Starting a business in New Hampshire costs as little as $100 for an LLC filing fee. New Hampshire has no personal income tax, making it especially attractive for pass-through entities like LLCs and S-Corps. Below we compare LLC vs. S-Corp vs. Sole Proprietorship costs, walk through the 6 steps to form your business, and provide calculators pre-filled for New Hampshire. New Hampshire ranks #7 nationally for business friendliness.
LLC vs. S-Corp vs. Sole Proprietorship — 2026 estimated costs
| Entity Type | Filing Fee | Annual Fee | Franchise Tax | 1st Year Total | Ongoing/Yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLC | $100 | $100 | -- | $325 | $225/yr |
| S-Corp | $100 | $50 | -- | $275 | $175/yr |
| Sole Proprietorship | $30 | -- | -- | $30 | -- |
No sales tax. Business Profits Tax (BPT) at 7.5% plus Business Enterprise Tax (BET) at 0.55%.
Your LLC name must be unique in New Hampshire and include"LLC" or"Limited Liability Company." Search the New Hampshire Secretary of State database to verify availability. Consider reserving the name (typically $10-25 for 60-120 days) while you prepare your filing.
File your Articles of Organization (or Certificate of Formation) with the New Hampshire Secretary of State. The filing fee is $100. You can file online in most states for faster processing. Include your registered agent information, member names, and business purpose.
Apply for a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS at irs.gov. You need this for opening a bank account, hiring employees, and filing taxes. The online application takes about 5 minutes and you receive your EIN immediately.
New Hampshire has no state income tax. There is also no state sales tax, simplifying your tax obligations. Check for any applicable local taxes or business license requirements.
Check New Hampshire and local requirements for business licenses, professional licenses, and permits. Requirements vary by industry and location. Common needs include a general business license, zoning permit, and industry-specific permits (food service, construction, healthcare, etc.).
Open a dedicated business bank account to maintain your LLC's liability protection. You may need your Articles of Organization, EIN, and operating agreement. Keep personal and business finances strictly separate — commingling funds can pierce the corporate veil and expose personal assets.
Total estimated first-year cost: $325 (filing fee + registered agent + annual fees). Ongoing annual cost is approximately $225/yr after the first year.
National averages based on mean of all 50 states + DC. "pp" = percentage points.
The New Hampshire LLC filing fee is $100. Including a registered agent ($125/yr) and annual fees ($100), the first-year total cost is approximately $325. This is $32 below the national average filing fee.
An LLC is simpler and cheaper to maintain in New Hampshire ($325 first-year cost vs. $275 for an S-Corp). An S-Corp can save self-employment taxes if you earn over ~$50K in profit by splitting income into salary and distributions. Most New Hampshire businesses start as an LLC and elect S-Corp taxation later when profits justify the additional complexity and payroll costs.
New Hampshire has no personal income tax, which benefits pass-through entities (LLCs, S-Corps, sole proprietors). C-Corps pay a 7.5% corporate income tax. There is no state sales tax.
Requirements vary by business type and location. Most New Hampshire businesses need: (1) a state business license or registration, (2) a local business license from your city/county, (3) industry-specific permits or professional licenses, and (4) a sales tax permit if selling taxable goods. Check with the New Hampshire Secretary of State and your local city clerk for specific requirements.
Business formation costs are estimates based on New Hampshire Secretary of State fees as of 2026. Tax rates use 2026 data. Registered agent fees based on market averages. Actual costs may vary. Consult a CPA or business attorney for personalized advice. Last updated: April 2026.