New Mexico is the cheapest state in America to form and maintain an LLC. $50 to file, $0 annual report, no publication requirement, and strong privacy. If cost is your primary concern, this is the state.

Why New Mexico

→ $50 filing fee — lowest in the country

→ $0 annual report — no annual filing required at all

→ No publication requirement

→ Strong privacy — member/manager names not on public filings

→ No annual fees of any kind

Total cost to maintain a New Mexico LLC: $50 one-time. That's it. No annual report, no franchise tax, no renewal fees. The only recurring cost is your registered agent if you use a service. This makes New Mexico the lowest-cost LLC in the country by a significant margin.

The tradeoff: New Mexico has a 4.875% gross receipts tax (their version of sales tax) that applies to most business transactions within the state, plus local GRT that can bring the total to 7–9%. If your business operates in NM, this matters. If you're online-only, it may not.

Step-by-Step Filing Process

Step 1

Search Your Business Name

Search at the New Mexico Secretary of State.

Step 2

Designate a Registered Agent

Can be yourself or a service. Must have a NM physical address.

Step 3

File Articles of Organization

File online through the NM Secretary of State's portal. Fee: $50. Processing: 1–2 business days. You'll need: LLC name, registered agent, organizer info, and duration (perpetual is standard).

Step 4

Get Your EIN and Bank Account

Follow the same steps as any other state — EIN guide and banking guide.

Annual Requirements

None. New Mexico does not require annual reports or annual fees for LLCs. This is unique among all 50 states.

Compare Other Filing States

Wyoming → Texas → Florida →

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or tax advice. Requirements vary by state. Consult a qualified attorney or CPA for your specific situation.

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