Cost guide
How Much Does an LLC Cost in North Carolina?
Filing it yourself, a North Carolina LLC costs $125 to start (about $325 in year one) — everything else on the typical "LLC cost" list is either free or optional. Here's the honest breakdown.
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| Item | Cost | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization filing fee | $125 | Yes — one-time |
| Annual report / state tax | $200/year | Yes — recurring |
| EIN (federal tax ID) | $0 | Free from the IRS — never pay for this |
| Operating agreement | $0 | Recommended — use our free generator |
| Registered agent | $0 yourself, or ~$100–$150/yr for a service | Yes — but you can be your own |
| Formation service | $0–$300+ | Optional — you can file yourself |
Ongoing requirement in North Carolina: $200 mail / ~$202 online annual report, first due April 15 of the year after formation. Typical processing: ~1–2 weeks. Figures are estimates — verify with the North Carolina Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing. Doesn't include business licenses, permits, or taxes on income.
North Carolina LLC cost FAQ
How much does it cost to start an LLC in North Carolina?
The one-time Articles of Organization filing fee in North Carolina is $125. The recurring cost is $200/year ($200 mail / ~$202 online annual report, first due April 15 of the year after formation). An EIN from the IRS and writing your own operating agreement are both free. Verify the current fee with the North Carolina Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing.
Is a registered agent required, and does it cost extra in North Carolina?
Yes, North Carolina requires an LLC to have a registered agent, but you can act as your own at no cost if you have a physical address in the state and are available during business hours. A registered agent service typically runs about $100–$150 per year if you'd rather not use your own address.
What's the cheapest way to form an LLC in North Carolina?
Filing the Articles of Organization yourself directly with the state and acting as your own registered agent costs only the $125 state filing fee — no formation-service markup. A paid formation service adds convenience, not anything you can't do yourself. Verify the current fee with the North Carolina Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing.
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Next: read the full North Carolina LLC formation guide, check whether your business name is available in North Carolina, brainstorm ideas with the free name generator, or build your free formation checklist.