5 Best North Carolina LLC Services for 2024 (Formation & Help)


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Planning to launch your business in North Carolina? It is much easier if a professional lends a hand in the formation of your corporation or LLC in North Carolina. When you look for the best LLC formation services, you probably get many names that are claimed to be the best.

The LLCBuddy team has made things easier for you. If you’re lost in so many services, here we are with a list of the best LLC formation services in North Carolina. On this page, you will find their features, pricing, and other details that can be compared before you purchase the service. Check out the best LLC formation service in North Carolina. If you’re not a reading type of person, you can watch this video before you make your purchase.

Best LLC Formation Services in North Carolina

Here is the list of the 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

$0 + State Fees

  • 100% accuracy guarantee

  • Worry-free service

  • Great customer support

$0 + State Fees

  • Free LLC Formation

  • Extras are bit more expensive

  • Other business solutions

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

  1. ZenBusiness – Known for its affordable packages and efficient service, ZenBusiness has become a favorite among new entrepreneurs.
  2. TailorBrands – Beyond LLC services, TailorBrands stands out with its branding solutions, making it a one-stop shop for budding businesses.
  3. LegalZoom – With years of industry experience, LegalZoom offers comprehensive services and a vast array of legal resources.
  4. Northwest Registered Agent – Praised for its top-notch customer service, Northwest ensures personalized assistance and detailed compliance guidance.
  5. BetterLegal – Speed is BetterLegal’s forte, promising the fastest LLC formation process in the market.

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

1. 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

  1. Starter Plan at $0 + state filing fee
  2. Pro Plan at $199/year + state filing fee
  3. Premium Plan at $299/year + state filing fee

ZenBusiness Pros and Cons

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

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.

2. 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 offers a single plan for forming an LLC at $49. There are some basic services that TailorBrands offers, 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 TailorBrandsWhy You Shouldn’t Get TailorBrands
Low-cost LLC formationNot BBB Accredited
Free business bank accountsNo business domain packages
Hassle-free LLC formationAdditional 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.

3. 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 LegalZoomWhy You Shouldn’t Get LegalZoom
Free LLC formationExpensive add-ons, such as Registered Agent
Trustworthy and established reputationHigher pricing compared to some competitors
Quick turnaround timeFewer add-on options
Access to legal professionalsSome additional fees not included in plan prices
Customer support is available through phone or chatMixed customer reviews

LegalZoom Overview

LegalZoom is one of the oldest companies in the 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. However, 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 that it has access to legal documents and legal consultations. The registered agent service is a bit expensive. If you want to hire a Registered Agent from LegalZoom, you must purchase that service separately; it does not come with any formation plans.

4. 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 NorthwestWhy You Should Not Get Northwest
DIY Packages for your LLC in North CarolinaNot BBB accredited
No plans, flat rate for all servicesYou must form North Carolina LLC to purchase only the service you need.
You must form North Carolina LLC to purchase only the service you need.The operating agreement draft is not included in the Core services
Northwest offers a 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 a 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.

5. BetterLegal

BetterLegal is a comparatively new company compared to other competitors. However, 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 BetterLegalWhy You Shouldn’t Get BetterLegal
No refund; all sales are finalThe basic package does not include a registered agent service
Quick Turnaround timeAdditional charge for EIN
A+ BBB AccreditedThe 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, no refund is made upon cancelation. However, basic LLC formation and registered agent services are much cheaper in BetterLegal than in other close competitors.

How to Form an LLC in North Carolina

Forming an LLC in North Carolina takes a few steps. The first step is to get a clear idea about doing business in North Carolina. Before jumping into the pool of paperwork, make sure you have a thorough knowledge of taxes and the costs of starting any business in North Carolina.

In general, North Carolina, popularly known as The Tar Heel State, is a business-friendly state with a population of 10,710,558. The state has the nominal GDP is 735,924 (in millions). Hence, you can start any small or medium-sized business in North Carolina based on your budget. Forming an LLC in North Carolina can be a good option as it is less complicated than other forms of business. If you choose the state capital, Raleigh, to start your LLC, you might get more tax and other benefits.

There are five most important steps to follow when you establish an LLC in North Carolina:

Now, these steps seem to be easy. But unfortunately, it is not that simple. Each business has to file different documents based on local licenses and permits. From January 1, 2024, all the LLCs and Corporations have to file the BOI Report with the FinCEN. If you start an LLC, you must file the BOI Report in North Carolina.

You can do that on your own. However, getting a professional on board is always recommended to guide you through the process. 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 Florida

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

  1. 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.
  2. Experience: Choose a company with years of LLC formation experience. This ensures that they have knowledge of the process and can provide quality services.
  3. Cost: Compare prices between different companies. Choose a company that offers affordable pricing for the services you need.
  4. Customer Service: Ensure that the company has good customer service. They should be responsive, helpful, and willing to answer any questions.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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 the best LLC formation services in North Carolina?
Some top-rated LLC formation services in North Carolina include Incfile, ZenBusiness, and Northwest Registered Agent.
How much does it cost to form an LLC in North Carolina?
The cost to form an LLC in North Carolina typically ranges from $125 to $250, depending on which service you choose.
Can I form an LLC in North Carolina on my own?
Yes, you can file the necessary paperwork yourself with the North Carolina Secretary of State, but using a formation service can streamline the process for you.
Are there any specific requirements for forming an LLC in North Carolina?
Yes, in North Carolina, you will need to choose a unique business name, appoint a registered agent, and file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State.
Do I need an attorney to form an LLC in North Carolina?
While you are not required to hire an attorney to form an LLC in North Carolina, legal advice can be helpful, especially for more complex business structures.
How long does it take to form an LLC in North Carolina?
The typical processing time for forming an LLC in North Carolina is 2-3 business days, but this can vary depending on the workload of the Secretary of State’s office.
Can I form an LLC in North Carolina if I am not a resident?
Yes, you do not need to be a resident of North Carolina to form an LLC in the state. You can use a registered agent service to fulfill the residency requirement.
What is the best way to choose a registered agent for my North Carolina LLC?
When selecting a registered agent for your North Carolina LLC, consider factors such as reliability, experience, and compliance with state regulations.
Are there any ongoing requirements for maintaining an LLC in North Carolina?
Yes, in North Carolina, LLCs are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State and pay a $200 fee to remain in good standing.
Can I change the name of my North Carolina LLC after it has been formed?
Yes, you can change the name of your North Carolina LLC by filing an Amended Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and paying the required fee.
What is a North Carolina professional LLC (PLLC)?
A North Carolina professional LLC (PLLC) is a type of LLC specifically designed for licensed professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants.
Can I form a series LLC in North Carolina?
Yes, North Carolina allows for the formation of a series LLC, which is a type of LLC that can have multiple “series” or divisions with separate liability protection.
How can I dissolve my North Carolina LLC?
To dissolve your North Carolina LLC, you will need to file Articles of Dissolution with the Secretary of State and settle any outstanding debts and obligations.
Can I convert my North Carolina LLC to a different business structure?
Yes, you can convert your North Carolina LLC to a different business structure, such as a corporation or partnership, by filing the necessary paperwork with the state.
What are the advantages of forming an LLC in North Carolina?
Some advantages of forming an LLC in North Carolina include limited liability protection, pass-through taxation, and minimal regulatory requirements.
Are there any disadvantages to forming an LLC in North Carolina?
Some disadvantages of forming an LLC in North Carolina include increased paperwork and record-keeping requirements, as well as potential legal fees.
Do I need to obtain a business license for my North Carolina LLC?
Yes, most businesses in North Carolina are required to obtain a business license or permit from the local municipality in which they operate.
Can I operate my North Carolina LLC in multiple states?
Yes, you can operate your North Carolina LLC in multiple states, but you will need to register as a foreign LLC in any state where you conduct business.
Are there any specific tax requirements for North Carolina LLCs?
North Carolina LLCs are subject to state income tax, as well as any applicable federal taxes. Be sure to consult with a tax professional for guidance.
Can I form an anonymous LLC in North Carolina?
No, North Carolina does not allow for anonymous LLCs. You will need to disclose the names and addresses of the members and managers of the LLC in the formation documents.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when forming an LLC in North Carolina?
Some common mistakes to avoid when forming an LLC in North Carolina include choosing an unsuitable business name, failing to appoint a registered agent, and not filing the necessary paperwork correctly.
Can I use a PO Box as the business address for my North Carolina LLC?
While you can initially use a PO Box as the business address for your North Carolina LLC, you must also provide a physical street address for legal and official purposes.
Are there any restrictions on the types of businesses that can form an LLC in North Carolina?
Most types of businesses, including professional services, retail companies, and e-commerce ventures, can form an LLC in North Carolina. However, certain industries may require additional licensing or permits.
Do I need an operating agreement for my North Carolina LLC?
While an operating agreement is not legally required for North Carolina LLCs, it is highly recommended to establish important operational rules and guidelines for the business.
Can I form a single-member LLC in North Carolina?
Yes, you can form a single-member LLC in North Carolina, which offers limited liability protection and pass-through taxation for the sole owner of the business.
What is the North Carolina Business Court, and how does it impact my LLC?
The North Carolina Business Court is a specialized court that handles complex business disputes. If your LLC is involved in litigation, it may be assigned to the Business Court for resolution.
Can I use a trade name or DBA for my North Carolina LLC?
Yes, you can use a trade name or “doing business as” (DBA) for your North Carolina LLC by filing a Trade Name or assumed name with the Secretary of State.
Do I need to comply with any specific environmental regulations for my North Carolina LLC?
Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to comply with specific environmental regulations in North Carolina, such as waste disposal or emissions controls. Be sure to research local requirements.
Can I form a foreign LLC in North Carolina if my business is based in another state?
Yes, you can form a foreign LLC in North Carolina if your business is based in another state. You will need to register with the North Carolina Secretary of State as a foreign entity and designate a registered agent for service of process.
Can I choose any name for my North Carolina LLC?
No, North Carolina requires LLC names to be unique and distinguishable from other businesses already registered in the state. You can check the availability of your desired name on the Secretary of State’s website.

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Conclusion

Starting a business in Florida is a big step. It’s really helpful to have experts on your side. When you use a professional LLC service, you’re making sure everything is done right without any headaches. We’ve given you a list of the top choices in this article. Take your time to look at each one. Check their prices, see what they offer, and think about what’s best for your business.

Remember, picking the right Florida LLC service can make things smoother and better for your business as it grows. If you want the best for your business, check out ZenBusiness. They’re our number one recommendation for their compelling offer of $0 + state fee for LLC formation, combined with an impressive array of 5-star Trustpilot reviews. Seize this exceptional opportunity for your business!

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