How to Start an LLC in New Hampshire

The first step is to consider whether you want to form the LLC on your own or use a professional service to help.

If you choose to use a service, the two that are most recommended are ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent. Of these, ZenBusiness is cheaper (starting at just $49), while Northwest is known for excellent service.

These companies offer a simplified, step-by-step process that walks you through the formation process. Plus, they have customer service representatives that are ready to answer any questions you may have, and provide customized service.

LLC formation companies also offer other services that will benefit your business. They can serve as your Registered Agent, help with drafting an Operating Agreement, and much more.

Using a service can help save you a lot of time. That said, it’s not required, as you can do the steps on your own. If you’d rather save a bit of money, the steps below outline what you need to do.

Recommended services

Visit ZenBusiness

The focus of ZenBusiness is on forming new companies. They help simplify the process of starting a business, using powerful online tools. ZenBusiness plans are ongoing and help customers grow their businesses. They provide many services and resources, and can also help connect entrepreneurs to other relevant services.

See the full ZenBusiness review here

Visit Northwest

Northwest Registered Agent will scan all documents you receive for your business so that you can easily see them in your online account. There, you’ll have unlimited cloud storage as well as strong business data protection, and help from their friendly customer service staff when you need it. A yearly subscription for their registered agent services costs $125.

See the full Northwest review here

Visit Bizee

Bizee specializes in new company formation. With Bizee, you can form a new LLC, corporation, or other business entity in your state. So far, they have helped form more than 500,000 new businesses. Bizee works directly with each US state to help start new businesses. Essentially, they are a middleman between you and your state’s business department.

See the full Bizee review here

You will need to select a name for your new LLC. You will want to find a name that is relevant to your business, and hopefully also memorable for your clients or customers.

Equally important is to find a name that is not already taken. Names must be “distinguishable” from all other registered business names in the state of New Hampshire. This Business Search feature makes it easy to check whether or not a name is taken.

In addition to finding a unique name, the name will also need to meet certain criteria. For one, it cannot contain any government-related phrases that would confuse the business with a government agency. And in order to use words from regulated industries, like banking, a special permit may be required.

New Hampshire LLCs are required to appoint – and maintain – what is called a Registered Agent. This agent represents the company, and their main role is to receive communications, tax forms, and important legal documents on behalf of the LLC.

The Registered Agent’s mailing address will be publicly listed on the business registration database online. You can serve as your own Agent, although this means you will give up some privacy as your mailing address will be listed. The Agent must either be a resident of New Hampshire, or a New Hampshire company (although an LLC cannot be its own Registered Agent).

The alternative is to use a Registered Agent service. These companies offer professional Registered Agent services in each state, including New Hampshire. They offer the benefit of increased privacy, plus, they eliminate the risk of an important document being misplaced. Two good options are ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent. Expect to spend around $100-$150 per year for the service.

Note: This step is optional, but recommended.

An operating agreement is an optional, but important, document for your business. It is an internal document, which basically means that it is kept on file, rather than being filed with any specific government agency.

This document establishes an LLC ownership structure, as well as its basic operating procedures. This makes it exceptionally important for LLCs with multiple owners because it protects against ownership disputes. Even single-member LLCs can still benefit from an agreement, however.

Services like ZenBusiness provide templates to help you draft an operating agreement. You can also use the services of a local attorney.

New Hampshire requires the Certificate of Formation to be filed with the Department of State. This document is similar to the Articles of Organization required in other states.

The Certificate of Formation can be filled out, printed, and mailed to the address below. You must include a check for $100 made out to the “State of New Hampshire”.

Alternatively, you can use the NHQuickStart platform to file the document online. The fee is the same ($100), but is paid via credit card or bank transfer.

Once the document has been submitted, you simply need to wait for it to be processed. This typically takes 7-10 business days, although it may be longer depending on the backlog. Generally, online applications are processed quicker than mailed documents.

An EIN, or employer identification number, is required in order to hire employees. This is a federal tax ID number that is issued by the Internal Revenue Service. Once obtained, it will be used in the hiring process, as well as in tax filings with the IRS.

An EIN is a federal number, so it has nothing to do with New Hampshire. That said, NH LLCs should still apply for one. To apply, head to this link and fill out the required forms with the IRS. There is no cost to apply for an EIN.

Various additional steps must be taken before your business can operate legally. The Certificate of Formation establishes the LLC as a legal entity, but it’s not the only license required.

The specific requirements depend on the type of business you are running, as well as its location and industry. The federal government requires licenses for certain specialized and regulated industries.

The state of New Hampshire requires various permits and licenses for businesses in certain industries. For example, some businesses may need to apply for health permits, environmental permits, or alcoholic beverage licenses. At this time, you’ll also want to apply for an unemployment tax account with the New Hampshire Employment Security system. More information on state-level requirements can be found here.

Additionally, local jurisdictions may also require permits. Most cities and counties will require a general business license, and may also have industry-specific permits for some businesses. Check with the local government in the city or county that you plan to operate (and in each relevant city or county, if you plan to have multiple locations).

There are many tasks that you will need to complete on an ongoing basis in order to keep your LLC in good standing. This includes steps on the federal level (like tax returns), state level (like annual reports and employer taxes), and local level (like permit renewals).

Again, this is a situation where the specific requirements will vary based on the type of business, its industry, and its physical location or locations. That said, here are some of the most common requirements (this list is not exhaustive, however!)

In addition to these, you will also need to keep a Registered Agent appointed for the life of the company. You can do this yourself, or use a service like ZenBusiness. Additionally, ZenBusiness can help keep you on track with compliance tasks by reminding you of key dates, and even helping with certain filings, such as annual reports.

This can all feel a bit overwhelming, but it’s all necessary in order to keep your business complaint. By doing the research now, you can stay on top of things from day one. It’s a good idea to create calendar reminders of key due dates so you don’t forget anything.

Business owners should always separate their personal and business finances. This will drastically simplify the bookkeeping process, and also helps shield personal assets from liability related to the business.

To do this, you should open a business bank account as soon as possible. You will need your business license and your EIN, in most cases. Some banks have more requirements; call ahead to see what you will need to bring in in order to apply.

Most financial institutions now offer business checking accounts. You may wish to apply for a business credit card at the same time. This is also a good time to look into business insurance.