How to Get a New Hampshire LLC Almost Free
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Free formation services file your New Hampshire LLC at no charge — you cover only the state fee. Online filing is the most convenient, cost-effective method.
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New Hampshire's QuickStart is the official online portal for filing your LLC. Free formation services file the same paperwork on your behalf at no charge — you pay only the $102 state fee.
After formation, the $100 annual report is due by April 1. Using the NH QuickStart system provides the most secure and convenient method to maintain your business.
Below: the real $100 breakdown, free filing services, the cheapest DIY path, and NH's tax climate.
- What a New Hampshire LLC actually costs
- What "free" means for a New Hampshire LLC
- Free New Hampshire LLC filing services
- How to form a New Hampshire LLC for the lowest cost
- New Hampshire operating agreement (recommended, not required)
- Hidden fees most guides miss
- New Hampshire LLC formation timeline
- Special programs worth knowing
- Common New Hampshire LLC mistakes
- Frequently asked questions
What a New Hampshire LLC Actually Costs
A New Hampshire LLC costs $100 to file a Certificate of Formation ($102 online with the $2 surcharge).[1] The annual report is $100, due April 1 each year.
NH has no state income tax of any kind (the Interest & Dividends Tax was fully repealed effective Jan 1, 2025[2]) and no sales tax. Business Profits Tax (BPT) applies above $109,000 in net business income; Business Enterprise Tax (BET) applies above $298,000 (thresholds inflation-indexed; effective 2025+).[3]
| Cost | Amount | When Due |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Formation | $100 ($102 online) | Once, at formation |
| Annual Report | $100 | April 1, every year |
| State income tax (general) | None | — |
| Sales tax | None | — |
| BPT/BET (above thresholds) | BPT 7.5% on net income / BET 0.55% on enterprise value (BET drops to 0.50% Dec 31, 2026) | Annual |
No. New Hampshire charges $100 to file ($102 online) plus $100 a year. The lowest unavoidable state cost is $100 in year-one fees plus $100 starting year two.
What "Free" Means for a New Hampshire LLC
"Free" can mean different things in New Hampshire formations.
- Free filing service
A provider waives their service fee — but you still owe NH's $100 filing fee ($102 online). - Free EIN
The IRS issues EINs at no charge. - Free registered agent (year one)
Some providers waive the first-year RA fee. - Free operating agreement template
Free templates exist online. - Truly free formation
Doesn't exist. NH charges $100 to file plus $100 each year.
New Hampshire fully repealed its 3% Interest & Dividends Tax effective January 1, 2025. NH now has no state income tax of any kind on wages, LLC pass-through income, or investment income. Combined with no sales tax, NH ranks among the most tax-friendly states in the country.
Free New Hampshire LLC Filing Services
Several services file your New Hampshire LLC paperwork at $0 — you pay only the $100 state fee.
Start Your LLC for $0 - Just Pay State Fees
- Get step-by-step guidance to form your LLC
- Check business name availability
- LLC formation processing within 14 business days
- Business coaching program (tax, compliance, marketing)
- Invoicing and bookkeeping (30-day trial)
Form Your LLC - $0 + State Filing Fees
- 100% Accurate Filing Guarantee
- File your Articles of Organization
- Check your business name
- Digital welcome packet
- Initial phone consultations on business insurance and taxes
Start Your Business - $0 + State Filing Fees
- Covers all your required filings with the state, 100% accuracy guaranteed.
- 1 year of Worry-Free Compliance (renews at $199/year)
- Standard filing speed
- Other services are available with additional costs
How to Form a New Hampshire LLC for the Lowest Cost
The cheapest legal way to form a New Hampshire LLC is to file directly via QuickStart.
- File Certificate of Formation online via QuickStart
The fastest path is the state's QuickStart portal. Cost: $100.![Screenshot of New Hampshire Department of State]( "Screenshot of New Hampshire Department of State")
Screenshot of New Hampshire Department of State - Be your own registered agent
Any LLC member with a New Hampshire street address can serve at no cost. - Get a free EIN from the IRS
Apply directly with the IRS. - Draft your own operating agreement
NH doesn't legally require an OA under RSA § 304-C. But strongly recommended. - File the Annual Report by April 1
$100 due annually.
New Hampshire Operating Agreement: Recommended, Not Required
NH doesn't legally require an LLC operating agreement under RSA § 304-C. But a written OA is strongly recommended.
What it should cover
- Member ownership percentages
- Profit/loss allocation
- Manager-managed vs. member-managed structure
- Voting rights
- Dissolution procedures
New Hampshire LLC costs founders overlook
Filing methods, annual report, state taxes (BPT & BET), local requirements
Three NH LLC costs catch new owners by surprise.
- Filing method differences (online vs walk-in)
Online filing through NH QuickStart is typically the most cost-effective option. Walk-in expedited filings provide same-day or next-day document processing. But the state charges additional walk-in/in-person expedited fees. - April 1 annual report deadline
New Hampshire's $100 annual report is due April 1 every year. Miss it, and the state revokes good standing. - Business taxes and local requirements
New Hampshire has no general sales tax, but businesses may still be subject to the Business Profits Tax (BPT), the Business Enterprise Tax (BET), and certain local requirements depending on activity and location.
NH is one of just five states without a general sales tax (alongside AK, DE, MT, and OR). NH LLCs selling to in-state customers skip sales tax collection — a real edge for retail. BUT: under South Dakota v. Wayfair (2018), states can require out-of-state sellers to collect their sales tax once sales exceed an economic-nexus threshold (commonly $100K in annual revenue or 200 transactions per state). Track per-state thresholds if you ship across state lines.
New Hampshire LLC Formation Timeline
An LLC in New Hampshire takes 3 to 10 business days to form online via QuickStart.
| Step | Standard Timing |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Formation filing | 3 to 10 business days online |
| Get EIN from IRS | Instant online |
| Annual Report | April 1, every year |
New Hampshire-Specific Programs Worth Knowing
- NH Business Finance Authority Capital Access Program (CAP) — Provides 100% loan guarantee on term loans and lines of credit up to $500K. Borrower must have under $5M in annual revenue. Approval time is typically 24 hours.
- NH CDFA Tax Credit Program — $5M in tax credits awarded annually to community projects. NH businesses get 75% state tax credit against contributions. The credits can be utilized to offset bills for the BPT, BET, or Insurance Premium Tax.
- NH BFA Loan Programs — Includes temporary loans, working capital lines, and SSBCI participation loans. Targets NH-based businesses unable to fully secure bank financing. Goes through participating banks.
Common Mistakes That Cost New Hampshire Founders Money
- Walking into the Concord SOS office
Costs more than QuickStart online filing. Online is the most cost-effective approach. Walk-in, in-person expedited filing charges additional walk-in expedited fees. - Missing the April 1 deadline
Late filing risks loss of good standing and eventual administrative dissolution. Reinstating generally requires payment of fees and any outstanding filings. - Forgetting local registration
Some cities and industries in New Hampshire have local licensing or registration requirements. Operating without one risks a back assessment. - Naming a registered agent at an old address
New Hampshire mails April 1 reminders to the agent on file. Move without updating, and you can miss the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to form an LLC in New Hampshire?
Online (NH QuickStart): typically takes 3 to 10 business days. By Mail: can take up to 3 to 5 weeks. Walk-in (Expedited): can achieve same-day approval.
Why is walk-in filing more expensive than online?
QuickStart online is $102. Walk-in at Concord is $125 ($25 expedite fee). Walk-in filing costs more because the state charges a statutory $25 expedite fee for in-person and paper requests to cover manual handling.
Can I form a New Hampshire LLC if I don't live there?
Yes, you need a New Hampshire-based registered agent with a physical street address.
Does New Hampshire require an LLC operating agreement?
No, New Hampshire law doesn't require one. But banks and other institutions may ask for it.
Can I be my own registered agent?
Yes — if you have a New Hampshire street address and can receive legal documents during business hours.
What happens if I miss the April 1 deadline?
Failure to file the annual report can result in loss of good standing and eventual administrative dissolution. Reinstatement typically requires payment of fees and any required back filings.
Does New Hampshire have state income tax?
No general income tax on wages or LLC pass-through income. But the Business Profits Tax and Business Enterprise Tax apply to larger LLCs above thresholds.
Bottom Line
A truly free New Hampshire LLC doesn't exist. The state requires a $100 LLC formation filing plus a $100 annual report filing fee (plus a small online surcharge if filing through QuickStart). But New Hampshire's no-income-tax + no-sales-tax structure makes it among the most founder-friendly states.
If you're eager to get your New Hampshire LLC started, our top recommended LLC formation service is Tailor Brands:
- Chase Business Complete Banking®:
Up to $500 Bonus - Bank of America® Business Advantage Banking:
$400 or $750 Cash Bonus Offer - Citizens Bank:
Business Checking Account - $1,500 Bonus - Bar Harbor Bank & Trust:
Business Checking Account - $400 Bonus
References
- ^ New Hampshire Secretary of State. Domestic and Foreign Limited Liability Company, Retrieved 06/23/2026
- ^ NH Department of Revenue Administration. Repeal of the NH Interest and Dividends Tax Now in Effect, Retrieved 05/13/2026
- ^ NH Department of Revenue Administration. Business Taxes, Retrieved 06/23/2026
Charles Tran is the founder of CreditDonkey, a business formation services comparison and reviews website. Write to Charles Tran at charles@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.
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