North Carolina LLC Name Search

Check LLC name availability in North Carolina and get instant access to filing requirements, fees, and formation guidelines

North Carolina

Filing Fee

$125

Standard LLC Filing

Processing Time

7-10 business days

Expedited: 24 hours

Annual Fee

$200

Due: April 15

Why Form an LLC in North Carolina?

Tax Benefits

Corporate Income Tax: 2.5%
Sales Tax: 4.75% (state) + local rates

  • Pass-through taxation available
  • Low corporate tax
  • Business-friendly policies

Legal Protection

Protect your personal assets with North Carolina's LLC structure

  • Limited personal liability
  • Asset protection
  • Business credibility

Simple Maintenance

Annual Report Due: April 15

  • Moderate annual fees
  • Online filing available
  • Clear guidelines

Business Flexibility

  • Choose your management structure
  • Flexible profit distribution
  • Easy ownership transfers
  • Multiple owner types allowed

Business Environment in North Carolina

State Overview

Capital: Raleigh

Filing Fees:

  • LLC: $125
  • Corporation: $125

Processing Times:

  • Standard: 7-10 business days
  • Expedited: 24 hours

Useful Resources

LLC and Corporation Forms →LLC and Corporation Fees →Department of Revenue →Licenses and Permits →

Tax Information

Corporate Income Tax: 2.5%

Sales Tax: 4.75% (state) + local rates

LLC Requirements in North Carolina

Formation Requirements

Basic Requirements

  • Operating Agreement (recommended)
  • Federal Tax ID (EIN)
  • Business Licenses (if applicable)

Registered Agent

North Carolina requires all LLCs to maintain a registered agent in the state.

Annual Compliance

Annual Report

Required - Due April 15

Annual Fee

$200 - Due April 15

Formation Timeline

Processing Options

  • Standard Processing: 7-10 business days
  • Expedited Processing: 24 hours

Initial Costs

  • LLC Filing Fee: $125
  • First Year Annual Fee: $200

Contact Information

Get in touch with the North Carolina Secretary of State office for business registration assistance

Contact Details

Fax

919-807-2039

Address Information

Mailing Address

PO Box 29622, Raleigh, NC 27626-0622

Physical Address

2 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601-2903

Frequently Asked Questions

The initial filing fee for an LLC in North Carolina is $125. Additionally, there is an annual fee of $200 due April 15.
Standard processing time in North Carolina is 7-10 business days. Expedited processing is available with a turnaround time of 24 hours.
Yes, North Carolina requires all LLCs to maintain a registered agent who can receive legal documents on behalf of your business.
LLCs in North Carolina must pay an annual fee of $200 due on April 15 and file an annual report.
In North Carolina, the corporate income tax rate is 2.5%, and the sales tax rate is 4.75% (state) + local rates. LLCs can choose to be taxed as pass-through entities or corporations.