Start a Business in North Carolina

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This guide on starting your business in North Carolina provides step-by-step instructions on the paperwork to file formation documents, obtain tax IDs, and set up company records.

Step-By-Step Startup

Below is an overview of the paperwork, cost, and time to form each of the most popular business structures. Simply click on the link for your desired structure to view detailed step-by-step instructions.

If you have not decided whether you want to form an LLC, corporation, or other business structure, click here.
If wish to form your business in a different state than North Carolina, click here.

Structure	Paperwork	Cost	Time
North Carolina Limited Liability Company Click for step-by-step instructions	Form BE-01: Cover Sheet for Corporate Filings Form L-01: Limited Liability Company Articles of Organization Operating Agreement IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN Form NC-BR: Business Registration Application for Income Tax Withholding, Sales and Use Tax, and Machinery and Equipment Tax	Formation: $125 + optional $100-200 expedite fee	Formation: ~5-7 business days. 24 hours for $100 expedite fee. Same day for $200 expedite fee (submit by noon).
North Carolina Corporation Click for step-by-step instructions	Form B-01: Articles of Incorporation for Business Form BE-01: Cover Sheet for Corporate Filings Bylaws IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN Form 2553: S-Corp Election, if desired Form NC-BR: Business Registration Application for Income Tax Withholding, Sales and Use Tax, and Machinery and Equipment Tax	Incorporation: $125 + optional $100-$200 expedite fee	Incorporation: ~5-7 business days. 24 hours for $100 expedite fee. Same day for $200 expedite fee (submit by noon).
North Carolina Nonprofit Click for step-by-step instructions	Form N-01: Articles of Incorporation for Nonprofit Form N-14: Tax Exempt Status Information Bylaws IRS Form SS-4: Apply for EIN IRS Form 1023: Application for 501(c)(3) Exemption IRS Determination Letter Form NC-BR: Business Registration Application for Income Tax Withholding, Sales and Use Tax, and Machinery and Equipment Tax, if applicable Form CD-345: Corporate Franchise and Income Tax Questionnaire for Nonprofits NC Solicitation License Application - Charitable or Sponsor Organization, if required	Incorporation: $60 + optional $100-200 expedite fee 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee North Carolina charitable registration: $0-$200 depending on gross contributions ($0 if exempt)	Incorporation: ~5-7 business days. 24 hours for $100 expedite fee. Same day for $200 expedite fee (submit by noon). 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in North Carolina

Your LLC or corporation business name must include one of the required corporate designators.
If you're in a hurry, the NC Secretary of State will expedite your formation within 24 hours for a $100 expedite fee.
The NC Secretary of State automatically notifies the NC Department of Revenue of your formation. The Department of Revenue send you a six-part questionnaire (Form CD-345) to be used for determination of tax status in regards to corporate and franchise taxes.
Appointing a registered agent is required. This can be an unexpected but necessary expense for business owners who do not keep regular hours at a physical address within the state.
Corporations and LLCs must file an annual report with the North Carolina Secretary of State. The fee for an LLC is $200 whereas a corporation only pays $25. Nonprofit corporations need not file.

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Start a Business in North Carolina

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Step-By-Step Startup

Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in North Carolina