Forming an LLC in New Mexico

New Mexico charges $50 to form an LLC — one of the lowest formation fees in the nation. Processing takes 1-3 business days. There are no annual reports and no franchise tax afterward. This page covers every step and cost with precision.

The Complete Cost Picture

• Articles of Organization: $50 (state filing fee)
• Annual report: Not required — $0
• Franchise tax: Not applicable — $0
• Registered agent: Required — $99/year (us)
• EIN from IRS: Free
• Expedited processing: Not typically needed (standard is already 1-3 days)

Total first-year cost: $50 formation + $99 agent = $149 Annual ongoing cost: $99/year (agent only)

New Mexico is the lowest-maintenance state for LLC owners. After formation, your only recurring obligation is maintaining a registered agent.

Step 1: Choose a Name

Must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." and be distinguishable from existing names on file. Search the Secretary of State's business database at sos.nm.gov.

Restricted words (bank, insurance, government terms) require additional approvals.

Step 2: Designate a Registered Agent

New Mexico requires a registered agent with a physical street address in the state, available from 9 AM to 5 PM every weekday. The business entity cannot serve as its own agent — New Mexico prohibits this.

You can appoint yourself if you are a NM resident aged 18+, but your address becomes public and you are locked to that location during business hours.

We serve as your agent for $99/year. Our address goes on your formation documents. Your personal address stays private.

Step 3: File Articles of Organization

Submit online to the New Mexico Secretary of State (online filing is mandatory since December 2024 — paper no longer accepted). Pay the $50 fee. Include:

• LLC name
• Registered agent name and physical address
• Principal office address
• Management structure (member-managed or manager-managed)
• Organizer information

Processing: 1-3 business days. One of the fastest turnaround times of any state.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

Not filed with the state. Required in practice. Defines ownership, profit distribution, decision authority, and exit procedures. Banks request it for account opening. Courts reference it in disputes. Without one, New Mexico default rules apply.

Step 5: Get an EIN

Free at IRS.gov. Immediate issuance. Required for bank accounts, hiring, and federal tax filings. Never pay a third party for this.

Step 6: Maintain Your LLC

After formation, your ongoing obligations are minimal:

• Keep a registered agent on file with the Secretary of State
• Handle federal tax filings and New Mexico gross receipts tax as applicable
• Maintain separation between business and personal finances

There is no annual report to file. No franchise tax to pay. No periodic compliance deadlines with the state. Your registered agent is your only ongoing link to the Secretary of State's office.

Why the Registered Agent Matters in New Mexico

In states with annual reports, a missed agent appointment gets caught during the next filing cycle. In New Mexico, there is no such backstop. If your agent arrangement fails — address invalid, individual unavailable, documents undelivered — there is no routine filing to flag the issue.

This makes reliable registered agent service especially important in New Mexico. For $99/year, we ensure that single compliance requirement stays handled.

Sign Up — $99/yr