How To Start An LLC In New Hampshire [2023 Guide]

There’s a lot to do to start a business in New Hampshire, and it can be hard to know where to start. Here, I’ll go over one step, which is starting the LLC business structure.

I’ll outline the steps you need to take and provide some helpful resources along the way, so you can get your LLC started right.

Why choose the LLC?

The Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a popular entity structure for businesses starting in New Hampshire. The LLC provides personal liability protection and has the potential to save money on taxes. With our step-by-step guide, you can learn how to form an LLC in New Hampshire yourself without an attorney.

Unlike a sole proprietorship or partnership, where the small business owner can be held personally liable for lawsuits against the business, the LLC is a separate legal entity that protects the business owner’s personal assets. So, if the LLC is sued, the owner’s personal assets are usually protected.

Besides the liability protection, the Limited Liability Company provides several other benefits over the sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation because of the multiple tax options, ease of administration, and management flexibility.

What are the steps to Form a New Hampshire LLC?

While it can be scary to form an LLC for the first time, with a little research and patience, you can learn how to form an LLC in New Hampshire without an attorney.

I’ll explain each of the steps below!

Step 1: Choose an LLC Name

The first step in forming a New Hampshire Limited Liability Company is to make sure the name you want is available.

It’s critical to do a name search before registering an LLC name, as the name of each LLC must be distinguishable from other entity names registered in the state of New Hampshire. The New Hampshire Secretary of State makes it easy to search and verify if your LLC name is available. Here is more information on how to do a New Hampshire LLC name search.

In addition to the name being unique, the entity designator (identifier used at the end of the business name) must be either:
– Limited Liability Company
– L.L.C.
– LLC
– or similar abbreviations

A comma may be used after the business name and before the designator. “Cowboy Cleaners LLC” and “Cowboy Cleaners, LLC” are both acceptable.

If there is a name you want but are not ready to register the LLC, you can file the Application for Reservation of Name to hold a name for up to 120 days with the New Hampshire Secretary of State.

If you plan to use a different name from the one that you register (perhaps you want to run multiple businesses under the LLC), you can use a Trade Name (sometimes referred to as a DBA, Doing Business As name, fictitious business name, or assumed name). To register a Trade Name, file the Application for Registration of Trade Name (Form TN-1) with the Secretary of State.

Before settling on a name, you may want to see if a domain name is available in order to have a matching website address.

Step 2: Appoint a New Hampshire Registered Agent

Every LLC in New Hampshire is required to have a Registered Agent. A Registered Agent will act as a central point of contact to receive legal documents, tax notices, summons, subpoenas, etc., on behalf of the LLC.

The basic requirements to be a Registered Agent in New Hampshire include:
– The agent must be a New Hampshire resident at least 18 years of age or a commercial Registered Agent service with a registered office in the state.
– The agent must have a physical address in the state (PO Boxes aren’t allowed).
– The agent must generally be available during normal business hours at the address provided to receive service of process.

Learn more about the requirements for a Registered Agent in New Hampshire.

Any individual meeting the requirements can be the agent; however, the agent’s name and address become public record, and with that comes a loss of privacy. This is more important for some entrepreneurs, especially when doing business from home or still employed. Hiring a commercial Registered Agent service like Northwest Registered Agent will help keep the owner’s names from being publicly listed.

Step 3: File the New Hampshire LLC Certificate of Formation

The paperwork to officially create an LLC in New Hampshire is called the Certificate of Formation (called the Articles of Organization in many states). The easiest option is to file on the Secretary of State’s website. Additionally, you can download the Certificate of Formation (Form LLC-1) and mail or hand-deliver the paperwork to the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s office.

If filing in person, take to the Secretary of State’s office at:
Corporation Division, New Hampshire Department of State
107 N Main St, Rm 204
Concord, NH 03301-498925

When filling out the Certificate of Formation, there are a few sections and terms that can be confusing. Let’s go over a few of these sections to help get your LLC started right.

Principal Purpose – This section asks for information regarding the activities of the business. To answer, you will need to look up a number called NAICS (North American Industrial Classification System). This code is a six-digit number that classifies and categorizes the different industries.

Related: What is a NAICS number?

Manager/Member Information – This section asks if the LLC is Member-Managed or Manager-Managed.

– Member-Managed LLCs have an active involvement in the management of the LLC.
– Manager-Managed LLCs are hired by the members to run the LLC, similar to a CEO of a corporation.

Most LLCs are member-managed.

Duration – In this section, you can indicate how long it will remain in existence. Most LLCs will choose a Perpetual duration; however, some businesses (usually investment-related) will have a specific closure date.

Business Address – In this section, enter the street address, city, state, and zip code of the initial principal office. This address can be the LLC’s physical address, or it can be the address where the business records are stored. This address does not have to be in New Hampshire, but you may not use a PO Box.

Mailing Address – If there is an address that is preferred for mail to be sent by the Secretary of State that is different from the Business Address, enter it here. Otherwise, click the box for “Same as Business Address.”

If you are worried about making a mistake when forming your LLC, or just don't want to deal with filling out state paperwork, an LLC formation service will help guide you through the process. My top recommended services include:

Zenbusiness - best guided process (starting at $0 plus state fees)
Incfile - most additional business services (starting at $0 plus state fees)
Northwest - best personal privacy protections and fewest upsells ($39 plus state fees)

What should you do after starting your LLC in New Hampshire?

Once the LLC has been formed, there are a few additional steps to take care of. Below is a list of the most common tasks.

Prepare a New Hampshire LLC Operating Agreement

The operating agreement is a document that governs the framework of an LLC. This document covers items like ownership rights, LLC member responsibilities, how profits and losses are distributed, and more.

Most states do not require an LLC to have an operating agreement, but it is still worth considering. Without an operating agreement:

The LLC could be subject to generic state rules that may be detrimental in the event of a lawsuit
Member’s personal liability protection may be diminished.
Members may not fully understand their roles and responsibilities, which could lead to costly disputes in the future.

Obtain an EIN

If the LLC will hire employees or is owned by more than one member, an EIN is required.

The EIN or Employer Identification Number (also referred to as a Federal Employer Identification Number, FEIN, or Federal Tax ID Number) is a unique 9-digit tax identification number assigned to a business by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Similar to a social security number for an individual, the EIN identifies business entities for tax purposes. The EIN will be needed to hire employees, open a bank account, build business credit, register for business licenses and permits, file federal and state taxes, and more.

There is no cost for the EIN when registering through the IRS. The number is available immediately when applying through the IRS website; however, you can also register by phone, fax, or mailing IRS Form SS-4.

If an Employer Identification Number isn’t required, the LLC can use either the owner’s social security number or register for an EIN.

Related: How to Apply for an EIN

Open an LLC Bank Account

Opening a bank account for your LLC is important for liability protection as the account separates the business’s funds from the member’s personal funds.

Several documents will be needed to open a business bank account, such as:

A banking resolution is a document that authorizes the members to open a business bank account on behalf of the LLC.
Copies of the original business formation paperwork from the state showing the creation of the LLC.
Driver’s licenses of the members.
Occasionally the bank may request a New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing to prove the LLC is active and in good standing with the state.

Apply for Business Licenses and Permits

Depending on what your business does and where it is located, there will likely be various business licenses and permits needed before starting your business. Some common registrations include:

Business License – All businesses operating in the State of New Hampshire are required to register with the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s Office. Some cities also require businesses to obtain licensing before they can start.
Professional License – Certain services such as barbershops, accountants, hunting and fishing guides, and others must be licensed.

File New Hampshire LLC Annual Reports

LLCs are required to file an annual report with the New Hampshire Secretary of State. The annual report is due by April 1st of each year, and there is a state fee of $100.

This material is property of StartingYourBusiness.com

New Hampshire LLC FAQs

How much does it cost to start an LLC in New Hampshire?

The Secretary of State filing fee to start an LLC in New Hampshire is $100.

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

Submitting the Certification of Formation in person at the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s office will provide the fastest turnaround at under 2 hours. Online filing typically takes 3-7 business days, and filing by mail can take up to three weeks.

How much does an LLC cost per year in New Hampshire?

Each year, a New Hampshire LLC will need to file an Annual Report and pay a $100 annual fee to the Secretary of State.

Do you need a Registered Agent for your LLC?

Yes – New Hampshire law requires every LLC in the state to appoint an active Registered Agent.

Anyone can act as a registered agent, provided they are at least 18 years old, reside in the state, and are generally available to receive documents during normal business hours.

If I have an LLC, is a business license required?

It’s sometimes thought that the LLC and business license are the same in New Hampshire, but they aren’t. An LLC is referred to as the business entity, which is how the business is organized to conduct business. A business license is an approval from a government entity to legally operate.

What is a Foreign Limited Liability Company?

A New Hampshire foreign LLC is an LLC that was formed in another state but wants to physically operate in New Hampshire. Physically operating means having a presence, such as having an office or hiring an employee.

What is a Professional Limited Liability Company?

Businesses that require occupational licensing in New Hampshire, such as accountants, architects, veterinarians, etc., are required to file for a Professional LLC (PLLC) instead of an LLC. Filing for a PLLC is very similar to that of an LLC.