How to File an LLC Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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The Certificate of Formation is one of the main documents required while forming an LLC in New Hampshire. The document needs to be filed with the Secretary of State in New Hampshire to share all the important information related to the limited liability company that is going to be established.

On this page, LLCBuddy editors put all the information together about how to file the Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire. There might be several ways to file the formation document, online, by mail, fax, or by in-person visit to the office. Let’s dig more to check the available and easy ways in New Hampshire to file the Certificate of Formation while forming the LLC.

What is an LLC Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire?

The Certificate of Formation for an LLC is the most important document among all. In general, establishing an LLC is much simpler than other types of business structures such as corporation or partnership. Among a few mandatory documents to file, Certificate of Formation is one of the main papers.

By submitting the Certificate of Formation, the LLC owners provide all sorts of information related to the LLC. Upon approval of the documents and information provided by the LLC, they can register their business with New Hampshire Secretary of State.

Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. The Certificate of Formation usually includes the following:

  • The name of the LLC in New Hampshire,
  • The effective date of the LLC,
  • The company’s principal office,
  • The business purpose,
  • The duration of the business,
  • A copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
  • The name and address of the Registered Agent, organizers, and
  • At least one member of the company

Note that the Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC. It even makes up the bulk of your New Hampshire LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.

How to File New Hampshire LLC Certificate of Formation

Filing an LLC Certificate of Formation with the State is easy. There are several ways to file it. As mentioned, the filing can be done online, by sending the PDF form by mail, or by other means (physical visit or fax). Statewise filing methods can be different. Alternatively, hiring a third-party service can make a lot of difference compared to doing it on your own. They help the LLCs to file documents easily without any complications. In New Hampshire, the following methods are available.

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Step 1: Find Forms Online

Go to the New Hampshire Secretary of State to download the Certificate of Formation form for your LLC or to log into the online service.

Step 2: Fill Out Form

When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to New Hampshire LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.

You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Certificate of Formation form when filing. You also need to mention the name and address of the New Hampshire Registered Agent. We recommend the best LLC services in New Hampshire that you can choose to form your LLC, hire the Registered Agent, and file the Certificate of Formation with the SOS.

If you plan to start an LLC in states other than New Hampshire, you must file a foreign LLC in other states. For filing a foreign LLC you can explore the best LLC services that operate in 50 other states along with New Hampshire.

What information does the Certificate of Formation application need in New Hampshire?

The application form for the Certificate of Formation needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.

Step 3: File Formation Certificates

File your formation certificate either online or by mail (whichever is available and convenient for you) by filling out the form and sending it to the Corporation Division, NH Dept. of State, 107 N Main St, Rm 204, Concord, NH 03301. For online filing, you must log in to the New Hampshire Secretary of State or register with the portal. Submit the form online (if available).

Pay the required filing fee at the time of form submission to complete the LLC registration. For online filing, payment should be made using Credit or Debit Cards. For offline filing, payment should be made using a Cheque or in cash (if available).

Cost of Filing New Hampshire Certificate of Formation

cost

LLC cost in New Hampshire includes all types of fees starting from name reservation fee, DBA filing fee ($50), Registered Agent costs, and Certificate of Formation fee. In New Hampshire, the filing fee of a formation document is $100. The standard fee for filing the Certificate of Formation allows one to file the LLC within the standard time. However, by paying additional fees, you can expedite the process, and can be done as soon as within a few hours (depending on state rules).

Hiring a professional service can reduce some of the costs while filing an LLC. However, the state filing fee is mandatory and has to be paid at the time of registration. We recommend hiring ZenBusiness as it offers filing an LLC at $0 (plus state filing fee).

Amend New Hampshire Certificate of Formation: If you make any changes to your LLC, you must file the changes with the Secretary of State. To do so, you must Amend New Hampshire Certificate of Formation. LLCs can get the amendment form, fill it out with the changed/updated information, and send it back to the SOS online or offline.

FAQs

What is an LLC Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire?
An LLC Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire is a formal document required to create a limited liability company in the state.
How do I file an LLC Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire?
The LLC Certificate of Formation must be filed with the Secretary of State’s office in New Hampshire either online or by mail.
What information is required in an LLC Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire?
The LLC Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire typically requires information such as the LLC name, address, registered agent, members, and purpose of the business.
Can I reserve my LLC name before filing the Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire?
Yes, you can reserve your LLC name in New Hampshire before filing the Certificate of Formation by submitting an application and fee to the Secretary of State.
How long does it take to process an LLC Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire?
The processing time for an LLC Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire can vary, but it typically takes around 5-7 business days.
What is the filing fee for an LLC Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire?
The filing fee for an LLC Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire is $100 as of the time of writing.
Do I need a registered agent for my LLC in New Hampshire?
Yes, every LLC in New Hampshire is required to have a registered agent who is responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of the company.
Can I be my own registered agent for my LLC in New Hampshire?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent for your LLC in New Hampshire as long as you have a physical address in the state.
Do I need to publish my LLC Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire?
No, there is no requirement to publish your LLC Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire.
Can I change the information on my LLC Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire?
Yes, you can amend your LLC Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire by filing an amendment with the Secretary of State.
What is the difference between an LLC Certificate of Formation and an Operating Agreement in New Hampshire?
An LLC Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire is a legal document required for the formation of the company, while an Operating Agreement is an internal document that outlines the management and operation of the LLC.
Does an LLC Certificate of Formation expire in New Hampshire?
No, once the LLC Certificate of Formation is approved and filed, it does not expire in New Hampshire.
Can I operate my LLC in other states with an LLC Certificate of Formation from New Hampshire?
Yes, with proper registration and compliance with other states’ laws, you can operate your New Hampshire LLC in other states.
Is an Employer Identification Number (EIN) required for my LLC in New Hampshire?
Yes, if your LLC has more than one member or hires employees, you are required to obtain an EIN from the IRS for tax purposes.
Can I dissolve my LLC in New Hampshire?
Yes, you can dissolve your LLC in New Hampshire by filing the necessary forms with the Secretary of State.
What happens if I don’t file an LLC Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire?
Operating an LLC without filing a Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire can result in legal and financial consequences, including penalties and loss of limited liability protection.
Can I convert my existing business into an LLC in New Hampshire?
Yes, you can convert your existing business into an LLC in New Hampshire by filing the necessary forms with the Secretary of State.
Can I convert an LLC from another state to New Hampshire?
Yes, you can convert an LLC from another state to New Hampshire by applying for foreign qualification with the Secretary of State.
What is a Certificate of Good Standing and do I need it for my LLC in New Hampshire?
A Certificate of Good Standing is a document that verifies your LLC is up-to-date with all state requirements. While not typically required for an LLC Certificate of Formation, it may be needed for certain transactions or compliance purposes in New Hampshire.
Can my LLC have multiple locations in New Hampshire?
Yes, your LLC can have multiple locations in New Hampshire as long as you comply with local business licensing and zoning regulations.
Can I change the ownership structure of my LLC after filing the Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire?
Yes, you can change the ownership structure of your LLC after filing the Certificate of Formation by amending the formation documents with the Secretary of State.
Who should sign the LLC Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire?
The LLC Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire must be signed by either an organizer or a member of the LLC.
Does the LLC Certificate of Formation need to be notarized in New Hampshire?
No, the LLC Certificate of Formation does not need to be notarized in New Hampshire.
Can I use a PO Box as the business address on my LLC Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire?
No, a physical street address is required as the business address on the LLC Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire.
Can a non-US citizen form an LLC in New Hampshire?
Yes, a non-US citizen can form an LLC in New Hampshire as long as they have a physical address within the state and comply with all legal requirements.
Can an LLC in New Hampshire be owned by another business entity?
Yes, an LLC in New Hampshire can be owned by another business entity, such as a corporation or another LLC.
Can I reserve the name of my LLC before filing the Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire?
Yes, you can reserve the name of your LLC by filing a Name Reservation Form with the Secretary of State in New Hampshire before filing the Certificate of Formation.
Can I operate my LLC business in New Hampshire without a physical location?
Yes, you can operate your LLC business in New Hampshire without a physical location as long as you comply with all licensing and regulatory requirements.
Are there any ongoing requirements for maintaining an LLC in New Hampshire?
Yes, after filing the Certificate of Formation, there are ongoing requirements such as annual reports and other administrative filings that must be submitted to the Secretary of State in New Hampshire.
What is a Certificate of Formation in New Hampshire?
A Certificate of Formation is a legal document that officially creates an LLC in New Hampshire.

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In Conclusion

The formation document or the Certificate of Formation is the main document you need while forming your limited liability company in New Hampshire. Certainly, you must attach supporting documents such as a name reservation certificate, registered agent name and address, and others. In New Hampshire, filing the Certificate of Formation is easy. However, mistakes can happen if you are a beginner or a first-time business filer. It is suggested to hire a professional service.

LLCBuddy editors recommend ZenBusiness, as it not only offers free LLC formation service ($0), but also, offers other services such as Registered Agent, operating agreement, EIN, Certificate of Good Standing for foreign LLC establishment, business name search, and many more.

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