New Mexico LLC formation cost

New Mexico LLC formation presents one of the nation's most straightforward and affordable paths to business ownership, with just a $50 state filing fee and virtually no ongoing state-level compliance costs. 

This simple structure makes it attractive for entrepreneurs seeking predictable expenses without the administrative burden found in other states.

Required New Mexico LLC formation costs

Required Cost Amount Notes
State filing fee $50 Required for all LLCs; online filing mandatory since December 2024
Registered agent $0 (self) / $100–$300/year Required physical New Mexico address; service fee varies by provider
Operating Agreement $0–$1,000 Not filed with state but highly recommended for governance

Optional formation costs

Beyond the $50 mandatory filing fee, several optional services can streamline your formation process or provide additional legal protection. 

These services become valuable when you need privacy, professional guidance, or specialized assistance navigating complex business structures.

1. Professional services 

Attorney fees for formation assistance range from $800 to $2,500 for comprehensive packages that include custom operating agreements and ongoing compliance guidance. This investment makes sense for multi-member LLCs or businesses with complex ownership structures.

Accountant consultations for LLC formation and ongoing support typically start at a few hundred dollars and can go up to $1,200 per year, and can help prevent costly tax mistakes once you're operational.

Business formation services offer a middle ground between DIY and hiring attorneys, with packages ranging from $100 to $400 plus the state fee. These services often bundle registered agent coverage, operating agreement templates, and EIN assistance.

2. Additional filings 

Beyond formation costs, you’ll likely encounter these optional and situational fees:

  • Name reservation: $20 for 120 days of protection
  • DBA registration: Varies by county, typically starting at $25
  • Certified copies: $25 minimum plus $1 per additional page
  • EIN: Free directly from the IRS
  • Local business licenses: $35-$50 annually, depending on city and industry

Ongoing annual costs

New Mexico offers a unique advantage in ongoing LLC maintenance by eliminating most state-level recurring expenses that burden business owners in other jurisdictions. This creates predictable, minimal compliance costs that make long-term budgeting straightforward.

  • New Mexico requires no annual report and imposes no franchise tax or annual maintenance fees on LLCs, distinguishing it from nearly every other state. 
  • Registered agent fees remain your primary ongoing expense if you use a professional service, ranging from $100 to $300 annually, depending on the provider and service level. 
  • Local business licenses require annual renewal in most New Mexico municipalities, typically costing $35–$50 per year, depending on your jurisdiction and industry. 

FAQs about LLC formation costs in New Mexico

Are there any hidden fees when forming an LLC in New Mexico?

New Mexico's fee structure is refreshingly transparent at the state level. The main surprise comes from local business licensing requirements, which most municipalities impose separately from state LLC formation. 

Can I get a refund if my filing is rejected?

No. New Mexico considers the filing fee charge as payment for processing your application, not for approval. Once the Secretary of State charges your payment method, the money is gone, regardless of whether your Articles of Organization are ultimately accepted or rejected.

Can I legally avoid registered agent fees?

Yes, if you maintain a physical address in New Mexico and remain available during business hours to receive legal documents. 

Many business owners initially serve as their own registered agent, then switch to a professional service as they grow or need additional privacy protection.

Simplify New Mexico LLC formation with Discern

Discern automates New Mexico LLC formation and provides comprehensive compliance management across all 51 jurisdictions. 

Ready to experience streamlined formation without deadline stress? Book a demo with Discern today.

Author
The Discern Team
Published Date
November 18, 2025
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