North Carolina LLC Annual Report
Once you have formed your North Carolina LLC, you must stay on top of your state’s filing deadlines (annual report) in order to stay in good standing and avoid unnecessary fines or penalties.
This article answers the following questions for a North Carolina LLC:
What Is an Annual Report?
In North Carolina, an annual report is a regular filing that your LLC must complete every year to update your business information, including:
- Company address
- Registered agent name and address
- Names and addresses of LLC members or managers
The purpose of this report is to keep your business records up to date with the State of North Carolina. This allows creditors and other interested parties to look up your business address in case they need to contact you. The government uses this information to track the payment of your LLC state taxes.
Ready to form a North Carolina LLC? Read our top LLC services review to find the right formation service for you.
How Do I File an Annual Report?
You can file your North Carolina LLC annual report through the Secretary of State website. You must search for your LLC and select the corresponding “annual report” option from the results list.
File Your North Carolina Annual Report
File Online or by Mail With the North Carolina Secretary of State
File ReportFee: $202 online, $200 by mail
Mailing Address:
Business Registration Division
P.O. Box 29525,
Raleigh, NC 27626-0525
Note: LLCs making registered agent changes must file by mail and have their registered agent sign the form.
Due Date: North Carolina LLC annual reports are due by April 15 every year.
Late Filings: Any annual report received after April 15 will result in a revocation of your “good standing” status with the state. Failure to file an annual report within 60 days of the due date could result in the dissolution of your North Carolina LLC.
Should I Use a Registered Agent Service?
A registered agent is a person or business nominated by your company to officially receive and send papers on your behalf. By using a registered agent service, you can ensure that your LLC's reports are always filed on time to the appropriate government agency. Here are the three main advantages to using a registered agent service for your LLC:
- Avoid late filing penalties: The Secretary of State can dissolve a North Carolina LLC if it does not file an annual report. A registered agent service will notify you when reports are due, and they can also submit the filing for you for an additional fee.
- Gain flexibility: A registered agent service can receive and send documents for your LLC during regular business hours so that you don’t have to be on the job from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every week. You can also use a registered agent service to form an LLC in other states where you don't already have an established business presence.
- Maintain privacy: Using a registered agent service allows you to keep your personal address off of public records, ensuring your privacy. Additionally, if someone sues your LLC, the lawsuit will be served to the registered agent’s address rather than your place of business.
Learn more about getting a North Carolina registered agent by reading our guide.
Recommended: Northwest provides free registered agent service for the first year as part of their LLC packages.