LLC Cost CalculatorBy Offshore Labs LLC
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North Carolina LLC cost

Ranked #26 of 51 on total first-year cost.

First year

$259

then $337/yr

Cost breakdown

Your breakdown2 items
  • North Carolina state feeState

    $130
  • Registered agent (1 year)Service
    $129
True first-year cost

All state charges included

$259

Estimates only, based on published state fees. Optional service prices are our standard rates.

The facts

State fee (as charged)
$130
Annual report
$200 / yr
Minimum state tax
None
Standard processing
5-10 days
Expedited
$100 · 1 day
Publication
Not required

Forms & deadlines

Formation document
Articles of Organization (Form L-01)
Recurring filing
Annual Report (Form L-09)
Report due
Annual report due April 15
Tax deadline
April 15 (state income tax)

Tax treatment

$200 annual report is one of the higher recurring fees.

Official NC filing page →
Form an LLC in NC →Customise this estimateCompare with other states

Step by step

How to form an LLC in North Carolina

Every cost below matches the breakdown above, including the card processing the state adds at checkout. See the full done-for-you North Carolina formation flow →

  1. 1

    Pick and check your North Carolina LLC name

    Free

    Search 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. 2

    Appoint a registered agent

    $0 yourself · ~$129/yr commercial

    Every 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. 3

    File the Articles of Organization (Form L-01)

    North Carolina state fee — $130

    File 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. 4

    Optional: pay for expedited processing

    $100

    North Carolina will move your filing to the front of the queue and approve it in 1 day instead of 5-10 days.

  5. 5

    Get your EIN from the IRS

    Free direct · $80 with our EIN service

    Apply 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. 6

    Write an operating agreement

    Free template · ~$50 drafted

    Not filed with the state, but banks ask for it and it settles ownership, profit splits and what happens if a member leaves.

  7. 7

    File your BOI report with FinCEN

    Free direct · $50 with our BOI service

    Report your beneficial owners to FinCEN within the deadline that applies to your formation date. Filing directly is free.

  8. 8

    Open a US business bank account

    Varies by provider

    Use your approved Articles, EIN letter and operating agreement. Non-residents typically use Wise, Payoneer, Airwallex or Mercury-style accounts.

  9. 9

    Calendar your Annual Report (Form L-09)

    $200

    North Carolina requires the annual report every year (Annual report due April 15), starting the year after formation. Missing it risks penalties and administrative dissolution.