New Hampshire LLC formation starts with a $100 filing fee for mail submissions or $102 for online processing. The $2 online premium provides faster processing, but either option represents just the beginning of your formation costs.
Beyond the state filing fee, you'll need a registered agent with a New Hampshire address. An operating agreement isn't legally required but is strongly recommended. The state has no traditional franchise tax, though it still has a Business Enterprise and Business Profits tax.
Understanding both upfront formation costs and ongoing compliance expenses helps you budget accurately from the start.
The only check you absolutely need to write when starting a New Hampshire LLC is for the Certificate of Formation. Mail it in for $100 or use the online portal for $102 (the extra $2 covers card processing). Pay directly to the Secretary of State, and you'll get your filing back in about two days online or a few weeks by mail.
Budget for these basics and you'll know exactly what it takes to get your LLC off the ground, without any surprise charges that can derail your launch plans.
Beyond New Hampshire's mandatory filing requirements, you'll face decisions about professional help and add-on services. Whether these options make sense depends on the complexity of your LLC, your available time, and your comfort level with handling the formation independently.
Hiring a New Hampshire business attorney for full-service LLC formation costs $500-$1,500 for comprehensive packages that include custom operating agreements and startup documents. This might seem excessive for simple ownership structures, but it provides valuable peace of mind for multiple founders or outside investors.
Online formation companies offer middle-ground pricing. Basic packages start at $0 in service fees (you still pay New Hampshire's state fee of $100-$102), while premium bundles with registered agent service and compliance tracking can reach $349 before state fees.
Don't overlook CPA consultations. Many owners schedule hourly sessions ($150-$350) for entity selection advice, tax planning, and bookkeeping setup, often preventing expensive mistakes once you approach New Hampshire's Business Profits or Enterprise Tax thresholds.
Some filings only appear when needed, but forgetting to budget can disrupt your timeline. Name reservation costs $25 and secures your chosen name for 120 days, useful when finalizing business plans or waiting on funding.
New Hampshire offers other optional services that may benefit your business:
The complexity of your situation determines which extras make sense. Solo consultants can safely DIY most steps, while businesses with multiple owners or outside funding often benefit from professional assistance.
After formation, recurring expenses begin to maintain your New Hampshire LLC's good standing. You need to budget for several ongoing obligations that keep your business compliant. Miss any of these deadlines and you'll face administrative dissolution, reinstatement fees, or loss of ability to conduct business.
Are there any hidden fees when forming a business entity?
The state won't surprise you, but other costs add up. Local business licenses typically cost $50–$400, name reservations are $15 by mail or $17 online, DBA filings are $50, and registered agent services range from $49 to $300 per year.
Can you get a refund if the state rejects your filing?
No. New Hampshire retains the formation fee as a processing cost, whether the application is approved or rejected.
How do New Hampshire costs compare to neighboring states?
You're getting a good deal. Massachusetts owners pay $500 annually, while you pay $100. Vermont charges $35 and Maine charges $85, so you're slightly higher than those two but still below the national average.
What tax advantages does a New Hampshire business entity offer?
Most companies pay zero state income tax. The 0.55% Business Enterprise Tax only applies when gross receipts exceed $281,000, and the 7.7% Business Profits Tax starts above $103,000 in profits. As such, many small businesses only pay the annual report fee.
Instead of juggling separate invoices and deadlines across multiple providers, you can complete your entire New Hampshire formation filing in minutes through Discern’s dashboard. Our platform:
Ready to experience no calendar tracking, no late-fee panic, and no deadline stress? Book a demo of Discern today.
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