Short answer: $128 to file, about $128 in year one, and about $203 a year after that. Formation fee.
We've pulled these figures from the North Carolina Secretary of State, Business Registration Division's own pages. If something's changed since our last check, the state's portal wins, so it's worth a quick look before you pay.
First year vs every year after
Year one
$128
Formation fee.
Each year after
$203
Annual report fee online.
With a formation service
| Route | Upfront | Registered agent |
|---|---|---|
| File it yourself | $128 | You serve, or hire one separately |
| Northwest | $167 | Included year one, then $125/yr |
| Bizee Basic | $128 | Free year one, then $149/yr |
| Bizee Standard | $327 | Free year one, then $149/yr |
How North Carolina compares
North Carolina's LLC filing fee is $128. That's the 19th highest of 51 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $104, so North Carolina runs $24 above it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $128 | 19 of 51 |
| Alabama | $208 | 6 of 51 |
| South Carolina | $125 | 20 of 51 |
| Tennessee | $300 | 3 of 51 |
| West Virginia | $101 | 29 of 51 |
| Georgia | $110 | 24 of 51 |
North Carolina fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Form L-01) | $128 | Exact fee. |
| Annual Report | $203 | annual, April 15 of every year following the year of formation |
| Name reservation (optional) | $10 | 120 days |
| Change of registered agent | $5 | Changing the agent costs $5. |
| Amendment | $50 | |
| Certificate of good standing | $15 | |
| Certificate of Authority | $250 | For LLCs formed in another state |
| Articles of Dissolution (Form L-07) | $30 | |
| DBA / assumed name | $26 | county |
LLC cost and fees: North Carolina questions
What is the North Carolina LLC filing fee?
$128 for Articles of Organization (Form L-01). Exact fee.
How much does a North Carolina LLC cost per year?
About $203 a year in state fees. Annual report fee online.
Is it cheaper to file a North Carolina LLC myself?
Yes, filing directly costs only the state fee. Services add convenience, a registered agent address and reminders. Northwest charges $39 plus the state fee, and Bizee's Basic package is $0 plus the state fee.
How much does expedited filing cost in North Carolina?
24-hour service costs an additional $100, and same-day service costs $200.
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.
Still being confirmed with the state: ra.self allowed.