Perhaps you are hoping to form an LLC in NC. People assume that starting an LLC is difficult and costly. However, it’s generally not difficult, and the cost would vary across states. We have all the info you need to know about the cost of forming an LLC, particularly the LLC cost in North Carolina.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
North Carolina LLC Cost of Filing
Here are the costs involved in forming an LLC in North Carolina.
Cost of Filing Formation Certificates
The North Carolina Certificate of Formation is responsible for the majority of the cost, which could also vary depending on whether you’re forming a domestic LLC or a foreign LLC. Still, you can file both at the North Carolina Secretary of State.
North Carolina Domestic LLC
- Online Filing costs $125.
- Annual Report filing costs $200
- Name Reservation fee costs $30
- By Mail: Fill out the application form, and send it to NC Secretary of State Business Registration, P.O. Box 29622, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0622. Costs $125.
North Carolina Foreign LLC
- Online Filing costs $250.
- Annual Report filing costs $200
- Name Reservation fee costs $20
- By Mail: Fill out the application form, and send it to NC Secretary of State Business Registration, P.O. Box 29622, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0622. Costs $250.
Note that filing online is ideal, not only because you need to go to the Secretary of State office, but also it would be faster. You won’t have to wait in a queue in doing so.
North Carolina LLC Formation Service or Registered Agent Fee
You need a registered agent to form an LLC in North Carolina, hence, added costs for service fees. Here are three of the best LLC services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries.
LLC Service | Our Rating & Pricing | Top Features | Learn More |
#1 TOP PICK  | $49 + State Fees |
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 | $299 + State Fees |
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Business Permits and Licenses
The business licenses depend on your business’s activity and location and are renewed yearly. As such, the cost will vary. Check the North Carolina Department of Revenue for regulatory boards or agencies requiring licensing.
Taxes payable to North Carolina Department of Revenue
An LLC in North Carolina has to pay several State as well as Federal Taxes at the stage of formation & during its operation. Read this article to know more about these taxes. The North Carolina State Department of Revenue charges several taxes on an LLC. The two main State Taxes are:
State Income Tax
An LLC owner has to pay state tax on any amount he draws via his LLC. The earnings are taxed through the personal tax return. The standard income tax rate in North Carolina is 5.25%. One can apply for all the standard allowances and deductions.
State Sales & Use Tax
Every LLC which is a service provider or is a seller of tangible goods is bound to the sales & use tax in North Carolina. The LLC has to collect taxes & then pay those to the North Carolina Department of Revenue. The Sales & Use Tax is different in different regions, counties, & cities.
The current state sales & use tax rate on LLC in North Carolina is 4.75%
Federal Self-Employment Tax
As the name suggests, Federal Self-Employment Tax is paid by all the LLC Business members or managers. This kind of tax applies to all the earnings a member withdraws from the business.
The Federal self-employment tax rate in North Carolina is 15.3 percent.
Federal Income Tax
The Federal Income Tax is calculated on the basis of the earnings, the income tax bracket your LLC falls, the deductions, & the manner/ mode of filing.
Federal Income Tax is levied on all the profits your LLC makes minus the deductions & allowances such as Healthcare or Retirement Plans.
Employee & Employer Taxes
If you have several employees who draw monthly salaries, there will be some added Employee-Employer taxes. These tax implications vary, depending on various factors, e.g., the amount, number of employees, etc.
Cost Comparison Between States
North Carolina is surrounded by many states, namely Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, etc. Each of these states has a different rate of taxes levied on LLCs. Let us take a look at this comparative chart.
| States | Filing Fee | Annual/Biennial Fee | Sales Tax |
| North Carolina | $125 | $200 | 4.75% |
| Virginia | $104 | $50 | 5.3% |
| South Carolina | $110 | $10 | 6% |
| Georgia | $100 | $25 | 4% |
| Tennessee | $520 | $500 | 7% |
Based on the kind of industry you LLC operated in, your LLC will be liable to some other taxes & duties. For Example, if your LLC is in the sector of import & export, you have to pay the import-export duty.
You should consult with a professional to verify the tax rates or business costs of registering an LLC in North Carolina.
Other Costs
- North Carolina Name Reservation: $10 for online fillings or by mail
- Doing Business As (DBA): $26 for online filling or if filing by mail
- Certified Document Copies: $10 per document.
- Certified of Good Standing: $15
- Business Domain Name and Website: depend on your preference, but domain name could be as low as $2.99/yr at NameCheap, and web hosting is at least $30/mo at Kinsta.
- Online workspace: at least $4.20/mo for GSuite.
- Business Insurance: would vary depending on insurance type–whether general liability insurance or professional liability insurance–and coverage.
- Dissolution of North Carolina LLC: $30
How Much Does It Cost to Maintain an LLC in North Carolina
To maintain an LLC in North Carolina you will need to pay an annual fee of $200 along with state sales & use tax at 4.75%, state income tax at 5.25% and federal taxes.
If you’re thinking about setting up a limited liability company in North Carolina, you’re probably wondering how much it costs to maintain an LLC. The answer depends on the type of business you’re running and what type of licenses you need. Some companies don’t require licenses and others require them. An LLC in North Carolina must file annual reports, pay taxes, and adhere to regulations. It must also hold regular member meetings and document its decisions in writing.
The annual registration fee for a North Carolina LLC is $200. The fee is due by April 15 of each year and covers the costs of filing business documents. An annual report must be filed by the 15th of the fourth month following the fiscal year end. You can file it online or print a paper version of it. In either case, you need to include the name of the business and the names of its managers and members.
A North Carolina bank account is another important cost of keeping your LLC up and running. Your business will need to obtain a state license or local permit to operate. This fee can vary based on the type of license you have. It’s important to remember that some banks provide business checking accounts for free, while others charge monthly maintenance fees. A North Carolina bank account will typically come with a debit card.
Creating a legally binding operating agreement is also an important part of the process. Operating agreements help to avoid conflicts and help distinguish your LLC from other businesses. They also strengthen the protection you have from personal liability. LLCs are not required to use operating agreements, but if you’re looking for a more formalized and legal way to run your business, an operating agreement could be the right choice.
The next step in forming an LLC is to file the Articles of Organization with the state. You can pay a fee for same-day processing or 24-hour processing. The process can take anywhere from three to 15 days. You’ll also need to hire a registered agent, or an individual authorized to do business in the state. They will accept and file legal documents on behalf of your LLC and notify the members. Lastly, you’ll need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
Filing an annual report with the state is an important part of operating an LLC in North Carolina. This document is required every year, and is due by April 15th. You can file your annual report online or send it by mail. The filing fee for an online filing is $202, while the filing fee for a mail-filing is $200.
Once your LLC has been set up, you’ll need to get insurance for it. If you’ll be operating in the state, you’ll need to obtain insurance for your property, and you’ll also need professional liability insurance. These insurance policies will protect you from any lawsuits you may face.
F.A.Qs
It is possible to form an LLC without professional help, but forms still have associated costs, regardless of where your LLC is formed.
It is difficult to say whether forming an LLC is expensive. Nevertheless, the cost could be anywhere from $40 to $500. If you refuse to hire professionals, you’ll still have expenses like form fees to cover.
The need to separate personal money from business funds, thus necessitating the creation of a business bank account for your LLC.
In Conclusion
The cost of North Carolina is much lower compared to other forms of business. Apart from the state filing fees and annual taxes, you might bear the cost of the registered agent. Compare the price of professional LLC services and choose the most affordable one.