How to start an LLC in New Mexico
New Mexico charges $50 to file the Articles of Organization and does not require an annual report afterward, which makes it one of the least expensive states to keep an LLC in good standing over time. New Mexico's Limited Liability Company Act also does not require the Articles of Organization to list members or managers, which is different from most states, though it is not the same thing as full anonymity since your registered agent's name and address are still public and federal beneficial-ownership reporting is a separate requirement. This guide covers naming, the registered agent, the Articles of Organization filing, tax registration including the state's gross receipts tax, licensing, and keeping the LLC in good standing without an annual report.
New Mexico LLC facts at a glance
| Official filing agency | New Mexico Secretary of State, Business Services Division |
|---|---|
| Formation document | Articles of Organization |
| State filing fee | $50 |
| Filing methods | Online through SOS Enterprise (SOSE), By mail to the Secretary of State's office in Santa Fe |
| Typical processing (recent) | 1-3 business days |
| Typical expedited processing | Not offered |
| Registered agent | Required |
| No annual report required | No fee, due N/A |
| Late penalty | N/A |
| State-level business tax | No franchise tax. No annual report. |
| Publication requirement | None |
| No annual report | New Mexico is one of a small number of states that does not require LLCs to file a periodic report or pay a recurring state fee to the Secretary of State to remain in good standing. |
| Members and managers not listed in the Articles | NMSA 1978 Section 53-19-8 requires the Articles of Organization to state the LLC's name, registered agent, registered office and principal place of business, but does not require members or managers to be listed. This is a state-filing fact, not a promise of anonymity, since federal beneficial-ownership rules are separate. |
| Registered agent is public | The registered agent's name and street address are part of the public record on the Secretary of State's business search, even though members and managers are not separately listed. |
| Gross Receipts Tax | New Mexico taxes most business receipts, including services, through its Gross Receipts Tax rather than a traditional sales tax. The statewide base rate is set semiannually by statute and local rates are added on top, so combined rates vary significantly by location; check the current rate and location code before invoicing. |
| Business Tax Identification Number | Businesses register for a New Mexico Business Tax Identification Number through the Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) or on paper Form ACD-31015, which is how Gross Receipts Tax and withholding accounts are set up. |
Processing times reflect recent official guidance and change often. Check the New Mexico Secretary of State, Business Services Division current processing calendar before you rely on a date.
File it yourself
New Mexico accepts filings directly from business owners. You do not need us, or any other company, to form your LLC. Here is the official portal.
SOS Enterprise (SOSE)The New Mexico lessons
- 1Name your New Mexico LLCRequired wording, the distinguishable name standard, and checking availability through SOS Enterprise.
- 2Appoint your New Mexico registered agentWho qualifies, the registered office requirement, and why the agent's address stays public even without member disclosure.
- 3File the Articles of OrganizationWhat the form requires, the $50 fee, and what New Mexico does not ask you to disclose.
- 4Get an EIN and register for New Mexico taxesThe free IRS EIN, the Business Tax Identification Number, and when Gross Receipts Tax registration applies.
- 5New Mexico Gross Receipts Tax and licensingHow the Gross Receipts Tax works on services as well as goods, and where local and industry licensing fits in.
- 6Open a bank account and stay compliant without an annual reportWhat banks require, keeping finances separate, and why 'no annual report' does not mean 'nothing to maintain'.
Related Gullia Filing pages
Or let us file your New Mexico LLC for you
Everything above is yours to use for free. If you would rather hand it over, we prepare and file the Articles of Organization, act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.
Official sources
- New Mexico Secretary of State: Business Services
- New Mexico Secretary of State: SOS Enterprise online filing portal
- NMSA 1978 Section 53-19-7: Formation
- NMSA 1978 Section 53-19-8: Articles of Organization
- NMSA 1978 Section 53-2-1: Fees of Secretary of State
- New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department: Gross Receipts Tax Overview
- New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department: Gross Receipts Tax Rates
- New Mexico Taxpayer Access Point (TAP)
- IRS: apply for an Employer Identification Number
- FinCEN: Beneficial Ownership Information reporting
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team, Corporate formation specialists and registered agents