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How to form an LLC in North Carolina

File an Articles of Organization with the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State, Business Registration Division. State filing fee $125.

Start my North Carolina LLC → Search names on the state site ↗

Due to form

$125

State filing fee

How to file

Online or by mail

Standard processing varies (several business days to weeks); 24-hour and same-day expedite available.

Keeping it active

Annual Report

April 15 each year, starting the year after formation · $200

The steps in North Carolina

  1. 1

    Choose a name

    It must be distinguishable from other businesses on file and end with “Limited Liability Company”, “Ltd. Liability Company”, “Limited Liability Co.”, “Ltd. Liability Co.”, “LLC”, “L.L.C.”. Must include LLC ending per G.S. 55D-20 and be distinguishable; professional LLCs need licensing board approval (G.S. 57D-2-02). You can reserve a name first for $10 (optional).

  2. 2

    Appoint a registered agent

    NC registered office street address (and mailing address if different) with county; agent may be individual or entity.

  3. 3

    File the Articles of Organization

    File with the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State, Business Registration Division (form L-01). You can file online or by mail. Fee: $125.

  4. 4

    Sign an operating agreement

    Not filed with the state, and not required by North Carolina law, but banks and partners often ask for one. LLCPros prepares one from your answers.

  5. 5

    Get an EIN and keep up with reports

    Get a free Employer Identification Number from the IRS, open a business bank account, then file the Annual Report (april 15 each year, starting the year after formation).

Fees

Filing fee — Articles of Organization$125
Optional: 24-hour expedite+$100
Optional: Same-day (received by noon) expedite+$200
Optional: name reservation$10
Later: Annual Report$200

Expedite fees non-refundable.

State taxes to know about

No LLC-level franchise tax unless the LLC elects corporate taxation.

Questions about North Carolina LLCs

›How much does it cost to form an LLC in North Carolina?

The North Carolina filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $125. Optional expedited processing costs more.

›What document forms an LLC in North Carolina?

You file an Articles of Organization (form L-01) with the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State, Business Registration Division.

›Does North Carolina require a registered agent?

Yes. NC registered office street address (and mailing address if different) with county; agent may be individual or entity.

›Does a North Carolina LLC file an annual report?

Yes: the Annual Report, april 15 each year, starting the year after formation, fee $200.

Double-check with the state

We could not confirm these on an official North Carolina page when we last checked (November 12, 2026). Your filing plan lists them too.

  • When the annual (or biennial) report is due, and its fee
  • How long the state currently takes to process filings
  • Which name endings and words the state allows
  • The link to the state’s business name search
Self-help, not legal or tax advice. LLCPros is not a law firm, does not give legal or tax advice, and is not affiliated with any state or federal agency. We prepare documents from your answers and your state’s published rules; you file them and pay the state’s fees directly. Rules and fees change — check the official state links before filing, and talk to a lawyer or accountant about your situation.