Best 2026 New Hampshire LLC Formation Services
Last Updated: March 2026
Interested in starting a business in New Hampshire? This guide covers everything you need to know about New Hampshire LLC formation services, including the state's no-income-tax advantage and minimal business regulation.
This guide covers:
- New Hampshire's specific requirements, including a $100 formation fee, $100 annual report, no income tax on wages, and no franchise tax
- When national providers make sense versus local New Hampshire registered agents
- Direct comparisons of LLC Attorney, LegalZoom, Northwest Registered Agent, ZenBusiness, and Bizee
- Which option fits your business based on your budget and growth plans
Whether you're launching a technology company in Manchester, opening a tourism or hospitality business in the White Mountains, or setting up a remote professional services firm, New Hampshire's business-friendly environment and "Live Free or Die" approach to regulation make it an attractive state for entrepreneurs.
Understanding New Hampshire's Unique LLC Requirements
New Hampshire's "Live Free or Die" motto extends to its approach to business regulation. The state is known for minimal government interference in business operations, no income tax on wages, no general sales tax, and no franchise tax on LLCs — making it one of the most tax-friendly states in the Northeast.
No income tax on wages. New Hampshire does not impose a state income tax on wages or salary. This is a significant advantage for business owners who pay themselves a salary from their LLC. Note that New Hampshire does impose a Business Profits Tax (BPT) on business income above $50,000 and a Business Enterprise Tax (BET) on enterprise value — these apply to the business itself, not wages paid to individuals.
No franchise tax. New Hampshire does not impose a franchise tax on LLCs. The absence of both a franchise tax and income tax on wages makes New Hampshire particularly attractive for entrepreneurs and small business owners who plan to draw most of their income from their business operations.
Annual report due April 1. New Hampshire requires LLCs to file an annual report with the Secretary of State by April 1 each year. The $100 fee is moderate — not as high as North Carolina's $200 fee, but notable for a state with otherwise low costs. Missing the deadline can result in administrative dissolution, so set a calendar reminder.
Business Profits Tax note. While New Hampshire has no income tax on wages and no franchise tax, LLCs with gross business income over $50,000 are subject to the Business Profits Tax (currently 7.6%) and the Business Enterprise Tax (currently 0.6% on enterprise value). These are business-level taxes, not personal income taxes. Most small startups will fall below the $50,000 threshold in early years, but plan accordingly as your business grows.
Registered agent requirement. Every New Hampshire LLC must maintain a registered agent with a physical NH street address. P.O. boxes are not permitted. Your registered agent is responsible for receiving service of process, legal notices, and official Secretary of State correspondence.
New Hampshire does not legally require a written operating agreement, but it is strongly recommended. Without one, NH's default LLC statutes govern your business, which may not reflect your intentions — especially for multi-member LLCs. LLC Attorney can help you draft an operating agreement that will protect you, your partners, and your personal assets.
New Hampshire LLC Formation: The Basics
Before comparing services, here's what you're actually filing.
What you file: Certificate of Formation with the New Hampshire Secretary of State. You must designate a registered agent with a physical New Hampshire street address. P.O. boxes are not allowed.
State filing fee: $100.
Standard processing: 3–5 business days. Many formation services offer expedited submission.
Using a professional registered agent keeps your home address off public records and ensures you receive legal documents and Secretary of State notices properly. An operating agreement is not required by law but is strongly recommended, especially for multi-member LLCs. Remember that New Hampshire's annual report is due April 1, with a $100 filing fee.
National vs Local Business Formation Providers
National Providers
Companies like LLC Attorney, LegalZoom, and Northwest Registered Agent operate nationwide. They're your best bet if you're planning to grow beyond New Hampshire, need extra support services, or think you might register in other states down the road.
National providers bundle in services beyond registered agent services; for instance, compliance calendars, annual report filing, tax election changes, document storage, and expert support. If you expand to multiple states, you can manage everything from one dashboard with one provider. Pricing runs from $125 to $249 per year. Northwest charges $125/year. LegalZoom is at the higher end with $249/year. LLC Attorney structures things differently by bundling registered agent service into their compliance plans starting at $14.99/month. That Standard plan includes mail scanning and access to professionally trained Business Success Advisors.
Local NH Providers
Local providers focus exclusively on in-state services. They primarily serve New Hampshire-only businesses seeking standalone registered agent services. While local providers are typically lower cost for registered agent services alone, they offer limited support beyond basic compliance services and cannot assist with multi-state operations.
Making Your Decision
Choose a local provider if:
- Your business is New Hampshire-only and will never expand to other states
- Cost is the primary factor and you want the lowest annual fee
- You don't need bundled services, just basic registered agent functionality
Choose a national provider if:
- You want bundled services like mail forwarding and document storage managed in one place
- You need scalability: one provider relationship and one dashboard for multiple or evolving businesses
- You prefer established support infrastructure with dedicated account representatives
- You value having legal or professional guidance available (business success advisors or access to attorneys)
- You anticipate business growth beyond New Hampshire, adding additional businesses, or may want to evolve your business into a more complex entity
Consider LLC Attorney specifically if you want professionally guided services with room to grow. View LLC Attorney pricing or see how New Hampshire LLC formation with first year registered agent service works.
Base Service Fee Comparison
Here's what each provider charges before you add anything else:
Main Pricing Comparison
| Provider | Starter/Basic Plan | Mid-Tier Plan | Premium Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLC Attorney | $49 + state fee | Professional: $199 + state fee | International+: $399 + state fee |
| ZenBusiness | $0 + state fee | Pro: $199/yr | Premium: ~$349 (renews $399/yr) |
| Bizee | $0 + state fee | Standard: $199 + state fee | Premium: $299 + state fee |
| LegalZoom | $0 + state fee | Pro: $249 + state fee | Premium: $299 + state fee |
| Northwest Registered Agent | $39 + state fee | N/A (Single tier) | N/A |
What These Numbers Actually Mean
Cheapest upfront: ZenBusiness, Bizee, and LegalZoom advertise $0 plans, but these exclude essential services you'll need to pay for separately.
Most transparent: Northwest ($39 + state fee) and LLC Attorney ($49 + state fee) show you the real starting price with clearer included features.
Professional formation: LLC Attorney provides professionally trained Business Success Advisors who can guide you through decisions. LegalZoom offers attorney connections through their premium plans.
24-hour filing included: LLC Attorney includes same-day filing at no extra cost. Most competitors charge between $50 to $170 for expediting, a significant hidden cost when you need quick turnaround.
Hidden reality: Those "free" plans become $200-400+ once you add required services like registered agent, EIN, and operating agreement.
Service-by-Service Breakdown
Let's compare what's actually included at each price tier. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, understanding the complete package of services is critical when forming your business entity.
Basic/Starter Plans Comparison
| Service Component | LLC Attorney [Starter ($49)] | ZenBusiness Starter | Bizee Basic | LegalZoom Basic | Northwest (Single Tier) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formation filing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 24-hour expedited filing | ✓ Included | $100+ add-on | $100+ add-on | $100+ add-on | Available for fee |
| Registered agent (Year 1) | Via subscription ($14.99/mo) | $99 (Year 1) | FREE then $119/yr | $249/year | Included for Year 1 |
| Operating agreement | ✓ Professionally drafted | $99 add-on | $40 add-on | Add-on | Free template ($50 custom) |
| EIN filing | ✗ | $99 add-on | $70 add-on | In Pro | Add-on |
| Certificate of Good Standing | ✗ | Add-on | Add-on | Add-on | Add-on (~$50) |
| Bank Resolution | ✓ Included | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Attorney-trained support | ✓ Business Success Advisors | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Attorney consultation | Flat-fee 30-min sessions | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Privacy/anonymous filing | ✓ Standard (WY, DE, NM, NV) | Limited | Limited | Limited | Yes (Strong) |
| Customer support | Business Success Advisors + attorney access | Chat/email | Chat/email | Chat/email/phone | Phone/email (highly rated) |
Mid-Tier Plans Comparison
| Service Component | LLC Attorney [Professional ($199)] | ZenBusiness Pro ($199/yr) | Bizee Standard ($199) | LegalZoom Pro ($249) | Northwest (Single tier) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everything in Basic | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | N/A |
| Registered agent | Via subscription ($29.99/mo) | $199/year (not included, separate purchase) | Yes ($119 renewal) | $249/year separate | N/A |
| Operating agreement | ✓ Professionally drafted | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | N/A |
| EIN filing | ✓ Included | Add-on | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | N/A |
| Certificate of Good Standing | ✓ Included | Add-on | Add-on | Add-on | N/A |
| 24-hour expedited filing | ✓ Included | Add-on | Add-on | Add-on | N/A |
| Free amendment/name change | ✓ First 90 days | Add-on | Add-on | ✗ | N/A |
| Tax election support | ✓ S-Corp coordination | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Attorney consultation | Flat-fee 30-min sessions | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Legal documents | Via subscriptions | ✗ | ✗ | 150+ templates (1 yr) | N/A |
| Bookkeeping tools | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | 90 days (then $9.99/mo) | N/A |
Premium/Subscription Plans Comparison
| Service Component | LLC Attorney [International + ($399)] | ZenBusiness Premium (~$349/$399) | Bizee Premium ($299) | LegalZoom Premium ($299) | Northwest (N/A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everything in Mid-Tier | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | N/A |
| Free attorney consultation if sued | ✓ Included | ✗ | ✗ | 30-min consultations (30 days) | N/A |
| Unlimited OA updates | ✓ Custom OA + changes | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Unlimited state filings | ✓ Pay only state fee | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Unlimited Good Standing certificates | ✓ Included | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Unlimited mail scans | ✓ Included | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Business address + mail | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | N/A |
| Legal document templates | ✓ Access | Templates | Templates | Templates | N/A |
| Domain/website | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | N/A |
Key Differentiators
LLC Attorney: Offers professionally trained Business Success Advisors, 24-hour filing included in every package, professionally drafted Operating Agreements, flat-fee attorney consultations, and optional subscription tiers for ongoing compliance support. Serves all 50 states with multi-state anonymous filing options. Standard subscription includes CTA compliance assistance and mail scanning.
- 24-hour filing included: LLC Attorney includes same-day filing at no extra charge. When you're racing against a real estate closing deadline or investor timeline, this included service saves you $100+ that competitors charge.
- Professionally drafted documents: LLC Attorney provides professionally drafted Operating Agreements, not just auto-generated templates. This matters for complex ownership structures or asset protection planning.
- Ongoing attorney access: LLC Attorney offers flat-fee consultations available anytime. Virtual Office+ subscription includes free consultation if sued, providing peace of mind that template-only services can't provide.
- Unlimited updates: LLC Attorney's Virtual Office+ subscription provides unlimited OA updates and state filings (pay state fees only), critical for growing businesses that need flexibility without per-transaction fees.
Registered Agent Cost Comparison
Registered agent service is legally required in New Hampshire. You must have one to maintain your LLC. Providers advertising "$0" formation charge separately for this mandatory service.
Using a registered agent keeps your home address off public records and ensures you receive legal documents properly, a requirement under New Hampshire business formation laws.
Ongoing Annual Costs
| Provider | First Year RA Cost | Renewal Cost (Annual) | Included in Base? |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLC Attorney | Included in monthly compliance subscription ($14.99/mo on Starter) | Included in monthly compliance subscription ($14.99/mo on Starter) | Via subscription |
| ZenBusiness | $99 (add-on to Starter) | $199/year | Not included Starter or Pro; Premium only |
| Bizee | Free first year | $119/year | Free first year, then paid |
| LegalZoom | $249/year | $249/year | Not included (always paid) |
| Northwest Registered Agent | Free first year (with formation) | $125/year | Free first year |
Cost Reality
LegalZoom has the highest registered agent costs ($249/yr) and never includes a free first year, even with premium packages. LLC Attorney bundles registered agent service with compliance subscriptions that also include mail scanning, services you'll need anyway as your business grows.
New Hampshire's $100 annual report fee means your ongoing compliance costs are primarily the annual report plus registered agent service. Factor both into your total annual cost from day one to avoid surprises. The absence of franchise tax and wage income tax makes New Hampshire's overall tax environment business-friendly, but don't overlook the annual report cost in your budget planning.
Key Differentiators: What Actually Separates These Services
1. Filing Speed & Turnaround Time
| Provider | Standard Timeline | Expedited Options |
|---|---|---|
| LLC Attorney | 24 business hours | Included (no extra charge) |
| ZenBusiness | 7-10 business days | Available for $79+ fee |
| Bizee | 5-10 business days | Available from $50 (dependent on state) |
| LegalZoom | Up to 30 business days (Basic) | $100+ for 1-5 days |
| Northwest | Standard processing | Available for fee |
2. Legal Expertise & Attorney Access
LLC Attorney:
- Business Success Advisors available for free (professionally trained support)
- Flat-fee 30-minute attorney consultations available anytime
- Professionally drafted Operating Agreements, not generic templates
- Virtual Office+ includes free attorney consultation if sued
All Other Providers:
- Customer service cannot provide legal advice, just administrative support
- Automated document generation only
- Must hire separate attorney for legal questions (typically $200-400/hour)
3. Support Quality & Response
| Provider | Support Quality | Attorney Access | Customer Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLC Attorney | Business Success Advisors + attorney access | Yes | 4.3/5 on Trustpilot (December, 2025) |
| LegalZoom | Phone/chat/email 7 days | Premium only (30 days) | 4.6/5 on Trustpilot (December 2025) |
| Northwest | Great phone/email | No | 3.8/5 on Trustpilot (December 2025) |
| ZenBusiness | Chat/email | No | 4.8/5 on Trustpilot (December, 2025) |
| Bizee | Chat/email | No | 4.7/5 on Trustpilot (December, 2025) |
Total Cost of Ownership: 3-Year Comparison
Here's what you'll actually pay over three years, including required services. This realistic comparison factors in costs that every LLC needs: formation, registered agent, operating agreement, EIN, and compliance monitoring.
Assumptions: NH LLC, registered agent required, operating agreement recommended, EIN needed, $100 annual report fee included
| Provider | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLC Attorney (Starter + Standard subscription) | $428.88 ($49 + $100 state + $100 annual report + $179.88 subscription) | $279.88 ($179.88 subscription + $100 annual report) | $279.88 | $988.64 |
| LegalZoom (Basic + required add-ons) | ~$698 ($0 + $249 RA + $100 state + $100 annual report + $249 Pro for OA/EIN) | $349 ($249 RA + $100 annual report) | $349 | ~$1,396 |
| ZenBusiness (Starter + add-ons) | ~$496 ($0 Starter + $100 state + $100 annual report + $99 RA (Yr 1) + $99 OA + $98 EIN) | ~$299 ($199 RA + $100 annual report) | ~$299 | ~$1,094 |
| Bizee (Basic + add-ons) | ~$315 ($0 Basic + $100 state + $100 annual report + $0 RA (Yr 1 free) + $40 OA + $70 EIN + $5 est.) | $219 ($119 RA + $100 annual report) | $219 | ~$753 |
| Northwest | ~$294 ($39 formation + $100 state + $100 annual report + $0 RA (Yr 1 free) + ~$55 EIN) | $225 ($125 RA + $100 annual report) | $225 | ~$744 |
Recommendations Based on Your Needs
Best choice: LLC Attorney
Why they win: 24-hour filing included at no extra charge (competitors charge $79+); professionally trained Business Success Advisors review before submission, catching issues that would cause rejections.
When speed matters: Time-sensitive contracts, investment/funding deadlines, real estate closings, urgent business opportunities with tight deadlines.
Best choice: LLC Attorney
Why they win: Attorney-trained advisors understand privacy structuring and strategic planning; multi-state expertise when you need privacy protection across jurisdictions. Alternative: Northwest (strong privacy, no attorney support). Caution: ZenBusiness, Bizee, LegalZoom (data-sharing concerns reported by users).
Best choice: LLC Attorney
Why they win: Attorney consultation for complex structuring; Professionally drafted Operating Agreements, customized for your ownership structure; Business Success Advisors guide entity selection; tax strategy support (LLC vs. S-Corp).
When needed: Multi-member with unequal ownership; real estate portfolios (holding + subsidiaries); business + real estate separation; S-Corp election consideration; high-net-worth planning.
Best choice: LLC Attorney
LLC Attorney subscriptions: Standard ($14.99/mo): Registered agent + CTA compliance + 5 free mail scans. Professional ($29.99/mo): Standard + unlimited mail scans + unlimited OA updates + legal templates. Virtual Office+ ($49.99/mo): Professional + custom OA + unlimited Certificates of Good Standing + unlimited state filings + free attorney consultation if sued.
Best choices: Bizee or Northwest for absolute lowest cost; consider LLC Attorney if budget allows
For absolute lowest: Bizee Basic ($0 + state fee) with free registered agent year 1; Northwest ($39 + state fee) with transparent pricing and excellent support.
Consider LLC Attorney if: Budget allows $49 + state fee; you want 24-hour filing included; professionally drafted Operating Agreement; Business Success Advisors to prevent costly mistakes.
Best choice: LLC Attorney
Why they win: New Hampshire's no-income-tax-on-wages environment creates unique tax planning opportunities. LLC Attorney's Business Success Advisors and flat-fee attorney consultations can help you understand how to structure your business to maximize New Hampshire's tax advantages — including whether to elect S-Corp status, how to handle the Business Profits Tax threshold, and how to properly document your entity structure for both state and federal tax purposes. This guidance is especially valuable for business owners relocating from high-tax states like Massachusetts or New York who are taking advantage of NH's favorable tax climate.
Conclusion
New Hampshire's "Live Free or Die" business environment — no income tax on wages, no franchise tax, no general sales tax, and minimal regulatory burden — makes it one of the most entrepreneur-friendly states in the Northeast. With a $100 formation fee and $100 annual report, choosing the right formation service is about more than the lowest price — it's about getting the formation right from day one and positioning your business to benefit from New Hampshire's favorable tax climate.
LLC Attorney combines professionally guided formation with professionally trained Business Success Advisors, fast 24-hour filing included at no extra charge, and competitive pricing. You get professional guidance without law firm costs, and online speed without sacrificing quality.
The right choice depends on your specific needs, but for most entrepreneurs — especially those leveraging New Hampshire's tax advantages — professionally guided formation at competitive pricing makes LLC Attorney the smart middle ground between expensive law firms and template-only services.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Hampshire charges a $100 filing fee for a Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State. You'll also pay a $100 annual report fee each year, due April 1.
When you add registered agent service, an operating agreement, and EIN filing, your first-year total will typically run $300–$550 depending on the provider you choose.
New Hampshire does not impose a state income tax on wages or salary — one of only nine states with no wage income tax. This is a significant advantage for business owners who pay themselves a salary from their LLC.
However, New Hampshire does impose a Business Profits Tax (BPT) on business income above $50,000 (currently 7.6%) and a Business Enterprise Tax (BET) on enterprise value (currently 0.6%). These are business-level taxes, not personal income taxes on wages. Most early-stage startups will fall below the $50,000 BPT threshold in their initial years.
No. New Hampshire does not impose a franchise tax on LLCs. Combined with no income tax on wages and no general sales tax, New Hampshire's tax environment is among the most business-friendly in the Northeast — particularly attractive for entrepreneurs relocating from Massachusetts, New York, or Connecticut.
New Hampshire requires LLCs to file an annual report with the Secretary of State by April 1 each year. The filing fee is $100. Failure to file on time can result in late penalties and potential administrative dissolution.
The $100 annual report fee is one of the higher fees in New England but is offset by New Hampshire's overall tax-friendly environment. Budget for this recurring expense from day one.
Yes. Every New Hampshire LLC must designate a registered agent with a physical NH street address. P.O. boxes are not permitted. Your registered agent receives service of process, legal notices, and Secretary of State correspondence on behalf of your LLC.
Most business owners use a professional registered agent service to keep their personal address off public records and ensure documents are handled reliably during business hours.
New Hampshire does not legally require a written operating agreement for an LLC. However, it is strongly recommended — especially for multi-member LLCs or businesses structured to take advantage of New Hampshire's tax benefits. Without a written operating agreement, NH's default LLC statutes govern how your business operates, which may not reflect your intentions or agreements with co-owners.
An professionally drafted operating agreement from LLC Attorney provides a customized document that protects your interests and clearly defines ownership rights, responsibilities, and exit provisions.
References
- Internal Revenue Service. "Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online." IRS.gov. https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online
- U.S. Small Business Administration. "Choose a business structure." SBA.gov. https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure
- U.S. Small Business Administration. "Stay legally compliant." SBA.gov. https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/manage-your-business/stay-legally-compliant
- New Hampshire Secretary of State. "Business Services." sos.nh.gov. https://www.sos.nh.gov/corporation-division
- Trustpilot Reviews. Customer review data for LLC formation services (December 2025). Trustpilot.com
About LLC Attorney
LLC Attorney has helped launch and support over 100,000 businesses across all 50 states. Founded on the principle that entrepreneurs deserve professionally guided formation services at affordable prices, LLC Attorney bridges the gap between expensive law firms and template-only online services.
With professionally trained Business Success Advisors, flat-fee attorney consultations, and comprehensive subscription services, LLC Attorney provides the professional guidance you need to start and grow your business confidently. Learn more at LLCAttorney.com.
Hear Directly From Our Other Business Owners Who Use LLC Attorney
Disclaimer: This comparison guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Prices and features are accurate as of March 2026 but may change. Always verify current pricing and features on provider websites before making a purchase decision. State filing fees vary by state and are not included in the prices shown unless otherwise noted. Tax rates and thresholds referenced (Business Profits Tax, Business Enterprise Tax) are subject to change — consult a qualified tax professional for current rates and advice specific to your situation.
Last updated: March 2026