North Carolina LLC — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in North Carolina?
The state filing fee to form an LLC in North Carolina is $125. That's priced in the middle of the national range for LLC filing fees. On top of that, plan for $200 each year in annual report fees. We bill $199 for the filing work and nothing else. Beyond that, you'll pay the $125 state fee, plus $99/year if you sign up for our registered agent service. EIN application and operating agreement are extras you can add.
How long does it take to form an LLC in North Carolina?
Standard processing runs 5-10 business days. If you pay $100 for expedited service, you can usually get to 24 hours. We file on your behalf and notify you as soon as the North Carolina Secretary of State processes the formation.
Does North Carolina require an annual report for LLCs?
Yes, every year. The fee is $200. Missing the filing deadline can lead to late fees and eventually administrative dissolution by the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Do I need a registered agent for my North Carolina LLC?
Yes. Every LLC registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State is required to maintain a registered agent with a physical North Carolina address. This is true from the moment you file your formation documents and remains true for as long as the LLC exists. Our annual registered agent fee is $99, billed independently of the $199 formation service.
Can I form an LLC in North Carolina if I live in another state?
Yes. You don't have to be a North Carolina resident to form a North Carolina LLC. You do, however, need a registered agent with a physical North Carolina address — which our registered agent service covers at $99/year, billed separately.
Do I need an operating agreement for my North Carolina LLC?
North Carolina doesn't require you to file an operating agreement with the state, but you absolutely should have one. Banks require it to open a business account. Courts rely on it in disputes. Without one, North Carolina's default LLC rules apply — which may not match your intentions. Our operating agreement template is a paid optional add-on, separately priced from formation.
How do I get an EIN for my North Carolina LLC?
Apply directly on IRS.gov — it's free and takes about 10 minutes. You'll receive your EIN immediately after completing the online application. Never pay a third party for an EIN. Our EIN application help is a separately-priced add-on. Going direct via IRS.gov is also free and takes about ten minutes.
What's included in your formation service?
The $199 service includes Articles of Organization preparation and filing with the North Carolina Secretary of State. State fee ($125) is paid separately. Registered agent ($99/yr), operating agreement, and EIN application help are available as add-ons.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help. Reach out Monday through Friday and we'll answer any questions about forming an LLC in North Carolina or how our services work.