How to Start an LLC in North Carolina
To start your North Carolina LLC, you’ll need a unique business name, a registered agent, and state-approved Articles of Organization. Once your LLC is on record with the North Carolina Secretary of State, there are only a few more steps to take before getting down to business.
Step 1: Name Your North Carolina LLC
Choosing a unique name for your North Carolina LLC is the first step to forming your company. The state has a few rules you need to consider regarding business names:
What are North Carolina’s business name requirements?
- According to the North Carolina General Statutes (Article 3, §55D‑20), the name of your LLC must be unique in the state, contain words that identify your entity type (LLC, L.L.C., Ltd. Liability Co., etc.), and refrain from using offensive or deceptive language.
Is the name unique in the state?
- Not sure if the name you want is unique in the state? You can check North Carolina’s list of registered businesses on the NC Business Search site to make sure your chosen LLC name is not already in use.
Are others using the name online?
- Now that you know your LLC name is unique in North Carolina, check to see if it is being used as a domain name or social media handle. Keeping your state LLC and online business names the same or similar will help you establish a strong business presence.
- When you hire us to form your North Carolina LLC, we can also register your web domain for free and provide three free months of email and website services (they’re just $9/month after that).
Can you register the name as a trademark?
- Trademarking your business name will protect your right to use it in every state. If this is something you’re interested in, you’ll want to confirm your business name availability right away.
- When we form your LLC, you can also order a trademark registration filing to protect your business name at the federal level. Our attorney-led service includes a clearance search and recommendations if we find obstacles to registration.
Step 2: Choose a North Carolina Registered Agent
All North Carolina LLCs are required to appoint a North Carolina registered agent to receive legal mail directed at the business. The agent you appoint can be:
- An individual: this person must be over the age of 18, live in North Carolina, and have a North Carolina physical address where they will be present to receive your legal mail.
- An entity: this business must be authorized to do business in North Carolina and have a physical address in the state to receive your legal mail.
For both agent types, the physical address where your legal mail will be received is known as the “registered office.” Both types must be prepared to receive your legal mail in person during normal business hours.
Step 3: File North Carolina Articles of Organization
You can file the North Carolina LLC Articles of Organization online, by mail, or in person with the NC Business Registration Division. The fee is $125 (plus $2 online payment fee) with a standard processing time of 3-5 business days. Gather the following information to make the application process quick and easy:
1
Business name
Don’t forget to include the entity identifier (LLC, L.L.C., etc).
2
Organizer(s) information
Enter the name, address, and title of each person preparing this application for submission to the state.
3
Registered agent name
Enter the name of the individual or entity serving as your agent.
4
Registered office address
Enter the full North Carolina street address and county name.
5
Registered office mailing address (optional)
If the registered agent prefers to receive your legal mail somewhere other than their physical registered office address.
6
Principal office address
Select (a) if your LLC has an office address, then complete the address and telephone number fields (mailing address is optional). Select (b) if your LLC does not have a principal office address.
7
Additional LLC provisions (optional)
Attach any additional documents or provisions you want to include in your Articles of Organization.
8
Company officials list (optional)
Enter the names, title, and addresses of LLC members/managers. Doing so may make working with banks easier.
9
Business email address (optional)
The state will use this email address to send you digital notices and filing confirmations.
10
Effective date
Here you have the opportunity to have your LLC activated on a specific date. Leave it blank if you have no specific date in mind.
11
Signatures of organizer(s)/member(s)
Each person listed in step #2 must sign and print their name and title.
12
Pay the state fee of $125
If filing online, you can pay with a debit/credit card or through ACH (direct checking transfer). If filing by mail or in person, a check or money order can also be used.
How long does it take for an LLC to be approved in North Carolina?
Your North Carolina LLC formation paperwork will be processed in 3-5 business days. Online filings are usually processed quicker. If you’re in a hurry, you can choose to pay expedited filing fees: +$100 for 24 hour processing, or +$200 for same-day processing.
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Step 4: Set Up Business Operations
There are a few more important steps to take now that your North Carolina LLC is up and running with the state:
Create an operating agreement.
Your North Carolina LLC’s business operations should be clearly laid out in an operating agreement. It defines how your business makes decisions about membership changes, percentage of ownership, and who gets paid and how much. Without an operating agreement, the liability protection the LLC structure gives your personal assets could be jeopardized.
Get an EIN.
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like an LLC’s social security number. You will need this number for business tax filings, especially if you hire employees. Banks also like to see the EIN to set up a business bank account.
Manage your company’s money.
You need to keep your business and personal income separate to maintain your LLC’s limited liability protections. Opening a business bank account is one of the easiest ways to do this.
Obtain licenses and permits.
North Carolina does not have a general business license required by all LLCs. Instead, the state gives local governments (counties and cities) control of this. Check in with the North Carolina Economic Development Partnership office to see if the nature and location of your business will require further licensing.
Step 5: File BOI Report
The Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report is a federal filing required for most LLCs after formation. This report collects information about the company itself, and the owners who have substantial control over the company or own at least 25% of the business.
The BOI is submitted to FinCEN and went into place in 2024 with specific filing deadlines. LLCs formed in 2024 have 90 days from registration to submit their BOI Report. LLCs formed in 2025 or later must file within 30 days of formation.
When you hire us to form your North Carolina LLC, you can add the BOI filing to your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is needed to start an LLC in North Carolina?
To start your North Carolina LLC, you will need a unique business name, a North Carolina registered agent, and $125 to file and submit the Articles of Organization.
How much does it cost to start an LLC in North Carolina?
The cost to file your NC LLC Articles of Organization is $125. Add $2 to this fee if you plan on paying with a credit/debit card. If you want to put a rush on the processing of your paperwork, you can add $100 for 24 hour processing, or add $200 for same-day processing.
Do LLCs pay taxes in North Carolina?
Yes, LLCs need to pay state and federal taxes in North Carolina. Consult with the NC Department of Revenue for more information.
When is the North Carolina Annual Report due?
A North Carolina LLC’s Annual Report is due by April 15th each year and costs $203 to file. It can be filed online or by paper form. This filing is included when you hire us to form your LLC (you pay only the state fee).
How do I contact the North Carolina Secretary of State?
If you have questions for the North Carolina Secretary of State, you can reach their office in the following ways:
Phone: 919-807-2225
Fax: 919-807-2039
Email: [email protected]
Mailing address:
PO Box 29622
Raleigh, NC 27626-0622
Physical address:
2 South Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 27601-2903