Form a Partnership in New Hampshire
Forming a Partnership in New Hampshire costs $100 in state filing fees and typically takes 5-7 business days to process. After that, plan for a $100 annual report fee.
Last verified July 2026 against official New Hampshire sources · see sources
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How to File
Choose Your Partnership Type
Decide between a General Partnership (GP), Limited Partnership (LP), or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). GPs require no state filing but offer no liability protection, while LPs and LLPs must register with the NH Secretary of State.
1-2 hours
Select and Verify a Partnership Name
Choose a unique business name and search the NH Secretary of State's database to confirm it is not already in use. LPs must include 'Limited Partnership' or 'LP' in the name; LLPs must include 'Limited Liability Partnership' or 'LLP'.
30 minutes
Designate a Registered Agent
Appoint a registered agent with a physical street address in New Hampshire who is available during normal business hours to receive legal and official documents on behalf of the partnership.
30 minutes
Draft a Partnership Agreement
Create a written partnership agreement outlining each partner's roles, capital contributions, profit and loss sharing, decision-making authority, and procedures for dissolving the partnership. Although not legally required, this document is strongly recommended.
2-5 hours
What's Next After Filing
Once your Partnership is officially formed, you'll want to complete these important steps:
- •File Formation Documents with the State — Submit the Certificate of Limited Partnership (for LPs) or the Application for Registration as a Limited Liability Partnership (for LLPs) to the NH Secretary of State along with the $100 filing fee. General Partnerships may instead file a Trade Name application if operating under a DBA.
- •Obtain an EIN and Open a Business Bank Account — Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS at no cost, then use it to open a dedicated business bank account to keep partnership finances separate from personal funds.
- •Register for State Taxes and Obtain Licenses — Register with the NH Department of Revenue Administration for applicable taxes such as the Business Profits Tax (BPT) and Business Enterprise Tax (BET), and obtain any required local or industry-specific business licenses or permits.
Fees and Processing Time
- State filing fee:
- $100
- Expedite fee:
- $50
- Standard processing:
- 5-7 business days
- Expedited processing:
- 1-2 business days
New Hampshire requires a $100 filing fee for registering a Limited Partnership (LP) with the Secretary of State. General Partnerships (GP) do not require state registration but may file a Trade Name (DBA) for $50. The $50 expedited fee applies to LP filings for faster processing.
Partnership in New Hampshire: Quick Answers
How much does it cost to form a Partnership in New Hampshire?
The state filing fee is $100, plus $50 if you choose expedited processing. Optional costs such as a paid registered agent are on top of that.
How long does it take to form a Partnership in New Hampshire?
Standard processing is 5-7 business days; expedited processing is 1-2 business days.
Does a Partnership in New Hampshire need a registered agent?
Yes. You must name a registered agent with a physical New Hampshire address. You can serve as your own agent if you have a New Hampshire street address and are available during business hours.
Does New Hampshire require a Partnership to publish a notice?
No. New Hampshire has no newspaper publication requirement for this entity type.
What are the annual fees and filings for a Partnership in New Hampshire?
The annual report fee is $100. Due: April 1. See Annual Obligations below for other required filings.
Advantages
- ✓Simple and inexpensive to form, especially for General Partnerships which require no state registration fees
- ✓Pass-through taxation means partnership income is taxed only at the individual partner level, avoiding double taxation
- ✓Flexible management structure with no required formalities such as board meetings or corporate resolutions
- ✓New Hampshire has no personal income tax, making distributions to partners particularly tax-advantaged for residents
Considerations
- •General partners face unlimited personal liability for business debts and legal judgments, putting personal assets at risk
- •Partnerships dissolve or require restructuring upon the death, withdrawal, or bankruptcy of a general partner unless the agreement states otherwise
- •Raising capital is more difficult than with a corporation since partnerships cannot issue stock or bring in investors as easily
Annual Obligations
How a Partnership Compares in New Hampshire
Partnership vs. LLC
An LLC provides all members with limited liability protection and greater flexibility in management structure, whereas a General Partnership exposes all partners to unlimited personal liability; LLCs also require Articles of Organization and typically have higher ongoing compliance costs.
Partnership vs. Corporation
A corporation offers the strongest liability protection and the ability to raise capital through stock issuance but is subject to more rigid formalities, potential double taxation (C-Corp), and higher administrative overhead compared to a partnership.
Partnership vs. S-Corp
An S-Corp provides limited liability and pass-through taxation similar to a partnership but imposes strict IRS eligibility requirements including a cap of 100 shareholders, one class of stock, and U.S. citizen/resident shareholders only, restrictions that partnerships do not face.
Partnership vs. Nonprofit
A nonprofit corporation is organized for charitable, educational, or public benefit purposes and may qualify for tax-exempt status, whereas a partnership is a for-profit entity focused on generating income and distributing profits among partners.
Sources
Fees, steps and deadlines on this page come from New Hampshire's official filing office and tax agency pages listed below and were last verified in July 2026. Fees change — confirm on the official site before you file.
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