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Home > How to Incorporate In Your State > North Carolina (NC)
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Incorporate in North Carolina (NC)

Learn the basic facts about North Carolina corporations and North Carolina limited liability companies (LLCs). Compare the differences between North Carolina corporations and North Carolina LLCs and learn about North Carolina rules and regulations that relate to forming a corporation or LLC.

Forming a North Carolina Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC)

There are a number of business entity types to consider when you are deciding the structure of your North Carolina business. The most advantageous entities to form in North Carolina are typically corporations or LLCs. Although other entity options are possible, these are the entities that offer the highest level of liability protection in North Carolina. As you review the characteristics of incorporating or forming an LLC in North Carolina, be sure to keep in mind both the present and future needs of your business. Often, when you start a business it begins as a small organization.

Get Started

If you decide that a North Carolina corporation or LLC is the best option for your business, BizFilings will form your company in North Carolina, faster than anyone else, without costly legal fees. Our cost-saving offerings include:

$115 + State Fees
$250 + State Fees
$350 + State Fees
  • Preparation and Filing of Formation Documents
  • Preliminary Name Check with State
  • Free Registered Agent Service for 6 months
  • BizComply Online Compliance Tool
  • 24/7 Access to Online Corporate Status Center
  • Everything included with the Basic Package
  • Expedited Processing Service
  • Corporate Kit & Seal
  • Corporate Forms CD
  • Everything included with the Standard Package
  • Tax ID (EIN) Number Obtainment
  • Compliance DVD
  • Certified Copy of State Filed Documents
  • Overnight Shipping


State Fees Apply

Each state charges filing fees that apply separately from BizFilings' package pricing. These fees will be reflected when you generate a Fast Quote using any of the links above. You can also view our list of fees by state.


Incorporating in North Carolina

North Carolina Corporate Name Endings
North Carolina Corporation Requirements
North Carolina Corporate Taxes and Fees
North Carolina Business License Requirements


North Carolina Corporate Name Endings

The name must contain the word "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Company," Limited," or the abbreviation "Corp.," "Inc.," "Co.," or "Ltd." Names may not contain language stating or implying the corporation is organized for purposes not permitted by the Act and its articles. The name must be distinguishable from the name of any domestic, foreign, or nonprofit corporation, or the reserved or registered name of a limited liability company or partnership.


North Carolina Corporation Requirements

Director Information

  • Minimum Number: One or more.
  • Residence Requirements: No provision.
  • Age Requirements: None.
  • Directors are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.

    Officer Information

  • Officers are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.

    Stock Information

  • An increase in shares or par value does not affect initial filing fees.

    Corporate Records

  • The articles of incorporation, bylaws or restated bylaws, resolutions, minutes, written communications, financial statements to shareholders, names and business addresses of current directors and officers, and most recent annual report must be kept at the principal office of the corporation.


    Taxes and Fees

    Annual Statements

    The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.

    Taxes

    For more information on taxes, visit http://www.dor.state.nc.us/.

    S Corporation

    S Corporation status is recognized by the State of North Carolina. A separate state election from the federal election is not required.


    License Requirements

    North Carolina requires most businesses to obtain a license and pay a fee if operating in the state. Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.

  • Form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in North Carolina

    North Carolina LLC Name Endings
    North Carolina LLC Requirements
    North Carolina LLC Taxes and Fees
    North Carolina Business License Requirements


    LLC Name Endings

    The name of an LLC must end with "Limited Liability Company," "Ltd. Liability Company," "Limited Liability Co.," "Ltd. Liability Co.," "LLC," or "L.L.C."


    North Carolina LLC Requirements

    Member/Manager Information

  • Minimum Number: one or more
  • Residence Requirements: no provision
  • Age Requirements: no provision
  • Members/managers are not required to be listed in the articles of organization


    North Carolina Taxes and Fees

    Annual Statements

    The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.

    Taxes

    For more information on taxes, visit http://www.dor.state.nc.us/.


    License Requirements

    North Carolina requires most businesses to obtain a license and pay a fee if operating in the state. Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.

  • Registered Agents in North Carolina

    North Carolina corporations and LLCs are required to have a registered agent located in North Carolina. The North Carolina registered agent is responsible for receiving important legal and tax documents including service of process (litigation) documents, franchise tax forms, and annual report forms.

    A North Carolina registered agent is an individual or company located at a street address in North Carolina. Post office boxes are not acceptable addresses for a registered agent in North Carolina.

    If a company, such as BizFilings, is acting as your registered agent they must be registered as a corporation in North Carolina. There are a number of advantages to using a registered agent service provider in North Carolina, but the advantages differ between large and small companies.

    Large companies in North Carolina benefit by having service of process and state documents send to their registered agent's office in North Carolina. The registered agent follows delivery instructions to ensure that important documents reach the correct individual. Smaller companies in North Carolina benefit by providing a consistent North Carolina address.

    Another advantage to using another company as your North Carolina registered agent is that the information of your North Carolina registered agent is public record.

    Learn how to select BizFilings as your registered agent in North Carolina.

    Questions? Please contact our customer service team Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM central time at 800-981-7183 or 608-827-5300. You may also email your questions to info@bizfilings.com, or take advantage of our Live Chat option. Live Chat hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM central time.

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    Did You Know?

    Did You Know?

    Retirement funds and qualified retirements plans, such as a 401(k), may be established more easily if your business is incorporated.


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