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Start a business in North Carolina.

Get state-specific filing instructions, fees, and licensing requirements — generated for you by AI.

Official North Carolina filing links

Direct links to the agencies you'll actually file with. All links open on official .gov sites.

Heads up — the links below take you to official government websites. We'll ask you to confirm before leaving Founder.
Search business names in North Carolina
Make sure your name is available before filing.
Opens official .gov site
File formation documents (North Carolina Secretary of State)
File Articles of Organization (LLC) or Incorporation (Corp) online.
Opens official .gov site
North Carolina Secretary of State
Main filing agency homepage.
Opens official .gov site

Federal filings (apply to every state)

Heads up — the links below take you to official government websites. We'll ask you to confirm before leaving Founder.
Apply for an EIN (IRS)
Free federal tax ID. Required for banking, payroll, and taxes.
Opens official .gov site
File BOI report (FinCEN)
Beneficial Ownership Information — required for most US entities.
Opens official .gov site
SBA — Small Business Administration
Federal guides, loans, and local resources.
Opens official .gov site
USPTO — Trademark search & filing
Search and register your business name or logo as a trademark.
Opens official .gov site
USDOT / FMCSA registration
Required for trucking and motor carriers.
Opens official .gov site

North Carolina at a glance

Fees and timelines reviewed for 2025. Always confirm on the official site before filing.

LLC filing fee
$125
Processing time
5–7 business days online
Annual report
Annual report — $200 LLC (due Apr 15)
Registered agent
Required — NC address
DBA / trade name
Assumed name at the county Register of Deeds
State tax overview
Income tax 4.5% flat; sales tax 4.75% state

Recommended tools & services

Trusted third-party platforms founders in North Carolina use to file, bank, build, and grow. Founder isn't affiliated with these companies — they're listed because beginners ask about them most.

These open external (non-government) websites. We'll ask you to confirm before leaving Founder.