How Much Does an LLC Cost in North Carolina? (2026 Fees)
Forming an LLC in North Carolina costs $125 in state filing fees. $200 annual report every year by April 15. Your first-year total to the state is $125, plus a registered agent if you don't use your own North Carolina address.
Last verified November 7, 2026 against official North Carolina sources.
North Carolina LLC fees
| Fee | Amount | When | Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Form L-01) | $125 | Once, to form the LLC | Yes |
| Annual report | $200 | Every year by April 15, starting the year after you form | Yes |
| Registered agent | $0 if you use your own in-state address; a service usually costs $100–$300 a year | Every year | Yes |
| Name reservation (Form BE-03) | $30 | Optional, holds the name 120 days | No |
| First year (state fees) | $125 | ||
| Every year after | $200 | ||
File it yourself
Pay only the state fee and file directly with the North Carolina Secretary of State. Best if you're comfortable with forms and will track your own yearly filings.
File with the North Carolina Secretary of StateBefore you pay $125, make sure the name is free
North Carolina rejects a filing if the name is already taken, and a name you can't get as a .com or on Instagram is hard to build on. Check both first. Search the North Carolina register, then check the domain and handles here:
Is your business name free online?
After you form your LLC
- Find your domain
Get the matching domain
Customers search for you online before they buy. Lock in the .com while it's free.
- Start your store
Start selling online
Open a store under your new business name and take your first order.
- Get your email
Get a business email
Send from you@yourbusiness.com instead of a Gmail address — customers and banks take it more seriously.
- Build your site
Put up a website
A simple site makes your new business look real to customers and banks.
North Carolina LLC cost questions
Does North Carolina have an annual LLC fee?
Yes. Every North Carolina LLC files an annual report with the Secretary of State for $200, due by April 15. The first one is due the year after the LLC is formed.
What happens if I miss the North Carolina annual report?
The Secretary of State can administratively dissolve the LLC, which means it loses its good standing and, eventually, its claim to the name. You can reinstate it, but you pay the missed reports plus a reinstatement fee.
Do I need a registered agent in North Carolina?
Yes. Every North Carolina LLC needs a registered agent with a physical North Carolina address to receive legal papers. You can be your own agent for free if you have one, or pay a service — usually $100–$300 a year.
Can I form a North Carolina LLC myself?
Yes. You can file directly with the North Carolina Secretary of State and pay only the state fee. A formation service files for you and usually adds a registered agent and reminders for yearly filings — useful if you'd rather not handle the paperwork.
Should I check my LLC name before I pay the filing fee?
Yes. If the name is already taken in North Carolina, the state rejects the filing. Search the state register first, and check the .com and social handles too, so you don't form an LLC under a name you can't use online.
Sources
Fees change. Always confirm the amount on the official page before you file. Comparing states? See LLC costs in every state we cover.
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