Start your North Carolina LLC with confidence
Whether you're ready to form an LLC on your own—or want advice every step of the way—we've got your back.
Have questions? Call (833) 799-4891 to speak with a business specialist.
Have questions? Call (833) 799-4891 to speak with a business specialist.
Find the right fit for your business
I can do most of the work myself
I want advice from experienced attorneys
Basic
$0
+ state filing fees
Only articles of organization filed with the state.
I only need what it takes to make my business official.
Form my LLC
Includes:
Articles of organization, the document needed to officially register your LLC with the state
Name check service, to confirm that your preferred business name is available
Includes:
Articles of organization
Name check service
Recommended
Pro
$249
+ state filing fees
Best for those planning to start and operate a business or side hustle.
I need the essentials to operate my business.
Form my LLC
Includes Basic package, plus:
An operating agreement, which helps you set entity guidelines and settle disputes
An EIN, which is used to file taxes, open bank accounts, and build your staff
Bookkeeping tools to track expenses, send invoices, and save on taxes—1 year subscription included†
Access to over 150 customizable legal documents—1 year included
Unlimited eSignatures to send and sign agreements online—1 year included
Customizable website, to establish your professional online presence in minutes—powered by
Includes Basic package, plus:
Operating agreement
EIN (federal tax ID)
Bookkeeping tools: track expenses, send invoices, save on taxes—1 year subscription included†
150+ customizable legal docs for 1 year
Unlimited eSignatures for 1 year
Customizable website powered by
Attorney advice
Premium
Premium
$299
+ state filing fees
Best for those who want an experienced attorney to ensure they get everything right.
I want an experienced attorney to ensure I form my business right.
Form my LLC
Includes Pro package, plus:
Hands-on guidance from an experienced business attorney that you choose based on state, years of experience, and rating
Unlimited 30-minute attorney consultations about new legal topics related to your business—30 day subscription included ‡
Any changes to your LLC formation documents within the first 30 days
Includes Pro package, plus:
Guidance from experienced business attorneys
Unlimited 30-minute attorney consultations about new legal topics related to your business—30 day subscription included‡
Any changes to LLC formation documents within the first 30 days
Why use LegalZoom to set up your LLC?
Why use LegalZoom to set up your LLC?
Kickstart in minutes
Start your LLC in 3 easy steps with the industry leader in online business formation.
Set it up right
Our tools offer step-by-step guidance to help you launch and protect your new business.
Get the help you need
Our network of experienced professionals can assist your launch and help you grow.
What you need to know about forming an LLC
What you need to know about forming an LLC
What is an LLC?
A limited liability company (LLC) is a type of business entity you can register in your state. The main purpose of an LLC company is to limit the personal liability of its owners—like a C or S corporation—but it also allows the business to operate with simpler rules and more flexible tax requirements.
Do I need an LLC?
An LLC isn't always required, but many small business owners choose to form an LLC for personal liability protection. Having an LLC can also help you open bank accounts, enter into contracts, hire employees, and get necessary business licenses and permits.
What does LLC formation mean?
When you form an LLC, you submit a specific set of business forms to the state where you wish to create a new business entity. Once it's approved, you can use this separate entity to record business expenses, take on business debts, file taxes, obtain business licenses, and more—and this is what gives you liability protection.
How easy is it to form an LLC?
You may be a little intimidated by the idea of forming a legal entity like an LLC, especially if it's your first time. All you need is an understanding of what your business will do, how you plan to run it, and your state's LLC filing fees. Even if your business requires a retail location, you don't need a physical address lined up to begin your LLC formation.
Ready to get your LLC?
Start your LLC with the industry leader in online business formation
Start my LLC
Ready to get your LLC?
Start my LLC
Use LegalZoom to start your business
in 3 easy steps
Use LegalZoom to start your business
in 3 easy steps
in 3 easy steps
01
Tell us about your business
Let us know basic details about your business.
02
Choose the services you need
Take your business to the next level with LegalZoom's services.
03
Sit back while we make it official
Let us take care of the rest while you get back to business!
3 reasons for creating an LLC
3 reasons for creating an LLC
Protect your assets
By forming an LLC and keeping your personal finances separate, you can protect your personal assets from business liabilities.
Make things easier
It's typically easier to form an LLC than a corporation, and there are simpler rules for things like record-keeping.
Get tax flexibility
You get to decide how you're taxed—as an LLC or a corporation—to maximize your ability to save money and minimize tax liability.
LLC vs. corporation:
What's the difference?
LLC vs. corporation:
What's the difference?
There are several important differences between an LLC and a corporation:
LLC VS CORPORATION
LLC
Flexible management structure
LLC owners have more freedom to decide how the business is run and managed.
More taxation options
An LLC has flexibility in how it is taxed to help maximize savings.
Minimal record-keeping
An LLC does not need to record minutes or hold an annual shareholder meeting.
LLC VS CORPORATION
Corporation
Owned by shareholders
Corporations have shareholders instead of members, and they issue stock.
Look more official
Corporations are often seen as more credible, which can make it easier to do business with other companies.
More appealing to investors
A C corp, but not an S corp, can go public and issue stock to new investors, which makes it easier to raise revenue.
LLC VS CORPORATION
LLC
Flexible management structure
LLC owners have more freedom to decide how the business is run and managed.
LLC owners have more freedom to decide how the business is run and managed.
More taxation options
An LLC has flexibility in how it is taxed to help maximize savings.
Minimal record-keeping
An LLC does not need to record minutes or hold an annual shareholder meeting.
An LLC does not need to record minutes or hold an annual shareholder meeting.
LLC VS CORPORATION
Corporation
Owned by shareholders
Corporations have shareholders instead of members, and they issue stock.
Corporations have shareholders instead of members, and they issue stock.
Look more official
Corporations are often seen as more credible, which can make it easier to do business with other companies.
Corporations are often seen as more credible, which can make it easier to do business with other companies.
More appealing to investors
A C corp, but not an S corp, can go public and issue stock to new investors, which makes it easier to raise revenue.
A C corp, but not an S corp, can go public and issue stock to new investors, which makes it easier to raise revenue.
What you should know about
starting an LLC
What you should know about
starting an LLC
starting an LLC
To form an LLC, you'll need to file articles of organization with the state. Each state has its own rules, but our experience across all states helps us keep things moving when we file on your behalf.
Here are a few things you'll need to keep in mind to get your LLC up and running.
How to start an LLC
How to start an LLC
Choose & reserve a name
It's wise to check your LLC name against similar businesses in your area. We include a business name check with our formation services and can reserve a preferred business name for you.
Pick a registered agent
Also called a statutory agent or resident agent, a registered agent receives your LLC's legal notices and legal documents during normal business hours. Most states require it, and we can do it for you.
File articles of organization
Also called a certificate of formation, this official form contains all the basic details about your new business. When we file this for you, it's typically sent to your Secretary of State.
Determine licenses needed
You'll also need to apply for any specific business licenses or permits that may be required for compliance, although it's wise to wait until your LLC's formation documents are approved.
Craft operating agreement
This outlines your LLC's rules for everything from business structure to profit distribution. Our templates make it easy for LLC owners to define their rights and limit disagreements.
Get an EIN (federal tax ID)
Most businesses need a federal tax ID to set up a business bank account, file taxes, and start hiring. It helps protect your identity by keeping your personal and business finances separate.
Ready to get your LLC?
Ready to get your LLC?
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How we’ve helped our customers
How we’ve helped our customers
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LegalZoom made everything 10 times easier for my business. Fast, easy, and very professional.
—Luis C., LLC customer
01234
M+
businesses formed
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I am a repeat customer and wouldn't trust anyone else with my business details.
—Felicia L., LLC customer
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+
years
of LLC experience
Find the right state to form an LLC
Find the right state to form an LLC
Every state has different rules, costs, and considerations for LLC formation.
Ready to get your LLC?
Start your LLC with a top choice of millions for online small business formation.
Ready to get your LLC?
Start my LLC
Start an LLC
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† Pro and Premium packages include one year of LZ Books. After one year, your card will automatically be charged $9.99. The service renews automatically each month and your card will be billed for the service price (currently $9.99). You can cancel online or by calling us at (888) 310-0151. For more details, please see our Subscription Terms.
‡ Premium packages include 30 days of Business Attorney Plan. After 30 days, your card will automatically be charged $49. The service renews automatically each month and your card will be billed for the service price (currently $49). You can cancel online or by calling us at (888) 310-0151. Up to 10 pages included for document reviews. The plan attorneys will review documents longer than 10 pages on a flat-rate schedule, at the attorney’s discretion. Attorney services are fulfilled through Business Advantage Pro. For more details, please see our Legal Plan Contract Terms and Subscription Terms.
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