Start an LLC in North Carolina

To begin, you need a business name for your LLC, and that business name needs to meet North Carolina’s requirements as outlined in N.C. Gen Stat § 55D-20. Basically, your LLC’s name must:

• Include a designator like “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “limited liability company.”
• Not include any words prohibited for use in North Carolina business names (for example: “Bank” or “Architect”) unless you have proper approval.
• Not contain any offensive words.
• Be “distinguishable” (unique) among business names in North Carolina.

Already have a business name? Check to see if it’s available.

The next step is finding a North Carolina registered agent. A registered agent is someone you appoint to accept important legal and state mail on behalf of your LLC. Your registered agent could be you, another individual, or a company (like us). In North Carolina, every LLC is required to keep and maintain a registered agent. Before you can move on to the next step (filing Articles of Organization), you’ll need to know your registered agent’s name and address.

Learn why the pros use a registered agent service.

To officially form your LLC, you’ll need to complete a form called Articles of Organization. When the form is completed, you’ll submit it to the North Carolina Secretary of State online, by mail, or in person with the $125 filing fee.

Note: All of the information on this form will become part of the public record.

Compliance with N.C. Gen Stat § 84-2.2:

An attorney licensed to practice law in the State of North Carolina has reviewed the blank template offered on our website to North Carolina consumers, including each and every part thereof that may appear in the completed document. The name and address of the reviewing attorney is kept on file by Northwest Registered Agent Service, Inc and will be provided to the consumer upon request.

The forms or templates provided by Northwest Registered Agent Service, Inc (“Northwest”) are not a substitute for the advice or services of an attorney.

Northwest does not disclaim any warranties or liability and does not limit the recovery of damages or other remedies by the consumer. Northwest does not require the consumer to agree to jurisdiction or venue in any state other than North Carolina for the resolution of disputes between the provider and the consumer.

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To fill out the form, you’ll need to provide the following information about your LLC:

• Company name. Include an indicator like “LLC.”
• Executor. Whoever files the Articles of Organization on behalf of your LLC.
• Registered agent. This is someone designated to accept service of process on behalf of your LLC.
• Registered office. This must be a physical address in North Carolina where your registered agent can be found during business hours.
• Mailing address. Only add if different from your registered agent’s address.
• Principal office. If you have a main office address, you may list it here.
• Professional services. This is for PLLCs (LLCs that provide a state-licensed service like law or medicine).
• Additional provisions. Optional, but you can add any extra provisions that don’t violate the law here. For example: descriptions of the rights and duties of your members.
• Company officials. Optional, but you can list your LLC’s members and/or managers.
• Business email. Optional. This is where the Secretary of State will send notifications.
• Managers. Optional, but your bank may require it.
• Effective date. Optional, but you can choose to add a future start date up to 90 days in the future.

An operating agreement is a document the establishes the rules and organizational structure of your LLC. It specifies how your LLC will handle important procedures like allocating profits and losses, voting, transferring membership, and even dissolving the business—should the time come.

Check out our attorney-drafted North Carolina LLC Operating Agreement.

An employer identification number (EIN or FEIN) is your LLC’s tax identification number. The IRS will assign your LLC an EIN and use it to identify your business on tax filings. To get an EIN, you’ll need to apply directly with the IRS for free. Applying online is the fastest way to obtain one, but you’ll need to use the paper form if you don’t have a social security number.

Learn How to get an EIN for your LLC.

Beginning January 1st, 2024, most new North Carolina LLCs will be required to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) within 30 days of company formation. Note: Existing LLCs have until January 1st, 2025 to file their BOI Report.

Your BOI Report will need to include identifying information about your “company applicant” and all beneficial owners, as well as some information about the LLC itself.

• Beneficial Owner: anyone with at least 25% membership interest in your LLC or with substantial control over its operations or finances.
• Company Applicant: the person (aka your LLC organizer) who filed your Articles of Organization with North Carolina’s Secretary of State.

Every LLC needs its own business bank account. Mixing business and personal money is bad news—doing so erodes the legal separation between you and your business and put your LLC’s limited liability in jeopardy. So open a business bank account!

To open a bank account for your North Carolina LLC, you’ll need to bring the following to the bank:

• North Carolina LLC Articles of Organization (a copy is fine)
• the LLC’s operating agreement
• the LLC’s EIN
• an LLC Resolution to Open a Bank Account (if your LLC has more than one member)

If your LLC has more than one member, use our free LLC Resolution to Open a Bank Account.

Next, you’ll need to fund your LLC’s bank account. Typically, each member makes an initial contribution by depositing money into the LLC’s bank account. These contributions pay for membership interest. Sometimes, though, members make initial contributions in the form of property or services. Keep in mind that members who take this route might want to consult with a tax professional—property or services contributions may trigger a tax event.

In North Carolina, LLCs file an annual report with the state each year. The purpose of this report is to keep the Secretary of State updated on your LLC’s contact information. The North Carolina annual report costs $200 to file ($202 if you file online). If you forget to file an annual report (easy to do!) the Secretary of State could administratively dissolve your LLC.

Worried you’ll forget? Let us file your annual report for you.

*This is informational commentary, not advice. This information is intended strictly for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or a substitute for legal counsel. This information is not intended to create, nor does your receipt, viewing, or use of it constitute, an attorney-client relationship. More information is available in our Terms of Service.