How to Start an LLC in New Mexico: Step-by-Step Guide

Last Updated:byTRUiC Team

To form aNew Mexico LLC, you'll need to file the Articles of Organization with the New Mexico Secretary of State, which costs $50. You can apply online.

Follow our step-by-stepHow to Start an LLC in New Mexicoguide to get started today.

Or simply use a professional service:

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Learn more about LLCs and their benefits in our118bet金博宝 guide. To form an LLC in any state, visit ourHow to Set Up an LLCguide.

New Mexico State map icon with filing cost

Step 1: Name Your New Mexico LLC

Choosing a company name is the first and most important step of forming a New Mexico LLC. Be sure to choose a business name that complies with New Mexico naming laws and requirements and is easily searchable by potential business clients.

1. Follow the naming guidelines for your New Mexico LLC:

  • Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
  • Your name cannot include words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
  • Restricted words (e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional legal paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your LLC.

2. Is the name available in New Mexico?Make sure the business name you want isn't already taken by doing aname searchon the State of New Mexico's website.

To learn more aboutsearching for a New Mexico LLC name, read our full guide. Find name ideas using our free LLCname generator.

3. Is the URL available?We recommend that you check to see if your business name is available as a网络域. Even if you don't plan to make a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Find a Domain Now

Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.

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FAQ: Naming a New Mexico LLC

What is an LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

LLC is short for “limited liability company.” It is a simple business structure that offers more flexibility than a traditional corporation while providing many of the same benefits. Read our118bet金博宝 guide for more information.

Or, watch our two-minute video:What is an LLC?

How do I name my New Mexico LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

You must follow the New Mexico LLC naming guidelines when choosing a name for your LLC:

  • Include the phrase "limited liability company" or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
  • Do not use words that could confuse your business with a government agency (FBI, State Department, CIA, etc.).
  • Receive the proper licensing when using the words such as lawyer or doctor.

If you are having trouble coming up with a name for your LLC, use ourLLC Name Generator. That will not only find a unique name for your business but an available URL to match.

After you get your business name, get a unique logo using ourFree Logo Generator.

Can I be my own registered agent?An orange arrow pointing down

Yes. You or anyone else in your company can serve as the registered agent for your New Mexico LLC.

Read more aboutbeing your own registered agent.

Step 2: Choose a New Mexico LLC Registered Agent

You arerequiredto nominate aNew Mexico registered agentfor your New Mexico LLC.

What is a registered agent?A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important legal documents on behalf of your business. Think of your registered agent as your business's point of contact with the state.

Who can be a registered agent?A registered agent must be a resident of New Mexico or a corporation, such as aregistered agent service, authorized to transact business in New Mexico. You may elect an individual within the company including yourself.

Recommended:Check out thesebest registered agent services.

FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent

Can I be my own registered agent in New Mexico?An orange arrow pointing down

Yes. You or anyone else in your company can serve as the registered agent for your New Mexico LLC.

Read more aboutbeing your own registered agent.

Is a registered agent service worth it?An orange arrow pointing down

Using a professional registered agent service is an affordable way to manage government filings for your New Mexico LLC. For most businesses, the advantages of using a professional service significantly outweigh the annual costs.

For more information, read our article onNew Mexico registered agents.

Step 3: File the New Mexico LLC Articles of Organization

To register your New Mexico LLC, you'll need to file the Articles of Organization with the New Mexico Secretary of State. You can apply online. Additionally, you must file a Statement of Acceptance of Appointment by Designated Initial Registered Agent, which your registered agent must sign.

Now is a good time to determine whether your LLC will bemember-managed vs. manager-managed.

File the Articles of Organization

File Online With the New Mexico Secretary of State

File Online

Fee:$50

Note:Your registered agent must sign aStatement of Acceptance of Appointment, which must be uploaded at the time of filing.

For help with completing the form, visit ourNew Mexico Articles of Organizationguide.

If you’re expanding your existing LLC to the state of New Mexico, you will need to form aforeign LLC.

FAQ: Filing New Mexico LLC Documents

What is the processing time to form my New Mexico LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

New Mexico Articles of Organization processing takes about two business days.

What is the difference between a domestic New Mexico LLC and foreign LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

有限责任公司被称为“国内有限责任公司”conducts business in the state where it was formed. A foreign LLC must be formed when an existing LLC wishes to expand its business to another state.

Read ourWhat Is a Foreign LLCarticle to learn more.

How much does it cost to start a New Mexico LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

The cost to start a New Mexico LLC is $50.

To learn more, read our guide on thecost to form a New Mexico LLC.

Step 4: Create a New Mexico LLC Operating Agreement

In New Mexico, LLCs are not required to have an operating agreement, but it's a good practice to have one.

What is an operating agreement?An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important?一个全面的操作协议确保188金宝搏官方网站ll business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read ourNew Mexico LLC operating agreementguide.

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FAQ: Creating a New Mexico LLC Operating Agreement

Do I need to file my operating agreement with the state?An orange arrow pointing down

No. The operating agreement is an internal document that you should keep on file for future reference. However, many states do legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement in place.

Step 5: Get an EIN

You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify a business entity and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. It is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.

Why do I need an EIN?An EIN number is required for the following:

Where do I get an EIN?An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.

FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS:Youdo not need an SSNto get an EIN.Learn more here.

Get an EIN

Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS

Apply Online

- OR -

Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax

Download Form

Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999

Fax:(855) 641-6935

Fee:Free

FAQ: Getting an EIN

How do I get an EIN if I don’t have a Social Security number?An orange arrow pointing down

An SSN isnotrequired to get an EIN. You can simply fill outIRS Form SS-4and leave section 7b blank. Then call the IRS at (267) 941-1099 to complete your application.Learn more about applying as an international applicant.

Do I need an EIN for my LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

All LLCs with employees, or any LLC with more than one member, must have an EIN. This is required by the IRS.

Learn why we recommend always getting an EIN and how to get one for free in ourDo I Need an EIN for an LLCguide.

What tax structure should I choose for my New Mexico LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

When you get an EIN, you will be informed of the differenttax classification optionsthat are available. Most LLCs elect the default tax status.

However, some LLCs can reduce their federal tax obligation by choosing theS corporation (S corp) status. To learn more, read ourLLC vs. S Corpguide.

Considering Using an LLC Formation Service?

We reviewed and ranked the top LLC formation services. Find out which is best for you.

BEST LLC SERVICES

How to Maintain Your LLC

Steps After LLC Formation

Read all the steps you’ll need to maintain your LLC’s personal liability protection, open a business bank account, get business insurance, and stay up to date with state reporting requirements.

Visit ourAfter Forming an LLCguide to learn more.

What is the corporate veil?An orange arrow pointing down

Business entities, such as LLCs and corporations, protect their owners from personal liabilities for the business’s debts. This protection is often referred to as the corporate veil. Learn how to protect your LLC's corporate veil in ourguide.

Keep Your Company Compliant

New Mexico Business Licenses & Permits

To operate your LLC, you must comply with federal, state, and local government regulations. Fees and requirements for licenses and permits will vary depending on what sort of business license you need.

Find out how to get the necessary business licenses and permits for your LLC with ourNew Mexico Business Licenseguide.

Recommended:Consider having a professional service research your business’s licensing requirements. Read ourbest business license servicesreview.

New Mexico LLC Tax Filing Requirements

In order to keep your business in good standing, it's important to stay up to date on yourNew Mexico LLC taxes.

求进步ding on the nature of your business, you may be required to register for one or more forms of state tax:

Gross Receipts Tax

Most businesses are required to register for New Mexico's Gross Receipts Tax, which is similar to a sales tax, with theNew Mexico Office of Taxation & Revenue. The tax rate varies from 5% to 9.3125% based on your county and potentially your municipality.

Employer Taxes

If you have employees in New Mexico, you will need to register forUnemployment Insurance Taxthrough the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. You will also need to sign up forEmployee Withholding Taxthrough the New Mexico Department of Taxation and Revenue website.

Income Tax

State
New Mexico uses a graduated-rate individual income tax table, ranging from 1.7% to 5.9%. Your bracket will depend on your LLC's income.

State tax returns are due each year by April 18. To calculate your tax or determine your tax bracket, visit theNew Mexico Office of Taxation & Revenue website.

Federal
You’ll also need to report your federal income tax using eitherForm 1065(multi-member LLC) orForm 1040 Schedule C(single-member LLC).

Hiring Employees

If you plan to hire employees, stay compliant with the law by following these steps:

Find out more information at theNew Mexico New Hires Directory.

Check out ourHiring for Your Small Business Guidefor resources like sample job descriptions, payroll service reviews, and more.

What is the minimum wage in New Mexico?An orange arrow pointing down

The minimum wage in New Mexico is $12.00 per hour. For employers in Santa Fe, the minimum wage is $12.95 per hour.

How often do I need to pay employees?An orange arrow pointing down

New Mexico requires wages to be paid at least twice per month, except for professional, administrative, or executive employees who may be paid once per month.

New Mexico Business Resources

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