Filing a North Carolina LLC
Choosing to form your business as a North Carolina LLC could be advantageous for new business owners. Although there are a few critical steps, the process of doing so is relatively straightforward. Additionally, the LLC structure protects members from operational liabilities.
Steps To Filing a North Carolina LLC
Choose A Name
When filing as a North Carolina LLC, the first thing you’ll need to do is choose a name. The state of North Carolina requires businesses to include something in the name indicating that they operate as an LLC. Consider choosing “LLC,” “L.L.C,” or “Limited Liability Company” to ensure you are compliant. Additionally, North Carolina does not allow two entities to have the same name. To prevent this from happening, be sure to use the DoMyLLC Name Availability Check Page.
Choose A Registered Agent
After choosing a name, prospective business owners will need to select a registered agent. Registered agents are responsible for accepting legal correspondence on behalf of the company and passing it along to its owners. A quality registered agent could make a tremendous difference, which is why many North Carolina LLC owners hire DoMyLLC to serve as their agent.
File Articles Of Organization & Pay Filing Fees
Once you’ve secured a name and registered agent, you can move forward with submitting the paperwork necessary to become a North Carolina LLC. Prospective business owners will need to provide the Articles of Organization to the North Carolina Business Registration Division. When doing so, they’ll need to include a $125 filing fee. This document provides information such as:
- Name of the company
- Name and address of each person who executes the Articles of Organization
- Name and address of the registered agent
- Address of the principal office
- Optional: Listing of Company Officials, including names, titles, and addresses
- Optional: Business email address
- Effective date, if desired
- Signatures of the members and organizers responsible for completing the document
File Initial Report
North Carolina LLC owners do not have to file an Initial Report but will want to make sure they pay close attention to the annual reporting deadlines.
Create An Operating Agreement And Hold Meetings
Business owners will also want to draft an operating agreement, which will clarify the corporate structure and outline how the company will exist. Once this is in place, the company can begin holding meetings.
Obtain Employer Identification Number
New companies must also secure an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. This number is required when filing taxes. Additionally, many banks need this number if you wish to open a business account.
File State Required Annual Reports
The North Carolina Secretary of State requires businesses to submit an Annual Report by April 15 each year. It will cost you $202 to file this form online or $200 to send it by mail. There is no late fee if you submit the form late. However, if you do not file within 60 days, the state will dissolve your business. North Carolina LLC owners should review the Annual Report requirements.
Ongoing Maintenance
In addition to the Annual Report, North Carolina LLCs must also file taxes and renew their business licenses and permits each year.
How DoMyLLC Can Assist With Streamlining The Process
No matter if you are beginning the process of forming a North Carolina LLC or are looking for help meeting your annual requirements, DoMyLLC is here for you with services such as:
- Name availability check
- Articles of Organization preparation
- Filing of the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State’s office
- Sample documents, including a sample Operating Agreement, meeting notices, and meeting minutes
- Dedicated account manager
- Unlimited customer support
Our professional services can help take your business to the next level. We look forward to helping you with your North Carolina LLC.