How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in North Carolina?
The cost to start an LLC (limited liability company) online in North Carolina is $125. This fee is paid to the North Carolina Secretary of State when filing the LLC’s Articles of Organization.
This LLC Cost NC guide will explain not only the North Carolina LLC fees but also all other costs LLC owners should expect to incur to conduct business. For example, North Carolina LLC taxes and registered agent service fees.
We recommend Northwest ($29 + State Fees) to help form your LLC.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in North Carolina?
North Carolina LLC Online Filing Fee: $125
The main cost to start an LLC in North Carolina is the $125 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
For a look at LLC costs in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.
Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in North Carolina
If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into North Carolina, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in North Carolina.
The cost for registering a North Carolina foreign LLC is $250. You can register a foreign LLC in North Carolina by filing an Application for Certificate of Authority for Limited Liability Company (Form L-09).
Optional LLC Formation Costs
There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:
LLC Name Reservation
Reserve your name for up to 120 days prior to LLC formation by filing an Application to Reserve a Business Entity Name (Form BE-03) and paying the $30 filing fee.
Foreign LLC Name Registration
Reserve your name until the end of the calendar year by filing an Application to Register a Business Entity Name by a Foreign Entity (Form BE-13) and paying the $10 filing fee.
Assumed Business Name
File an Assumed Business Name Certificate and pay the $26 filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name.
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North Carolina LLC Annual Fees
Operating a limited liability company (LLC) in North Carolina requires understanding the costs related to compliance. Here are the main points to consider:
- Annual Report Fee: An essential aspect of maintaining your LLC in North Carolina is filing an annual report, costing $200. This helps keep your LLC in good standing.
- Business Licenses and Permits: Depending on your industry or profession, additional business licenses or permits may be required, potentially incurring extra fees.
- Registered Agent Services: While acting as your own registered agent is an option, many businesses opt for professional services, which can charge up to $200 annually.
Staying updated with these annual obligations helps ensure your North Carolina LLC remains compliant and in good standing.
How to Register a North Carolina LLC Yourself
Forming an LLC in North Carolina is easy. Simply follow the steps outlined on this page.
Recommended: Using an LLC formation service like Northwest ($29 + State Fees) saves time and ensures compliance. Besides the low cost, we like their streamlined approach and excellent customer service
North Carolina LLC Cost FAQ
In North Carolina, you'll pay a $125 filing fee for the Articles of Organization to form your LLC. Additional costs could be incurred for things like hiring a registered agent or filing for an assumed business name, based on your specific business requirements.
The Articles of Organization is the formal document you file to officially establish your LLC in North Carolina. You can file this document with the Secretary of State, either online (via PDF upload or creation wizard) or by mail. The filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $125.
Yes, a registered agent is required for your LLC in North Carolina. This individual or business entity accepts and manages important legal and tax documents on behalf of your LLC, playing a crucial role in maintaining your business's compliance with state law.
While your initial registered agent doesn't have to officially consent before being appointed in North Carolina, if you want to change your registered agent later on, the new agent must officially consent by signing the change form.
Yes, your LLC can operate under an assumed business name in North Carolina. This allows your business to operate under a name different from the official name registered with the state, which can be beneficial for branding or business operation purposes.
Every LLC in North Carolina is required to file an annual report. This report carries a filing fee of $200 and helps the state stay updated on vital information concerning your business.
Using an LLC formation service in North Carolina can streamline the process of establishing your LLC. These services handle the necessary paperwork, provide registered agent services, and help ensure you meet all state compliance requirements. Utilizing such services can save you time and allow you to focus on other important aspects of starting and running your business.
You can verify the availability of your desired LLC name in North Carolina by using the Business Entity Search tool provided by the state. This ensures that your desired name is not already in use by another business entity within the state.
A Certificate of Existence in North Carolina is a document that verifies that your LLC is registered correctly and is in good standing with the state. This certificate may be necessary when applying for business loans, contracts, or when registering to do business in other states.
Article Sources
IRS - Employer ID Number:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers
North Carolina Secretary of State:
https://www.sosnc.gov/?id=
SBA - Apply for licenses and permits:
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits
Chamber of Commerce - North Carolina Chamber of Commerce List:
https://www.officialusa.com/stateguides/chambers/northcarolina.html