North Carolina LLC Cost (2026)
See North Carolina LLC costs in 2026, including state filing fees, recurring fees, registered agent, EIN, taxes, licenses, and common add-on costs.
LLC Route Editorial Team
Reviewed against official state and federal resources.
Updated July 28, 2026
Educational guide, not legal or tax advice.
North Carolina LLC cost starts with a $125 Articles of Organization filing. The LLC then files an annual report due April 15. The report fee is $200 on paper or $203 online, including the electronic filing fee.
Educational note: This guide is for general informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Confirm current requirements with North Carolina Secretary of State, Department of Revenue, Department of Commerce, local agencies, IRS, and qualified professionals.
Most people need this first
| If you are trying to decide… | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $125 |
| Annual report | $200 paper / $203 online |
| Annual report deadline | April 15 |
| Registered agent required? | Yes |
| Name reservation | Optional; confirm current fee with the Secretary of State |
| EIN | $0 from IRS |
| NC-BR tax registration | Separate when tax accounts apply |
| Local or professional licenses | Varies by activity and location |
For many North Carolina LLCs, the practical order is:
Search name -> choose registered agent -> file Articles of Organization -> create operating agreement -> get EIN if needed -> complete NC-BR when required -> register as an employer when hiring -> check local and industry licenses -> file annual report by April 15
North Carolina LLC cost at a glance
| Cost or requirement | Amount | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $125 | Main domestic LLC formation filing |
| Annual report on paper | $200 | Due April 15 |
| Annual report online | $203 | Includes electronic filing fee |
| EIN | $0 | Free directly from IRS |
| NC-BR registration | Varies | Sales tax, withholding, and other accounts are separate |
| Employer registration | Varies | Separate when hiring or otherwise liable |
| Local or industry licenses | Varies | County, city, and industry rules may apply |
Formation filing cost
North Carolina Secretary of State lists a $125 fee for domestic LLC Articles of Organization. The filing creates the LLC record, but it does not pay for registered agent service, EIN assistance, NC-BR tax accounts, payroll registration, or licenses.
Annual report cost
North Carolina LLC annual reports are due April 15 each year. The state fee is $200 for paper filing or $203 for online filing. The annual report is a Secretary of State compliance filing, not a federal or state income tax return.
Costs that are separate
The $125 formation filing does not automatically include:
- Registered agent service
- EIN filing help from a private company
- North Carolina sales tax or withholding registration
- Unemployment insurance employer account
- County or city business permits
- Professional or industry licenses
- Operating agreement
- Annual report filing
Cost FAQ
How much does it cost to start a North Carolina LLC?
The state formation fee is $125. Plan separately for any registered agent, tax registration, licenses, and later annual reports.
How much is the North Carolina LLC annual report?
It is $200 on paper or $203 online, due April 15.
Does formation include NC-BR?
No. NC-BR tax registration is separate when the business needs sales tax, withholding, or other state tax accounts.
Is EIN free?
Yes. EINs are free when requested directly from the IRS.
Official resources
- North Carolina LLC formation guide
- North Carolina Secretary of State fees
- North Carolina Department of Revenue business registration
- North Carolina Business Licenses and Permits
- IRS EIN application
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