ll still owe federal taxes, but you avoid the state income tax burden that LLCs face in most other states.
For detailed tax information, see our guide on New Hampshire LLC taxes.
When to Reserve Your LLC Name
New Hampshire allows you to reserve your LLC name for $15, which holds it for 120 days. This is optional but can be useful if:
- You’re not ready to file immediately but want to secure your preferred name
- You need time to gather required documents or information
- You’re coordinating the filing with other business setup tasks
You can check name availability for free using the New Hampshire LLC name search before deciding whether to reserve it.
Ongoing Compliance Costs
Beyond the annual $100 report fee, New Hampshire LLCs have minimal ongoing compliance costs. There’s no publication requirement, no franchise tax, and no complex reporting obligations.
The main ongoing costs are:
- Annual report: $100 (due April 1)
- Registered agent service: $125-$300 per year (if not serving yourself)
- Any business licenses specific to your industry
This makes New Hampshire one of the most cost-effective states for LLC maintenance over the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I form an LLC online in New Hampshire?
Yes, New Hampshire accepts online LLC filings through their Secretary of State website. Online filing costs $102 ($100 filing fee + $2 processing fee) compared to $100 for paper filing.
How long does it take to form an LLC in New Hampshire?
The standard processing time is within 30 days for both paper and online filings. Formation services may offer expedited processing options.
Do I need a lawyer to form an LLC in New Hampshire?
No, you can form an LLC yourself or use a formation service. However, consider consulting an attorney if you have multiple members, complex ownership structures, or specific legal questions.
What if I can’t afford the $100 filing fee upfront?
Unfortunately, the state filing fee must be paid when you submit your Certificate of Formation. There are no payment plans or fee waivers available. However, many formation services allow you to pay their service fees in installments.
Are there any hidden fees I should know about?
New Hampshire is transparent about its fees. The $100 filing fee is the only required cost to form your LLC. Be wary of formation services that add unexpected charges for basic services like EIN filing (which is free from the IRS).
For more comprehensive information about the formation process, visit our complete guide on how to start an LLC in New Hampshire.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Filing fees and requirements change : always confirm current fees with your state’s Secretary of State office.