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Business Formation / LLC North Carolina
Business Formation / LLC North Carolina
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How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in North Carolina?
š Initial Formation Costs
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $125 | One-time filing fee with NC Secretary of StateĀ |
| Name Reservation (optional) | $30 | Holds name for 120 days |
| DBA (Assumed Name) | $26 | County-level filing fee (may vary slightly) |
| Registered Agent | $0ā$300/year | Free if self-appointed; professional services average $100ā$300 |
| Operating Agreement | $0ā$500 | Template is free; attorney-drafted may incur fees |
| EIN (Federal Tax ID) | $0 | Free through IRS |
š Ongoing Annual Costs
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Report | $200 (paper) or $203 (online) | Due AprilāÆ15 each yearĀ |
| Franchise Tax | $200 minimum | Applies if elected corporate taxation; most LLCs owe at least this |
| Registered Agent Service | $0ā$300 | Annual cost if using a professional service |
š Additional Possible Fees
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Expedited Filing:
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24āhour: $100
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Sameāday: $200Ā
-
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Certificate of Existence: $15Ā
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Certified Copies or DBA filings: Typically $10ā26Ā
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Local License or Permit Fees: Vary by industry and municipalityāfrom $0 to several hundred dollarsĀ
š° Total Estimated Costs
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Minimum Startup (DIY): ~$125 (Articles + self-agent + EIN + agreement)
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Typical First-Year: ~$200ā$450 (including optional name reservation, DBA, agent service)
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Annual Maintenance: ~$200ā$700 (Annual Report, franchise tax, agent service, plus occasional extras)
ā Why NC Is Startup-Friendly
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Low initial fee: $125 to file Articles
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No publication requirement
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Predictable annual costs: Major expenses are well-defined
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Flexibility: DIY saves money on agents, agreements, and filings
š Quick Summary
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Formation: $125 filing + optional extras
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Annual: ~$200 in mandatory state fees + optional services
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Optional services: Agent, expedited processing, licenses, document copies
š What additional costs am I responsible for?
In addition to our fee, you will be potentially responsible for the costs of some or all of the items below if applicable.
- LicensesĀ
- Filing Fees
- Reports
- Name Reservations
- Articles of Organization
