[0:00] The short answer Dan: To start an LLC in North Carolina, you file Articles of Organization, Form L-01, with the North Carolina Secretary of State and pay the $125 filing fee. Maya: And that's the whole upfront cost? Dan: Of the state's part, yes. Online by card, a $3 fee brings it to $128. The bigger number comes later, because the annual report in North Carolina is $200. Maya: This is The Business Formation Podcast. Today, North Carolina for 2026, in six steps, with what it all costs and the three best ways to have it filed for you. Let's start with the name. [0:41] Step 1: Choose a name Dan: In North Carolina, your LLC's name must include limited liability company, LLC, or L.L.C. It also has to be distinguishable from names already on the Secretary of State's records. Maya: How do I check what's taken? Dan: The Secretary of State's business registry is free to search. If you find a name and want to hold it, a reservation is $10 and lasts 120 days. Maya: Ten dollars is a small price for 120 days. Dan: It is. The reservation only makes sense, though, if you're not ready to file yet. Maya: What if my first choice is taken? Dan: Then adjust it until it's distinguishable on the records. A different word or a different order often does it. [1:26] Step 2: Name a registered agent Maya: Who can be my agent? Dan: A North Carolina resident, or a business authorized there, with a business office at the registered office's street address. The agent also has to agree to act. Maya: Can I do it myself? Dan: If you live in North Carolina, yes, you can be your own agent. The LLC itself can't. Maya: That's more relaxed than some states. Dan: A little. But the agent's name and address are public, which is why many owners use a commercial agent instead of a home address. Maya: And changing agents? Dan: A statement of change of registered agent costs $5. [2:03] Step 3: File Articles of Organization Maya: Okay, the filing itself. Dan: You submit Form L-01 to the Secretary of State, online or by mail, and pay $125. Online by credit card, the $3 fee brings it to $128. Maya: What does the form ask for? Dan: The name, each person signing as a member or organizer, your registered agent with its street address and county, and a principal office if you have one. Maya: I'm Maya, by the way, here with Dan. Dan: Good to have you, Maya. Maya: How long does North Carolina take? Dan: New entities take 5 to 10 business days, and online is faster. Maya: And if I want it sooner? Dan: You can pay $100 for 24-hour filing, or $200 for same day. [2:48] Step 4: Write an operating agreement Maya: Is the operating agreement filed? Dan: No. Keep it with your records. There's no state fee. Maya: Does the law make me write one? Dan: North Carolina counts written, oral, or implied agreements. So the law doesn't make you pick one form, but a written one is the safest. Maya: What do I put in it? Dan: Who owns what, how profits are split, who makes decisions, and what happens if a member leaves. Maya: Even with one member? Dan: Yes. It can be short, but it should exist. [3:19] Step 5: Get a free EIN Maya: What about the federal tax ID? Dan: Apply free with the IRS at IRS.gov, after the Secretary of State files your Articles. Maya: Do I wait for it? Dan: If the online application is approved, the number is issued right away. Keep the Social Security number or ITIN of the person in charge handy. Maya: And the beneficial ownership report? Dan: You can skip it for a U.S. company. FinCEN dropped the requirement. [3:44] Step 6: File the annual report by April 15 Maya: Now the yearly part. Dan: An annual report, due April 15 every year, starting the year after you form. The fee is $200 on paper, or $203 online by card. Maya: Two hundred dollars a year? Dan: It is, and it's the number to budget for from day one. Maya: What if I miss April 15? Dan: There's no late fee. But if it's 60 days overdue, the state can send a notice. An LLC that doesn't fix it within 60 more days is dissolved. Maya: And getting it back? Dan: Reinstatement costs $100, plus the reports you missed. Maya: So skipping a year costs you more than the report. Dan: Yes. Reinstating is $100, and you owe each report you missed on top of that. [4:33] What it costs Maya: What's the state bill if I do it all? Dan: $125 to form, or $128 online by card. Then $200 a year for the annual report, or $203 online by card. The EIN is free. Maya: Anything optional? Dan: A name reservation at $10. Faster filing at $100 or $200. A change of agent at $5. Maya: Add those up for the fanciest first year. Dan: $125 plus the $10 reservation plus $200 for same-day filing is $335. Maya: So the standard path stays well under that. Dan: The standard path is $125. The rest is a choice. [5:20] A year-one checklist Maya: Order of operations? Dan: Check the name. Pick your agent. File Form L-01. Write the operating agreement. Get your EIN. Maya: And then? Dan: Mark April 15. The first report comes due the year after you form. Maya: Where do I file it? Dan: The Secretary of State lists the annual report due dates, and you can file online by card or on paper. Maya: So if I form in November, I wait until the next April? Dan: The report starts the year after the year of formation, so yes. Don't forget it, because there's no late fee to remind you. [5:56] The 3 best ways to file in North Carolina Maya: And if I'd rather not do this myself? Dan: Here are the three best ways to file in North Carolina. Number one, our pick, is Mainstay Filing, $199 a year plus the state fee. With the $128 state fee, checkout comes to $327. Maya: What do I get? Dan: Your Form L-01 filed, your EIN application, and your registered agent every year. It renews at the same $199. And in North Carolina, it prepares and files your annual report by April 15. Maya: What do I pay for the report? Dan: Just the state's fee, at cost. Maya: Number two? Dan: NC Registered Agent.org. It prepares and files your Articles for $199 plus the state fee, with a free first year of registered agent service, then $99 a year. Maya: And three? Dan: North Carolina Registered Agent.co. Same offer: $199 plus the state fee, a free first year of agent service, then $99 a year. Maya: How do I decide? Dan: If you'll file your own annual report each April, two and three cost less from year two, at $99 for the agent alone. If you want the agent and the April 15 filing at one steady price, that's Mainstay. The state's fee for the report is the same with all three. [7:29] Three years of service fees Maya: Give me three-year numbers. Dan: Mainstay is $199 a year, so $597. The other two are $199 in year one, then $99 and $99, for $397. Maya: Two hundred apart. Dan: Yes. And that gap buys you an April 15 report that's filed on time. [7:52] Recap Maya: Run the whole path one more time. Dan: Choose a name with LLC in it, name a registered agent at a North Carolina street address, file Form L-01 for $125, write an operating agreement, get your free EIN, and file your $200 annual report by April 15 every year. Maya: The links to all three services and every official source are in the show notes. Thanks for listening to The Business Formation Podcast, and good luck with your new North Carolina LLC.