How To Start An LLC In North Carolina In 2025
Everything you need to know about forming an LLC in North Carolina, plus our expert-tested recommendations for the best formation services in the Tar Heel State.
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North Carolina makes LLC formation straightforward and business-friendly. With a $125 state filing fee, one of the lowest corporate income tax rates in the nation, and recognition as America's Top State for Business in 2025, North Carolina is an excellent choice for starting your LLC. Whether you're in Charlotte, Raleigh, Asheville, or anywhere else in the Tar Heel State, you can have your North Carolina LLC up and running quickly.
Our top pick for North Carolina LLC formation is ZenBusiness. They offer fast processing for North Carolina LLCs, include a year of free Worry-Free Compliance, and their $0 formation package means you only pay the $125 North Carolina state fee. With their expertise in North Carolina business law and excellent customer support, they make the entire process simple and stress-free.
Featured Partners
- Best filing & protections
- Fastest processing
- Free compliance for 1 yr
- Award-winning support
On ZenBusiness's Website
- Best for standard filing
- Fast processing options
- Free yr registered agent
- Lifetime company alerts
On Bizee's Website
- Best legal services
- Fast processing options
- AI legal forms
- Trusted since 1999
On LegalZoom's Website
- Best branding services
- Fast processing options
- Logo & website builder
- Establish your brand
On Tailor Brands's Website
Compare the Best North Carolina LLC Services of 2025
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and capabilities
| Feature | ZenBusiness Best Overall Value | Bizee Fastest Formation |  Inc Authority Free Formation | Tailor Brands Best for Branding | LegalZoom Best for Legal Support |  Rocket Lawyer Legal Documents |  BetterLegal Speed & Simplicity |  Active Filings Traditional Service |  Filenow Budget Option |  Northwest Basic Formation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $99.99 + state fees | $299 all-inclusive | $199 + state fees | $99 + state fees | $39 + state fees |
| Our Rating | 4.9 /5 | 4.6 /5 | 4.4 /5 | 4.3 /5 | 4.2 /5 | 4.0 /5 | 3.9 /5 | 3.8 /5 | 3.6 /5 | 3.4 /5 |
| Standard Processing | 7-10 days | 3 weeks | 7-10 days | 3 weeks | 5-14 days | 5-7 days | 2 days | 5-10 days | 7-10 days | 7-10 days |
| Rush Processing | 1 day +$79 | 1 day +$49 | 2 days +$99 | 1 day +$99 | Standard speed | 2 days +$100 | 3 days +$50 | |||
| Compliance Tools | Worry-Free Compliance Free 1st year | Alerts only Basic monitoring | Basic tools Included | Basic alerts Included | Premium only Extra cost | Document library With membership | Limited Basic support | Basic tools Limited | None Not available | None Not included |
| Registered Agent | $199/yr Not included | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr | Free Year 1 Then $199/yr | $119/yr Not included | $249/yr Not included | $149/yr Not included | Included In base price | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr | +$125/yr Not included | $125/yr Available |
| Operating Agreement | +$99 | +$99 | +$50 | Included | +$99 | Included | Included | +$99 | +$40 | +$39 |
| EIN Service | +$99 | +$70 | +$70 | Included | +$159 | +$99 | Included | +$70 | +$50 | +$70 |
| Customer Support | Phone, Chat, Email | Limited | Phone, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Chat | Phone, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Email | Email only | Email only |
| Mobile App | ||||||||||
| Attorney Access | ||||||||||
| Get Started | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → |
Note: State filing fees are additional for all services except where noted. Features and pricing may vary by state.
Our Top Picks for North Carolina LLC Services
Best Overall for North Carolina ZenBusiness excels at North Carolina LLC formation with their fast filing option and deep knowledge of North Carolina's specific requirements. They include their Worry-Free Compliance for the first year (saving you $199+), handle your NC Secretary of State registration, and provide ongoing compliance support. Their team is well-versed in North Carolina's annual report requirements and can help ensure you stay compliant with all state regulations.
Best For:
North Carolina entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and fast, accurate filing
Pros
- Fast North Carolina LLC filing available
- Free Worry-Free Compliance for 1 year
- Includes North Carolina annual report reminder service
- Expert support familiar with North Carolina requirements
- 100% accuracy guarantee on North Carolina filings
- Free EIN and operating agreement with Pro plan
Cons
- Premium features require upgraded plans
- Registered agent is $199/year
Fastest North Carolina Formation Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers quick North Carolina LLC formation with guaranteed fast processing. They provide a free North Carolina registered agent for the first year and their dashboard specifically tracks North Carolina's April 15th annual report deadline. Perfect for entrepreneurs who need their North Carolina LLC formed promptly.
Best For:
North Carolina businesses needing fast formation
Pros
- Fast North Carolina processing guaranteed
- Free North Carolina registered agent for first year
- Lifetime company alerts for North Carolina compliance
- Dashboard tracks North Carolina annual reports
- Free business tools and templates
- No hidden fees on basic package
Cons
- Operating agreement costs extra
- Limited phone support hours
Best Legal Support in NC LegalZoom brings decades of experience with North Carolina business formation. Their attorney network includes North Carolina-licensed lawyers who can provide state-specific legal advice. While their add-ons are pricier, they're ideal for North Carolina businesses with complex legal needs or those who want the security of professional legal backing.
Best For:
North Carolina businesses needing ongoing legal support and guidance
Pros
- Attorney consultations for North Carolina law
- Rush filing available for North Carolina (1-2 days)
- Comprehensive North Carolina legal forms library
- Phone support with North Carolina expertise
- 30+ years serving North Carolina businesses
- Peace of mind guarantee
Cons
- North Carolina registered agent costs $249/year
- Operating agreement extra (+$99)
Best North Carolina Branding Package Tailor Brands combines North Carolina LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Perfect for North Carolina's thriving business sectors, they help establish your brand identity while handling the legal formation. Their packages include everything needed to launch a professional North Carolina business presence online and offline.
Best For:
North Carolina creative businesses and startups needing branding
Pros
- Logo design and branding included
- Website builder with North Carolina business info
- Business cards with North Carolina address
- 1-2 day North Carolina processing
- EIN and operating agreement included
- Social media kit for North Carolina business
Cons
- Monthly subscription required
- No rush processing for North Carolina
Free North Carolina Formation Inc Authority offers genuinely free North Carolina LLC formation where you only pay the $125 state fee. They include a free North Carolina registered agent for the first year and handle all NC Secretary of State filings. While processing is slower than competitors, they're perfect for North Carolina entrepreneurs prioritizing cost savings over speed.
Best For:
Budget-conscious North Carolina entrepreneurs
Pros
- Truly free North Carolina LLC formation
- Free North Carolina registered agent for first year
- Free tax consultation for North Carolina businesses
- Handles NC Secretary of State filing
- No hidden fees on basic package
- North Carolina business forms included
Cons
- Processing takes 7-10 business days
- North Carolina registered agent renews at $119/year
- Aggressive upselling reported
Privacy Focused Northwest Registered Agent takes a minimalist approach to North Carolina LLC formation, focusing on privacy and straightforward service without the bells and whistles. They handle your North Carolina Secretary of State registration efficiently and provide registered agent services at competitive rates, making them ideal for business owners who prefer a simple, direct approach to LLC formation.
Best For:
North Carolina entrepreneurs who prioritize privacy and simple, no-frills service
Pros
- Strong privacy protection for North Carolina businesses
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Handles North Carolina Secretary of State filing
- No aggressive marketing or upselling
- Straightforward North Carolina LLC process
- Low-cost registered agent service
Cons
- Email-only customer support
- No rush processing for North Carolina filings
- Limited business tools and resources
- Basic operating agreement template
All-Inclusive & Fast BetterLegal offers a streamlined approach to North Carolina LLC formation with their comprehensive $299 service package plus North Carolina's $125 state filing fee. With guaranteed 2-business-day turnaround and transparent pricing, they're perfect for entrepreneurs who want speed and simplicity without hidden costs in their North Carolina LLC formation process.
Best For:
North Carolina businesses needing everything done quickly with transparent pricing
Pros
- Guaranteed 2-business-day North Carolina formation
- Everything included: formation, EIN, operating agreement, registered agent
- Transparent flat-rate pricing structure
- North Carolina-specific compliance guidance
- No hidden fees or surprise costs
- Streamlined single-package approach
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than budget options
- State filing fees are additional cost
- Limited ongoing support after formation
- Fewer customization options
Legal Platform Rocket Lawyer goes beyond simple North Carolina LLC formation to provide a comprehensive legal platform. With access to North Carolina-licensed attorneys and an extensive library of legal documents, they're ideal for businesses that need ongoing legal support. While formation takes longer than specialized services, the added legal resources make it worthwhile for complex North Carolina business needs.
Best For:
North Carolina businesses anticipating ongoing legal needs and document creation
Pros
- Access to North Carolina-licensed attorneys
- Comprehensive legal document library
- Ongoing legal support beyond formation
- Rush North Carolina processing available (additional fee)
- North Carolina business law resources
- Attorney consultations included with membership
Cons
- Monthly membership required for best value
- North Carolina formation takes 5-7 business days
- Higher costs compared to formation-only services
- Complex pricing structure
Traditional Service Active Filings provides reliable North Carolina LLC formation with a focus on personal service and phone support. While their pricing is higher than newer competitors, they offer a traditional approach that many North Carolina business owners appreciate, with knowledgeable representatives who understand North Carolina's specific LLC requirements and annual reporting deadlines.
Best For:
North Carolina entrepreneurs who prefer phone support and traditional business services
Pros
- Phone support with North Carolina expertise
- First year registered agent included
- Rush processing available for North Carolina
- Traditional, reliable service approach
- North Carolina annual report reminders
- Basic compliance tools included
Cons
- Higher starting price than competitors
- Limited online tools and resources
- Standard processing takes 5-7 days
- Fewer modern business features
Compliance Specialists Harbor Compliance specializes in the ongoing administrative and compliance aspects of North Carolina business ownership. While their basic LLC formation is straightforward, their real strength lies in helping established North Carolina businesses navigate complex regulatory requirements, making them ideal for companies planning significant growth or those with specialized compliance needs.
Best For:
North Carolina businesses with complex compliance needs or planning to expand
Pros
- Specialized in ongoing North Carolina compliance
- Corporate services and advanced structures
- North Carolina annual report filing services
- Business licensing assistance
- Registered agent services statewide
- Focus on regulatory requirements
Cons
- Higher fees for premium services
- Complex pricing for basic formation
- Longer processing times (7-10 days)
- Limited customer support hours
24-Hour Processing Filenow offers fast LLC formation for North Carolina businesses with 24-hour processing - the Starter package at $49 plus North Carolina's $125 state fee covers essentials, while the Premium plan at $199 includes valuable extras and makes them an excellent choice for North Carolina businesses that value speed and straightforward pricing.
Best For:
North Carolina entrepreneurs who need fast, budget-friendly formation with 24/7 support
Pros
- 24-hour order processing for North Carolina LLCs
- Unlimited phone, email, and chat support 24/7
- Competitive pricing with two straightforward plans
- North Carolina-specific compliance alerts included
- Electronic delivery of North Carolina state documents
- Premium plan includes free year of registered agent ($119 value)
Cons
- No free formation option (starts at $49)
- Newer company with shorter track record
- Limited ongoing compliance features compared to full-service providers
- No expedited same-day processing for North Carolina
North Carolina LLC Requirements & Steps
What You Need to Form a North Carolina LLC
- ✓ Unique LLC Name: Must include "Limited Liability Company" or "LLC" and be distinguishable from other North Carolina businesses
- ✓ North Carolina Registered Agent: Required by law - must have a North Carolina street address (no P.O. boxes)
- ✓ Articles of Organization: Filed with North Carolina Secretary of State
- ✓ EIN (Federal Tax ID): Required to open a business bank account and hire employees
- ✓ Operating Agreement: Not required by North Carolina but highly recommended
- ✓ Annual Report: Due by April 15th of each year
North Carolina LLC Costs
- • State Filing Fee: $125 (competitive nationwide)
- • Registered Agent: $100-$300/year (or free first year with most services)
- • EIN: Free from IRS, $50-$150 through formation services
- • Annual Report: $200 per year (due by April 15th)
- • Business License: Varies by city/county ($50-$400)
North Carolina LLC Timeline
- • Name Approval: Instant online check via NC Secretary of State
- • Processing Time: 1-5 business days
- • EIN Application: Instant online or 4 weeks by mail
- • Total Time to Launch: 1-7 business days with expedited service
Why Form Your LLC in North Carolina?
Tax Advantages
- • Low corporate income tax rate
- • Reasonable annual report fee ($200)
- • Business-friendly tax incentives
Business Environment
- • #1 Top State for Business 2025
- • Strong workforce and economy
- • Growing technology sector
- • Access to major markets on East Coast
Legal Protections
- • Strong asset protection laws
- • Charging order protection
- • Privacy for members
- • Flexible management structure
Low Operating Costs
- • Competitive state filing fee ($125)
- • Below-average construction costs
- • Low electricity and water rates
North Carolina LLC Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in North Carolina?
The North Carolina state filing fee is $125. Additional costs include a registered agent ($100-$300/year, though many services offer the first year free), EIN application (free from IRS or $50-$150 through a service), and the annual report fee of $200. Most North Carolina entrepreneurs spend between $125-$500 total to form their LLC, depending on which services they choose.
Do I need a registered agent for my North Carolina LLC?
Yes, North Carolina law requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a North Carolina street address (P.O. boxes are not acceptable). The registered agent receives legal documents and official state correspondence on behalf of your LLC. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a North Carolina address, but most business owners use a professional service for privacy and reliability. Some services include the first year free.
How long does it take to form an LLC in North Carolina?
North Carolina LLC processing typically takes 1-5 business days through the Secretary of State. With expedited service through providers like ZenBusiness or Bizee, you can have your North Carolina LLC approved quickly. Standard processing through the North Carolina Secretary of State is generally efficient. Online filing is faster than mail filing.
What is North Carolina's annual report requirement?
North Carolina LLCs must file an annual report by April 15th each year, starting the year after formation. The report costs $200 and can be filed online. It updates your business information including address, registered agent, and member/manager details. Failure to file can result in administrative dissolution after 60 days. Most formation services provide reminders and some will file it for you.
Can I form a North Carolina LLC if I don't live in North Carolina?
Yes, you don't need to be a North Carolina resident to form a North Carolina LLC. However, you must have a registered agent with a North Carolina street address. This is where professional registered agent services become essential for out-of-state business owners. Keep in mind you may also need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state if you're conducting business there.
What name requirements exist for North Carolina LLCs?
Your North Carolina LLC name must be unique and distinguishable from other businesses registered in the state. It must include "Limited Liability Company," "L.L.C.," or "LLC" at the end. You can check name availability on the NC Secretary of State website. Certain words like "bank," "insurance," or "trust" may require additional approval. You can also reserve a name for 120 days for a $30 fee if you're not ready to form your LLC yet.
Popular North Carolina Cities for LLCs
- • Raleigh
- • Durham
- • Chapel Hill
- • Cary
- • Charlotte
- • Concord
- • Gastonia
- • Huntersville
- • Greensboro
- • Winston-Salem
- • High Point
- • Burlington
- • Asheville
- • Wilmington
- • Fayetteville
- • Hickory
Ready to Start Your North Carolina LLC?
Join thousands of entrepreneurs who've successfully formed their North Carolina LLCs. Get started today with our top-rated formation services.