Forming your LLC in North Carolina, start to finish
Send us your calculation and we take it from there. The state fee for North Carolina is $130 as charged at checkout, and standard approval takes 5-10 days.
Step by step
The nine-step formation checklist
Tick each step as you go — your progress is saved in this browser — and download the worksheet or template attached to it.
Your NC progress
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1. Company name check
Search the state registry for your preferred name and confirm it is available and compliant before anything is filed.
Us · 1 business day2. Documents collected
Upload a passport or ID and your address details. That is everything we need from you for a standard formation.
You · 10 minutes3. Articles of Organization filed
We prepare and file your formation documents with the Secretary of State and pay the state fee shown in your order.
Us4. State approval
The state approves the filing and issues your stamped formation documents, which we upload to your dashboard.
State5. Registered agent & business address
Your registered agent, US business address and mail forwarding are activated the moment the LLC exists.
Us · included in every plan6. EIN from the IRS
We apply for your Employer Identification Number, including the non-resident route without an SSN, and deliver the CP575 letter.
Us7. Operating agreement
Your operating agreement / corporate bylaws are drafted for your ownership split and shared for signature.
Us · included in every plan8. BOI report to FinCEN
Beneficial ownership information is reported within the federal deadline (Growth Package).
Us9. Bank, Stripe & payments
Guided setup for your US business bank account, Stripe, Payoneer, PayPal and business debit card (Growth Package).
Together
North Carolina specifics
State rules and costs behind each step
- 1
Pick and check your North Carolina LLC name
FreeSearch the North Carolina business registry for your exact name, make sure it ends with "LLC" or "L.L.C.", and avoid restricted words like bank or insurance. Name reservation is optional in most states.
- 2
Appoint a registered agent
$0 yourself · ~$129/yr commercialEvery North Carolina LLC needs a registered agent with a physical in-state street address available during business hours. You can act as your own agent if you live in the state; otherwise use a commercial agent.
- 3
File the Articles of Organization (Form L-01)
North Carolina state fee — $130File the Articles of Organization (Form L-01) online with the North Carolina Secretary of State at https://www.sosnc.gov/divisions/business_registration. Standard approval takes 5-10 days. The state fee is charged as $130 at checkout.
- 4
Optional: pay for expedited processing
$100North Carolina will move your filing to the front of the queue and approve it in 1 day instead of 5-10 days.
- 5
Get your EIN from the IRS
Free direct · $80 with our EIN serviceApply online at IRS.gov once your LLC is approved. It is free and issued immediately for US residents; non-residents file Form SS-4 by fax or mail, or use our EIN service.
- 6
Write an operating agreement
Free template · ~$50 draftedNot filed with the state, but banks ask for it and it settles ownership, profit splits and what happens if a member leaves.
- 7
File your BOI report with FinCEN
Free direct · $50 with our BOI serviceReport your beneficial owners to FinCEN within the deadline that applies to your formation date. Filing directly is free.
- 8
Open a US business bank account
Varies by providerUse your approved Articles, EIN letter and operating agreement. Non-residents typically use Wise, Payoneer, Airwallex or Mercury-style accounts.
- 9
Calendar your Annual Report (Form L-09)
$200North Carolina requires the annual report every year (Annual report due April 15), starting the year after formation. Missing it risks penalties and administrative dissolution.
Estimates only, based on published state fees. Optional service prices are our standard rates.