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North Carolina LLC cost

Forming an LLC in North Carolina costs $125 in state filing fees. Expect about $125 in known state charges in year one and $200 a year after that.

Last checked October 28, 2026 · core fees verified on official state pages.

North Carolina LLC fee table

ItemFeeHow oftenStatus
Base formation filing$125One timeverified source
Annual report$200annualverified source
Name reservation (optional)not verifiedOne timeunverified
Expedited processing (optional)Same day: $200Per filingverified
Foreign LLC registration (out-of-state LLCs)$250One timeverified source
Registered agent$0 if you serve yourself; typically $100–150/yr paidYearlytypical market range

Deadlines

First report April 15 of the year after the articles take effect; then April 15 annually.

Cheapest legal way to form in North Carolina

  • File online directly with the state; a paid service is optional.
  • Be your own registered agent if you have a North Carolina street address.
  • Skip name reservation and expedite unless you need them.
  • Get your EIN free from the IRS.

North Carolina LLC cost calculator

1Where will you form your LLC?

More options
Also doing business in other states? Tick each one. Each adds a foreign registration and its yearly fees.

2What it costs

North Carolina LLC cost FAQ

How much does it cost to form an LLC in North Carolina?

The state filing fee for the base formation filing is $125. Known state charges in year one come to about $125, before optional services.

What are the ongoing state fees for a North Carolina LLC?

Annual report $200 (annual). Averaged per year that is about $200.

When is the North Carolina LLC report due?

First report April 15 of the year after the articles take effect; then April 15 annually.

Does North Carolina require LLC newspaper publication?

No. North Carolina has no newspaper publication requirement for LLCs (only New York, Arizona and Nebraska do).

Can I be my own registered agent in North Carolina?

Usually yes, if you have a physical street address in North Carolina (not a P.O. box) where you can accept legal papers during business hours. Paid agents typically cost about $100–150 a year.

How much does it cost to register an out-of-state LLC in North Carolina?

Foreign LLC registration costs $250, plus North Carolina's ongoing report fees.

Sources

Checked October 28, 2026. Fees change; confirm on the official site before filing.

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