Form an LLC in North Carolina
We file your Articles of Organization, register an agent, and deliver your formation documents. Total cost from $253 on Standard.
State filing fee
$128
Typical processing
7 days
Annual report
$200 / yr
North Carolina LLCs file with the Secretary of State Corporations Division at $128. The annual report fee is $200 - high relative to neighboring states - due April 15 each year.
North Carolina is mostly chosen by in-state founders, especially in the Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) and Charlotte tech corridors. The high annual fee makes it less attractive for purely-remote non-residents.
Best for: Research Triangle and Charlotte operators.
Cost & compliance breakdown
| State filing fee | $128 |
|---|---|
| Typical processing | 7 days |
| Annual report fee | $200 |
| Annual report due | April 15 every year |
| Premium expedited fee | $228 (1-day filing) |
- The $200 annual report is high relative to neighbors like South Carolina (no report) and Virginia ($50).
- Premium plans use the $228 expedited state fee for one-business-day filing.
How we file your North Carolina LLC
- 1
File the Articles of Organization
We file with the North Carolina Secretary of State Corporations Division. The $128 fee is paid online.
- 2
EIN and operating agreement
EIN obtained and a North Carolina operating agreement delivered.
- 3
Set up annual report tracking
North Carolina annual reports are due April 15 each year with a $200 fee.
What's included
Articles of Organization
Registered agent
EIN (Federal Tax ID)
Operating Agreement
Frequently asked questions
When is the North Carolina annual report due?
April 15 each year. The fee is $200.
Can a non-resident own a North Carolina LLC?
Yes. There are no residency requirements.
Compare with other states
The states founders most commonly weigh against North Carolina.
Ready to form your North Carolina LLC?
Total from $253 on Standard. Most founders finish the application in about 15 minutes.