Whether you are starting a business or incorporating an existing one in North Carolina, you’ll want to understand state requirements for North Carolina corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs).
North Carolina Corporation Formation Requirements
Cost to incorporate. BizFilings clearly outlines our fees and the state fees to form a corporation in North Carolina. View our pricing to plainly see:
- BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
- State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in North Carolina with standard turn-around.
- Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
- 48-hour turn-around. There is a 48-hour filing option in North Carolina, which is outlined in our pricing.
- Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Articles of Incorporation.
Corporate name. The name must contain the word "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Company," Limited," or the abbreviation "Corp.," "Inc.," "Co.," or "Ltd." Names may not contain language stating or implying the corporation is organized for purposes not permitted North Carolina law and its Articles of Incorporation. The name must be distinguishable from the name of any domestic, foreign, or nonprofit corporation, or the reserved or registered name of a limited liability company or partnership. Use of words such as “Insurance,” “Mutual,” “Trust,” “Wholesale,” and “Engineering” must be approved by the appropriate state department or agency.
Director information. The following are North Carolina’s requirements for directors of corporations.
- Minimum number. Corporations must have one or more directors.
- Residence requirements. North Carolina does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
- Age requirements. North Carolina does not have age requirements.
- Inclusion in the Articles of Incorporation. Director names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Articles of Incorporation. An increase in the number of shares or par value does not affect initial filing fees.
Registered agent. Corporations must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no P.O. Boxes) in North Carolina. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.
Professional services businesses. Professional corporations (PCs) are allowed to be formed in North Carolina for professional services businesses.