Incorporating a business is essential for entrepreneurs looking to establish their venture as a separate legal entity. By filing Articles of Incorporation, business owners in New Hampshire can enjoy myriad benefits, such as limited liability, tax advantages, and increased credibility. However, the incorporation process may seem daunting for many, especially those not well-versed in the legal intricacies of their state. This article is a comprehensive guide on how to file New Hampshire Articles of Incorporation, taking you through the necessary steps and requirements to establish your corporation successfully.
Whether you are a startup founder or a seasoned business owner, understanding the process of filing Articles of Incorporation in New Hampshire, popularly known as The Granite State, is crucial for the seamless formation of your corporation. The following sections will outline the paperwork, fees, and registration procedures specific to New Hampshire, along with tips on navigating potential roadblocks and ensuring your application is approved. Let’s dive in and explore the ins and outs of incorporating your business in New Hampshire.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What is Articles of Incorporation in New Hampshire?
The Articles of Incorporation is a legal document required to file with the state government to legalize the creation of your corporation. In other words, filing these documents with the New Hampshire Secretary of State ensures the formation of the corporation in New Hampshire officially. The Articles of Incorporation is similar to filing the New Hampshire LLC Certificate of Formation while filing an LLC in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire, also known as The Granite State, has some rules when it comes to file the Articles of Incorporation. We shared the step-by-step process here to file the incorporation document with the New Hampshire SOS. Checking with the SOS is recommended for more information.
It is always wise to consult a legal professional before you file your company under the New Hampshire SOS. FIling process can be easy, but it is sensitive. If you miss anything, it can totally stope the filing process.
– LLCBuddy Editorial Team
How to File New Hampshire Articles of Incorporation
You can file the Articles of Incorporation in several ways based on the state you are willing to start your corporation. In New Hampshire, you can file it in three methods that are online, by mail and in-person. The details are similar to the details you need when forming an LLC. Here are the details you must submit while filing the documents-
Step 1: Get the Form and Enter the Details
The first step is to get the Articles of Incorporation form from the New Hampshire Secretary of State. You will get both offline and online forms on the site, as available. You must pay the $100 for filing online, by mail, or in person when submitting the form. Following are the details you must add to your incorporation form-
Name of the Entity
The first thing you need to do is submit your company’s name. Make sure to mention the exact name of the company that you decided on. Like the LLC naming guidelines, you must also follow the New Hampshire corporation naming requirements too. There are a few points to note when you name your company. They are,
- You cannot have a name used by other companies or businesses.
- You cannot have any name that is misleading or the same as government organizations.
- Banks, Insurance, Insurer, or any such names cannot be used as they reflect the financial organization.
- You must add terms like corporation, limited, company, incorporated, or incorporation. You can also add abbreviations like co., ltd., inc., and corp instead of the above terms.
Address of the Corporation
The next section of the form is to provide your main address. It is necessary to have a physical street address in New Hampshire. For those running an online business, you must provide any address in the state (including your home address) where you will receive all the business and legal documents and mail. While sharing your address, make sure not to use abbreviations, such as N.Y. for New York or L.A. for Los Angeles.
New Hampshire Registered Agent
The next point is to provide information about the Registered Agent. The New Hampshire Registered Agent is an individual or business entity that is responsible for receiving all the legal and official documents on behalf of the company. They must be aged above 18 years and have eligibility to conduct business in the state. The Registered Agent should be legit and experienced because, in case of any lawsuit, you need an expert to handle your issues. In most cases, the Registered Agent’s official address is the company’s official mailing address. If you form an LLC, hiring a registered agent is the most crucial step in the process.
Shares and Stocks
The next important information you must provide is about the stocks and shares. While filing the Articles of Incorporation, you must mention a minimum of one share. In New Hampshire, to start a corporation, you need at least Five director(s) initially. When filing the incorporation documents, you must provide the share of directors in the corporation. It decides the ownership of the company.
If you amend New Hampshire Articles of Incorporation in the future, you will not be able to change the initial directors. You might need an additional form to change the initial directors’ details. You must check with the New Hampshire SOS while filing the Articles of Incorporation amendment.
Additional Documents
You might need additional documents to submit along with the incorporation documents. In New Hampshire, you can attach a cover letter with the documents as an additional document. if you are willing to start a foreign corporation in New Hampshire, then you must add one document along with the Articles of Incorporation. Foreign corporations in New Hampshire must submit the New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing along with the incorporation documents.
Signature
Finally, the signature of the directors and shareholders are required on the form. You can have more than one share and director. All your initial directors must submit their official signature while filing the corporation in New Hampshire. Get their signatures to file the Articles of Incorporation.
Step 2: Submit the Articles of Incorporation in New Hampshire
Once you are done filling up the form, now it is time for you to submit it. The form can be submitted in three methods that are online, by mail and in-person. Checking with a legal professional or a formation service while filing your corporation is recommended. It is sensitive, and one mistake can stop the entire filing process immediately.
- Online filing: Create an account/Log in to the SOS site, get the online form, fill it, and submit online
- Offline filing: Send the form by mail or drop it off in person at Corporation Division, NH Dept. of State, 107 N Main St, Rm 204, Concord, NH 03301.
Cost of Filing the Articles of Incorporation in New Hampshire
The cost of filing the Articles of Incorporation in New Hampshire is an important aspect to consider when starting a new business. This one-time fee is necessary for officially registering your corporation with the Secretary of State and can vary depending on the specific requirements and regulations of New Hampshire. In some cases, additional fees may be required for expedited processing or other optional services. It is crucial for entrepreneurs to budget for this expense and research the specific costs associated with their New Hampshire in order to ensure a smooth and successful incorporation process. To file the Articles of Incorporation in New Hampshire, you must pay a filing fee. The filing fee is $100 for filing online, by mail, or in person.
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Why New Hampshire Articles of Incorporation is So Important
The Articles of Incorporation is essentially the birth certificate of your business. It is the legal document that establishes your company as a separate legal entity from you, the owner. By filing the Articles of Incorporation, you are creating a shield of protection between your personal assets and the debts and liabilities of your business. This means that in the unfortunate event that your business faces financial troubles or lawsuits, your personal assets such as your home, car, or bank accounts are protected.
In New Hampshire, filing the Articles of Incorporation is also necessary to secure your business name. By registering your business name with the state, you prevent other businesses in the state from using the same name or a similar one. This not only protects your brand identity and reputation but also ensures that your customers can easily find and recognize your business.
Furthermore, the Articles of Incorporation outlines important information about your business, such as its name, purpose, registered agent, address, and the number of shares of stock the company is authorized to issue. This information is crucial for potential investors, partners, and customers to understand what your business is all about and how it operates.
In addition, the Articles of Incorporation also lays out the structure of your business, including the roles and responsibilities of the directors, officers, and shareholders. By clearly defining these roles and responsibilities, you can avoid conflicts, confusion, and disputes among the people involved in your business.
Furthermore, the Articles of Incorporation is required to apply for certain licenses, permits, and certifications in New Hampshire. Without this document, you may face delays or even rejections in obtaining the necessary approvals to operate your business legally.
Moreover, filing the Articles of Incorporation also gives your business credibility and professionalism. It shows that you are serious about your business venture and are committed to following the laws and regulations in the state of New Hampshire. This can attract customers, investors, and partners who are more likely to do business with a legitimate and lawful entity.
In conclusion, the Articles of Incorporation is a vital document for any business owner in New Hampshire. It provides legal protection, establishes your business identity, outlines important information, secures your business name, prevents conflicts, and enhances your business credibility. Therefore, it is crucial to prepare and file this document correctly and promptly to ensure the success and longevity of your business.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the process of filing New Hampshire Articles of Incorporation is a crucial step for businesses looking to establish their presence in the state. This legal document serves as the foundation of the company’s structure and outlines essential information, such as the company’s name, purpose, and management team. To ensure a smooth and successful filing process, it is vital for business owners to familiarize themselves with the State of New Hampshire’s requirements, adhere to the applicable laws and regulations, and provide accurate and complete information in the Articles of Incorporation.