Legal Bueno

    How to Start Your LLC in New Hampshire

    Legal Bueno helps with everything you need to start your business. We take care of all the paperwork so you don't have to worry about it. Want to learn more about the process we handle? Keep reading!

    Quick Summary:

    • Filing Fee: $100
    • Turnaround time: 7-10 business days

    How do I start an LLC in New Hampshire?

    Thinking about starting an LLC? The process is pretty similar across the states. You'll start by picking a unique name for your business (you'll need to check to make sure it hasn't been taken!) and then filing some paperwork—usually called Articles of Organization or a Certificate of Formation—with your state's agency.

    If you want to check the name availability for New Hampshire, visit https://quickstart.sos.nh.gov/online/BusinessInquire.

    After that's taken care of, you'll want to draft a governing doc for your business called an operating agreement & find any licenses you might need. Just keep in mind that each state has its own little quirks, so it's always a good idea to double-check specific requirements for your area.

    What are the costs & processing times of starting a business in New Hampshire?

    Here's the rundown for New Hampshire:

    • The filing fee is: $100
    • There are ongoing fees of $100 (every year)
    • It usually takes 7-10 business days if you're filing online or 7-10 business days (plus mail time) if by mail.

    Why New Hampshire is a great state for your LLC

    New Hampshire presents numerous advantages for entrepreneurs considering starting a business. Here are some key benefits:

    • Business Incentives: The New Hampshire Division of Economic Development offers various incentives, such as the Job Training Fund. This fund provides qualifying businesses with a 50/50 cash match grant ranging from $750 to $100,000 for customized employee training, making it easier to invest in workforce development.
    • Easy LLC Formation: Establishing a New Hampshire limited liability company (LLC) is straightforward and efficient. This business entity is ideal for startups and small to medium-sized businesses, offering simplified rules and regulations that facilitate management and compliance.
    • Compliance and Administration: An LLC structure in New Hampshire allows for easier creation, management, regulation, and administration of the business, minimizing the administrative burden on entrepreneurs.
    • Tax Advantages: Owners can benefit from potentially favorable tax treatment and streamlined tax filing processes, which can enhance financial efficiency as the business grows.
    • Asset Protection: Forming an LLC provides personal asset protection, shielding owners from business liabilities and debts. This feature is crucial for entrepreneurs looking to mitigate risk.
    • Affordable Formation Costs: The low filing fee of just $100 for LLC formation makes it financially accessible for entrepreneurs to start their businesses in New Hampshire.

    Overall, New Hampshire combines supportive business incentives, a favorable regulatory environment, and cost-effective formation options, making it an attractive location for starting a company.

    Legal Requirements

    Remember! Legal Bueno will handle all of these requirements for you, but if you're interested, here are the legal requirements for New Hampshire:

    Articles of Organization

    The certificate of formation must include: 1. The name of the LLC;

    1. The address of the registered office and the name and address of the registered agent for service of process;
    2. The nature of the primary business or the purpose of the LLC;
    3. Whether the LLC is to be managed by its members or by persons, who may also be members, appointed as its managers under its operating agreement; and
    4. Any other matters the members or managers decide to include.

    N.H. Rev. Stat. § 304-C:31

    Filing fee: $100

    Filing Process

    After you've prepared the initial formation documents, you need to file it! Here is what New Hampshire laws require for filing:

    A document filed with the secretary of state must:1. Contain the information required by the Revised LLC Act and may contain other information as well.

    1. Be typewritten or printed and be in the English language. However, an LLC name need not be in English if written in English letters or Arabic or Roman numerals.
    2. Be properly executed.
    3. Be accompanied by the correct fee and any penalty required by law.
    4. If filed electronically, be accompanied by the correct filing fee, and any franchise tax, license fee, or penalty required by law.

    N.H. Rev. Stat. § 304-C:28

    Unless the secretary of state finds that a document does not conform to law, upon receipt of all required filing fees, the secretary must:1. Certify that the certificate of formation, amendment, or cancellation, any judicial decree of amendment or cancellation, the certificate of merger, or the restated certificate has been filed by endorsing upon the original certificate the word “filed,” and the date of the filing, except if filed electronically;

    1. File the endorsed certificate; and
    2. Except if filed electronically, prepare and return to the person who filed it, or such person's representative, a copy of the original signed instrument, similarly endorsed.

    N.H. Rev. Stat. § 304-C:30

    Additional Legal Considerations

    Here are some additional relevant laws that might be useful when operating your business in New Hampshire:

    Operating agreement (definition)

    N.H. Rev. Stat. § 304-C:16

    Operating agreements

    N.H. Rev. Stat. § 304-C:40 through N.H. Rev. Stat. § 304-C:46

    Annual reports to secretary of state

    N.H. Rev. Stat. § 304-C:194