Resources for Starting and Maintaining a Business in North Carolina
At CorpNet our mission is to help you start your business and help you keep it in compliance. To assist you in your entrepreneurial journey, we’ve collected answers to the most frequently asked questions small business owners have about starting and maintaining a business in the state of North Carolina.
Our goal is to provide you with a one-stop solution for all of your business, payroll tax registrations, and compliance filings. And if we can help you along the way, our team of entity filings and compliance experts is just a call away.
Quick Facts for Starting a North Carolina Business
Expedited Services Available: Yes
New Business Publishing Required: No
Private Registration Available: No
Registered Agent Required: Yes
Annual Report Required: Yes
Franchise Tax Required: Yes
State Sales Tax: 4.75%
State Income Tax: 2.5%
Unemployment Insurance: .06%-5.76%
DBAs do not require a registered agent.
North Carolina Business Entity Options
| Business Entity Type | State Fees | Applicable Form |
| Limited Partnership (LP) | $50 | Certificate of Domestic Limited Partnership (LP-01) |
| Registered Limited Liability Limited Partnership (RLLLP) | $125 | Certificate of Domestic Limited Partnership (LP-01) |
| Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | $125 | Application for Registration (LLP-01) |
| Limited Liability Company (LLC) | $125 | Articles of Organization (L-01) |
| Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) | $125 | Articles of Organization (PLLC-02) |
| Business Corporation | $125 | Articles of Incorporation (Form B-01) |
| Professional Corporation | $50 | Articles of Incorporation (PC-05) |
| Nonprofit Corporation | $60 | Articles of Incorporation (N-01) |
| Foreign Limited Partnership (LP) | $50 | Application for Registration (LP-04) |
| Foreign Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | $125 | Application for Registration (LLP-02) |
| Foreign Limited Liability Company | $250 | Application of Certificate of Authority (L-09) |
| Foreign Professional Limited Liability Companies | $250 | Application for Certificate of Authority (PLLC-01) |
| Foreign Business Corporation | $250 | Application of Certificate of Authority (B-09) |
| Foreign Professional Corporation | $250 | Application For Certificate of Authority (PC-01) |
| Foreign Nonprofit Corporation | $125 | Application of Certificate of Authority (N-09) |
Not Sure Which Type of Business You Need?
Launch CorpNet’s Business Structure Wizard to get suggested entities based on your unique needs. It’s free and easy to use.
Key North Carolina Government Resources
Feeling Overwhelmed? CorpNet Is Here To Help!
Below are all the ways CorpNet can help you and your business.
Our knowledge team of experts is here to help and all our services are backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
Business Formation and Launch
- Business Name Search
- Business Name Reservation
- Form a North Carolina LLC
- Incorporate in North Carolina
- File a DBA
- Appoint a Registered Agent in North Carolina
- Obtain an Employee Identification Number (EIN)
- Register for North Carolina Payroll Taxes
- Request a Permit for Sales and Use Tax
- Research Required Business Licenses
Ongoing Business Compliance
Additional Resources and Articles
Compare Entities
- Choosing a Business Structure
- Business Structures Wizard
- Sole Proprietorship vs. Partnership
- Sole Proprietorship vs. LLC
- LLC vs. Partnership
- LLC vs. Corporation
- C Corporation vs. S Corporation
- S Corporation vs. LLC
- LLC vs. S Corp vs. C Corp
- DBA vs. LLC
- LLP vs. LLC
- LLC vs. PLLC
- Professional Corporation vs. LLC
- Single Member vs. Multiple Member LLC
- Member vs. Manager-Managed LLC
- Domestic LLC vs. Foreign LLC
Common Questions
- What is a Certificate of Incorporation?
- What is a Certificate of Registration?
- What is a Statement of Information?
- What are Articles of Incorporation?
- What are Articles of Organization?
- What is an Annual Franchise Tax Report?
- What is a Certificate of Authority?
- What is a Statement of Purpose?
- What Is a Fictitious Name?
- What is a Pass-Through Entity?
- What is the Owner of an LLC Called?
- What is the Role of an LLC Organizer?
- What Is a Registered Agent?
- What is a Statutory Agent?
- What is a Reseller License?
- What is a Corporate Resolution?
- What Is a Letter of Good Standing?
Helpful Templates
Need a Small Business Compliance Checklist?
Business compliance can slip through the cracks! As your existing business evolves, you are required to file notify the state of any changes. Many business owners lose sight of these requirements and fail to realize they haven’t met compliance requirements.
Use our compliance checklist to determine which business filings you need to perform to manage this year’s activities and changes.
