5 Best North Carolina LLC Formation Services 2023 List (Updated)

Best LLC Formation Service in North Carolina

When you decide to start an LLC in North Carolina, you must thoroughly research and do your homework. Starting an LLC is relatively easy; with professional help, opening an LLC in North Carolina becomes even smoother. You will find many such companies when choosing the best LLC formation service in North Carolina. Surprisingly, every other company will claim to be the best. But who to trust? How do you know who is the best for your business?

LLCBuddy Editors have eased the task for you. We scanned the market and came up with a list of the best LLC formation services in North Carolina. You can compare their services, prices, and other information here before choosing the right one!

If you do not like reading a long article, you can watch the above video for the complete list of best LLC North Carolina LLC formation services. It is mandatory to choose the best LLC formation service in North Carolina, especially when you want to get rid of any hassle while forming your North Carolina LLC. You may start it on your own, but it will not be a wise decision, as missing out any step or even a small thing can lead to the cancellation of the process.

Best LLC Service in North Carolina

On this page, you’ll learn about the following:

Best LLC Formation Services in North Carolina
How to Form an LLC in North Carolina
How to Choose the Best LLC Formation Service in North Carolina
FAQs

Best LLC Formation Services in North Carolina

Here is the list of best LLC services available in North Carolina. The best thing about these services is starting your LLC for free. Some of the following services are offering LLC formation in North Carolina at $0. Other than the state fees and charges, you do not have to pay any charges to the service provider. You will get the basic formation package for free. Now, let’s check out the list of best LLC formation service providers in North Carolina-

LLC Service	Our Rating & Pricing	Top Features	Learn More
#1 TOP PICK	5/5 $0 + State Fees	Free LLC formation Access to Legal Support Trustworthy and established reputation	Learn More
	4/5 $299 + State Fees	Flat pricing for all services Basic business filing services A+ BBB Accredited	Learn More

Below is the list of best LLC formation services in North Carolina we picked for you.

LLCBuddy Editorial Team selects these companies through thorough research and market study. It is recommended that you must cross-check all the factors before choosing the right one for your business.

1. LegalZoom

LegalZoom is one of the service providers in North Carolina that offers free LLC formation services. If you want to avoid spending money to form your LLC, then LegalZoom is for you. It offers various formation packages that include all types of LLC services. Aside from LLC formation, LegalZoom offers C and S corp formation. With over thousands of customers, the company offers basic LLC formation services at $0.

LegalZoom Plans

Basic Package- $0 + State Filing Fees (Tax deduction may be applicable)
Pro Package – $249 + State Filing Fees (Tax deductible may be applicable)
Premium Package – $279 + State Filing Fees (Tax deduction may be applicable)

Apart from these packages, LegalZoom offers a bunch of add-on services as well. Add-on services include the following-

Registered Agent – $299 per year. Available as an add-on and not included in any packages
Trademark registration: Assisting with the US trademark application process
Copyright registration: Guidance on registering copyrights for creative works
Patent services: Support in obtaining utility, design, and plant patents
Estate planning: Offering personalized wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents
Legal advice: Access to a network of lawyers for consultations and legal guidance
Expedited Filing: With an additional $99, you can speed up your filing process.

LegalZoom Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get LegalZoom	Why You Shouldn’t Get LegalZoom
Free LLC formation	Expensive add-ons, such as Registered Agent
Trustworthy and established reputation	Higher pricing compared to some competitors
Quick turnaround time	Less number of add-on options
Access to legal professionals	Some additional fees not included in plan prices
Customer support available through phone or chat	Mixed customer reviews

LegalZoom Overview

LegalZoom is one of the oldest companies in USA. This company is a service provider offering LLC formation at $0. It offers three broad packages, Basic, Pro, and Premium. The Basic package costs $0. Though you must pay the North Carolina filing fee while filing the Articles of Organization with the North Carolina Secretary of State. The filing fee depends on which method, mail, online, or any other method you choose.

LegalZoom offers vast add-ones like others. Hence, the chances of getting diverse services are comparatively high. The best part about the company is there is an access to legal documents and legal consultation. The registered agent service is a bit expensive. If you want to hire Registered Agent from LegalZoom, you must purchase that service separately, it does not come with any formation plans.

Form LLC in North Carolina with LegalZoom

2. BetterLegal

BetterLegal is a comparatively new company than other competitors. But this company has successfully grabbed a large portion of the market in the United States. Serving in 51 states, BetterLegal has been in business since 2016. Unlike other experienced companies, it does not have a list of packages and plans for LLC formation.

BetterLegal Plans

BetterLegal offers one single plan at a flat $299 + state filing fees. It has a list of add-on services as well. BetterLegal is an online service that started off with a very small team. However, even after being in the business for so long, they didn’t increase their team size much. They have transparent pricing, and no hidden charge exists for any services they provide.

BetterLegal offers a list of add-on services. Following are the additional services they offer-

Registered Agent service – $10/month or $90/year
State Annual compliance services – $10/month or $90/year
Permit & License Search Service – $125
Amendment & document research – Free with the core formation service package

BetterLegal Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get BetterLegal	Why You Shouldn’t Get BetterLegal
No refund; all sales are final	The basic package does not include registered agent service
Quick Turnaround time	Additional charge for EIN
A+ BBB Accredited	The basic package does not include a registered agent service
Single plan for all incorporation

BetterLegal Overview

Even though the company is called BetterLegal, no attorneys or legal services are available. The company offers a single plan for all types of business formation. Hence, if you are planning to form a corporation, you can pay $299 + incorporation fee ($125 for filing online, or by mail in North Carolina). It offers comparatively better turnaround time at a reasonable price than other companies. You can file your LLC within 10 minutes with BetterLegal.

It offers a resource center for new entrepreneurs. They provide guidance to make things easier when it comes to filing your business. Their small team sometimes fails to cater to their customers on time. Reaching out to their customer support team is very difficult. Another disadvantage is it does not have a refund policy. All sales with BetterLegal are final, and at any stage, upon cancelation, no refund is made. However, basic LLC formation and registered agent services are much cheaper in BetterLegal than in other close competitors.

Form LLC in North Carolina with BetterLegal

3. TailorBrands

Do you want to create a brand for your business in North Carolina? Here is the LLC formation service provider, TailorBrands, for you. The company was established in 2015 in New York, and since then, it has offered several incredible services to set up your business. TailorBrands has a single LLC formation plan that starts at $49 a year. You can choose different other add-on services at an additional cost.

TailorBrands Services

TailorBrands offer a single plan for forming an LLC at $49. There are some basic services that TailorBrands offer, including starting an LLC, filing it, North Carolina name availability search, priority support, and so on. You can use their add-on services as and when required. Add-ons are-

Registered Agent Service – $199/year
Employment ID Number (EIN) – $99 (one-time pay)
Annual Compliances – $299/year
Operating Agreement – $29
Expedited Filing – $49
Business bank account – Free

TailorBrands Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get TailorBrands	Why You Shouldn’t Get TailorBrands
Low-cost LLC formation	Not BBB Accredited
Free business bank accounts	No business domain packages
Hassle-free LLC formation	Additional charges to obtain EIN
Additional services like logo, website, domain

TailorBrands Overview

TailorBrands does not have vast LLC formation packages. Instead, it has a single package that includes the formation of LLCs. The name availability search is unlimited, and you don’t have to pay any additional fees. The state filing fee of $125 must be paid apart from the charges you pay for add-ons.

TailorBrands offers other business services such as logo making, domain, website, business bank account, merchandise, and other business services. As a small or start-up business, you must go for TailorBrands.

Form LLC in North Carolina with TailorBrands

4. ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness is a Texas-based company that provides services from formation to annual compliance to an LLC. It offers three plans, Starter, Pro, and Premium. The Starter plan starts from $0. That means you can form your LLC for free in North Carolina, though you must pay the state filing fee of $125 to the North Carolina Secretary of State. But, the company charges nothing to form your business in the state.

ZenBusiness Plans

Starter Plan at $0 + state filing fee
Pro Plan at $199/year + state filing fee
Premium Plan at $299/year + state filing fee

ZenBusiness Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get ZenBusiness	Why You Should Not Get ZenBusiness
100% accuracy rate	Does not form North Carolina nonprofit
Free LLC formation in North Carolina	Additional cost for EIN
User friendly
Standalone Registered Agent services

ZenBusiness Overview

ZenBusiness is one of those top-rated companies that provide business formation in North Carolina at a minimum cost (currently at $0). There is no charge to be paid to the company for forming your LLC in North Carolina. The state filing fee and other necessary fees must be paid, including the registered agent fee.

ZenBusiness offers three plans, among which the Pro plan is recommended. The Pro plan has everything you need to start an LLC in North Carolina. Obtaining EIN, operating agreement drafting, name search, and all other services are available with the rush filing feature.

Form LLC in North Carolina with ZenBusiness

5. Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent is a family-owned business based in Spoken, Washington state. The company offers LLC formation, registered agent service, annual compliances, and other business-related services in all 50 states, including North Carolina. It offers LLC formation at $ 39+ state fees and registered agent service at $125 yearly.

Northwest Plans

Northwest does not have conventional packages. It offers Core, Business maintenance, and business development services. Under these categories, various services are available at a flat rate. Some of the services offered by Northwest in North Carolina are listed below-

LLC formation in North Carolina at $39 + state filing fee
Registered Agent at $125 yearly
Annual report filing at $100 + state filing fee
Obtaining EIN at $50
Northwest offers National Agent Service. If you operate your LLC Registered Agent in 5 or more states, you can pay $100 + state fees (if applicable) to get a single agent for all states.

Northwest Registered Agent Pros and Cons

Why You Must Get Northwest	Why You Should Not Get Northwest
DIY Packages for your LLC in North Carolina	Not BBB accredited
No plans, flat rate for all services	Additional charges to obtain EIN in North Carolina
Purchase only the service you need to form North Carolina LLC.	The operating agreement draft is not included in the Core services
Northwest offers standalone Registered Agent service in North Carolina

Northwest Registered Agent Overview

Northwest is one of those service providers that offer DIY packages. Northwest is not for you if you want a wholesome formation package in North Carolina. It does not have conventional LLC formation packages. It is simply like a departmental store for you. You don’t need to buy everything, but the only thing you need.

Northwest has in-house corporate guides to guide you through the formation process. It offers LLC formation at $39 plus the state filing fee ($125). If you have already formed your LLC in North Carolina and are willing to appoint Registered Agent only, then Northwest can provide a standalone registered agent service at $125 per year.

Northwest offers single flat rates for all services in North Carolina and other states. The best part about the company is it does not outsource any of its services. Northwest offers corporate guides to help you through the steps of LLC formation.

Form LLC in North Carolina with Northwest Registered Agent

How to Form an LLC in North Carolina

North Carolina, popularly known as The Tar Heel State, is a business-friendly state with a population of 10,710,558. The Nominal Gross Domestic Product (in millions) of North Carolina is $735,924 according to a 2022 study, which has been said to be increased over the past year. Hence, starting your business in North Carolina will always be a good option. If you choose the state capital, Raleigh, to start your LLC, you might get more tax and other benefits.

To form an LLC in North Carolina, you need to follow some basic steps, including getting an LLC name, appointing your North Carolina Registered Agent, filing the North Carolina Articles of Organization, creating North Carolina LLC operating agreement, and finally getting an EIN for filing required taxes.

You can do that on your own. However, it is always recommended to get a professional person on board to guide you through. These steps are crucial and sensitive. You must complete everything to avoid canceling your formation process. Hence, having a professional LLC formation service for your LLC is better.

How to Choose the Best LLC Formation Service in North Carolina

It is important to choose the best service for your business carefully. Before you select the best one, make sure you thoroughly research on following points-

Reputation: Look for a company with a good reputation. Check reviews and ratings from previous clients to see how they feel about the services offered.
Experience: Choose a company with years of LLC formation experience. This ensures that they have knowledge of the process and can provide quality services.
Cost: Compare prices between different companies. Choose a company that offers affordable pricing for the services you need.
Customer Service: Ensure that the company has good customer service. They should be responsive, helpful, and willing to answer any questions.
Services Offered: Look for a company that offers a range of services, including entity formation, registered agent services, and ongoing compliance support to ensure your LLC remains in good standing.
Ease of Use: Choose a company with a user-friendly website and easy-to-use online platform. This makes the process of forming an LLC simple and straightforward.
Guarantees: Check if the company offers a satisfaction guarantee or a refund policy. This gives you peace of mind that you are getting the best possible service.

FAQs

What are some of the benefits of forming an LLC in North Carolina?

North Carolina offers LLC owners personal asset protection, tax advantages, flexible management structure, and legal credibility.

What is the cost of forming an LLC in North Carolina?

The filing fee for forming an LLC in North Carolina is $125.

What is the process for forming an LLC in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, individuals can form an LLC by filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State.

How long does it take to form an LLC in North Carolina?

It takes around 5-7 business days to process an LLC in North Carolina.

What is a registered agent in North Carolina?

A registered agent is an individual or service that receives official legal and tax correspondence on behalf of a business.

Can I act as my own registered agent in North Carolina?

Yes, but keep in mind that you must have a physical North Carolina mailing address.

How often do I need to file additional paperwork for my North Carolina LLC?

You will need to file an Annual Report each year as well as any additional paperwork for changes in business or ownership.

What are North Carolina LLC operating agreements?

Operating agreements outline the management and ownership structure of an LLC in North Carolina.

Do I need an operating agreement for my North Carolina LLC?

While not required by law, it is highly recommended to have an operating agreement for your North Carolina LLC.

How can I obtain a North Carolina Employer Identification Number (EIN)?

You can apply for an EIN with the IRS either online or through the mail.

Do I need to obtain a business license for my North Carolina LLC?

Yes, most LLCs operating in North Carolina will need to obtain a business license before starting operations.

How can I obtain a business license in North Carolina?

You can obtain a North Carolina business license from the county or city that your LLC will be operating in.

What tax form do North Carolina LLCs need to file?

North Carolina LLC owners report their business earnings and losses using the state’s Form NC-478.

What is a bookkeeping service and do I need one for my North Carolina LLC?

Bookkeeping services help businesses keep their financial records up-to-date, and though they aren’t required, they can be quite helpful.

How do I obtain insurance coverage for my North Carolina LLC?

A variety of insurance packages are available to help North Carolina LLC owners legally protect their businesses.

What are the types of professional licenses LLC owners in North Carolina may need?

North Carolina LLC owners in professions such as law, accounting or medicine may need a professional license due to the specific nature of their work.

Do NC LLC owners need to register for sales tax?

Yes, LLC owners in North Carolina must register with the North Carolina Department of Revenue if selling taxable goods or services.

How do North Carolina businesses pay state taxes?

North Carolina LLC owners pay state taxes using Form NC-BUS.

What is an Operating Authority Permit in North Carolina and how do I get it?

The Operating Authority Permit is required for LLC owners willing to Haul Property or Passengers in North Carolina, which can be attained through a USDOT Registration.

What are the reasons that my North Carolina LLC may be subsequently dissolved?

LLC in North Carolina may be dissolved, for instance, due to failure to file or pay Annual Report fee, tax debt, and so on.

What is the procedure to dissolve a North Carolina LLC?

North Carolina LLC owners must dissolve their businesses by obtaining articles of dissolution from the Secretary of State.

What process allows me to change the name of my North Carolina LLC?

North Carolina LLC owners must submit updated Articles of Organization or Certificate of Authority with the updated business name to the Secretary of State.

What restrictions should I expect when naming my LLC in North Carolina?

LLC names in North Carolina must be unique, not sound like another business, and follow the State laws as provided.

Can I initially name my North Carolina LLC with a “name reserved” preference?

Yes, North Carolina LLC owners can reserve prospective business names while planning their LLC formation.

Do I have to register my North Carolina LLC with the County in which I’m operating?

It’s typically recommended that North Carolina LLC owners register with their local county and city halls so as to head off potential issues.

How does the limitation of liability favor North Carolina LLC owners?

With an LLC in North Carolina, company owners cannot be held personally responsible for company debts and legal troubles.

Is a North Carolina Registered Agent mandatory for LLCs?

Yes, a North Carolina Registered Agent one of the prerequisites which help establish legal authorization for doing business in NC.

What are the best LLC formation services available in North Carolina?

There are several good LLC formation services available in North Carolina, including ZenBusiness, Incfile, and Northwest Registered Agent.

Can I form an LLC in North Carolina on my own?

Yes, you can file the necessary paperwork with the North Carolina Secretary of State yourself, but using an LLC formation service can simplify the process.

How much does it cost to form an LLC in North Carolina?

North Carolina charges a $125 fee for LLC formation, but an LLC formation service may charge additional fees.

What documents do I need to form an LLC in North Carolina?

You’ll need articles of organization, a registered agent, and an operating agreement.

Do I need a North Carolina address to form an LLC in North Carolina?

No, you can use a registered agent service that provides a North Carolina address.

Can I be my own registered agent in North Carolina?

Yes, as long as you have a North Carolina address and are available during regular business hours to accept important documents.

How do I choose a name for my North Carolina LLC?

Your LLC name must be unique and not already taken in North Carolina.

What else should I consider when choosing a name for my North Carolina LLC?

You’ll want to make sure the name is easy to remember and easy to spell so customers can find you easily.

Can I change my North Carolina LLC name later?

Yes, it’s possible to change your LLC’s name by filing a Certificate of Amendment with the North Carolina Secretary of State.

Can I register a foreign LLC in North Carolina?

Yes, you can file a certificate of authority with the North Carolina Secretary of State to do business as a foreign LLC in North Carolina.

What taxes will my North Carolina LLC be subject to?

Your LLC may be subject to state and federal taxes, such as income tax and sales tax.

What is the best tax structure for my North Carolina LLC?

The tax structure that’s right for your LLC depends on several factors, so you should consult with a tax professional.

Will my North Carolina LLC be subject to annual fees?

Yes, North Carolina LLCs are required to file an annual report with the state and pay a fee of $200.

Can a North Carolina LLC have multiple owners?

Yes, an LLC in North Carolina can have one or more owners, known as members.

How should I structure ownership in my North Carolina LLC?

This will depend on your business needs and the number of owners involved. You should consult with an attorney before making any decisions.

Will my North Carolina LLC keep my personal assets safe?

Yes, forming an LLC can help protect your personal assets from business debts or lawsuits.

Can I dissolve my North Carolina LLC at any time?

Yes, you can dissolve your LLC at any time by filing Articles of Dissolution with the North Carolina Secretary of State.

How do I publish my North Carolina LLC notice of formation?

North Carolina no longer requires LLCs to publish a notice, but some LLC formation services offer publishing services as part of their packages.

What is a certificate of good standing in North Carolina?

A Certificate of Good Standing is an official document that verifies that your LLC is legally created and authorized to do business in North Carolina.

How do I obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in North Carolina?

To obtain a certificate of good standing for your North Carolina LLC, you can file a request with the North Carolina Secretary of State.

Can I get help with my North Carolina LLC formation from my accountant or attorney?

Yes, both accountants and attorneys can provide guidance and support in forming an LLC in North Carolina.

What are the best professional services available to assist with LLC formation in North Carolina?

Depending on your needs, you may want to consider services specifically for business or startup needs as well as legal or tax support.

Will I need to register my North Carolina LLC in other states if I do business there?

Depending on your business and revenue requirements, you made need to register as a foreign LLC in other states.

Where can I find more information about forming an LLC in North Carolina?

You can find more information about forming an LLC in North Carolina from the North Carolina Secretary of State, an attorney or accountant, and various online resources.

Conclusion

Having a professional service to form your LLC in North Carolina is much better than doing it yourself. It is hassle-free, and there is no chance of making mistakes while filing your business. This article lists the best LLC formation services in North Carolina. Before you select one, make sure you compare the price, services, and features properly.