North Carolina LLC Articles of Organization – How to Register


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein 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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If you are forming an LLC in NC, then this page’s content would be vital. As you learn how to start an LLC, you will realize that the bulk of your initial work and LLC cost comprises filing North Carolina articles of organization, which we will elaborate on this page.

What is an Article of Organization?

An Article of Organization, also known as an LLC certificate or Certificate of Formation in some states, is a document filed with the secretary of state to form an LLC.

Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. An Article of Organization usually includes the following:

  • The name of the LLC,
  • the effective date of the LLC,
  • the company’s principal office,
  • the business purpose,
  • the duration of the business,
  • a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
  • the name and address of the registered agent, organizers, and
  • at least one member of the company.

You can file an Article of Organization online, by mail, or in person.

Note that the certification of formation is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC formation. It even makes up the bulk of your North Carolina LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.

How to File North Carolina Articles of Organization

These are the simple steps to follow in filing an Article of Organization in North Carolina.

Step 1: Find Forms Online

Go to the North Carolina Secretary of State to download the article of organization form for your LLC or to log into the online service.

Step 2: Fill Out Form

When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to North Carolina LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.

You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Article of Organization form when filing. You also need to nominate a registered agent. Here are 3 of the best LLC services on our list.

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Step 3: File Formation Certificates

File your formation certificate either online or by mail by filling out a form and sending it to the NC Secretary of State Business Registration, P.O. Box 29622, Raleigh, North Carolina 27626-0622.

Filing North Carolina Articles of Organization

Time needed: 5 minutes

To start your business LLC in the State of North Carolina, you are required to file for the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State of North Carolina. You can file your application either through online mode or offline mode. When you apply through online mode, you get the benefit of immediate processing as well. The filing fee for articles of organization is $125. The formation guide in the following steps will help you in filing the Articles of Organization, so read on and get the info,

  1. Go to the official website of the Secretary of State of North Carolina

    Visit the Business Registration page on the Official website of the Secretary of State of North Carolina. The website hosts an NCSOS Portal to provide different online business services. You can proceed to file your business on this portal. Scroll down the page and select the tab ‘Register your Business ONLINE’.
    NC-business registration

  2. Register Your Business Online

    On the next page, you will find an option of ‘Register Your Business Online’. Click on that option and go to the next section.
    NC-register your business

  3. Login to your Account

    On the next page, the login dialogue box is displayed. If you already have an account on the portal, proceed to log in by entering your username and password to access the State’s online business services. If you do not have an account, read on the next steps below.
    NC-sign-in

  4. Create Your Own Account

    To create your account on the portal, click on the link ‘First time user?’ available under the ‘Sign in Help’ box. Next, proceed to fill in your personal details such as username, password, business name, first and last name, street address, and contact details. Next, click on the ‘Register’ tab.
    NC-create account

  5. Proceed to file your application

    After confirmation of your account, log in to your username using your username and password. Next, on the user landing page, select the option of “I want to…” from the toolbar. Next, select the option of “Create a Business Online” from the “Accountants & CPAs” section. On the following page, proceed to fill in the required details in the spaces provided. Upload all the required documents as per the instructions given on the page.

  6. Review your application thoroughly before proceeding to the payment gateway page. All the information filled in the application should be correct and accurate.

  7. Review the application

    Review your application thoroughly before proceeding to the payment gateway page. All the information filled in the application should be correct and accurate.

  8. Payment

    After finalizing your application, proceed to make the payment of $125 as the filing fee of your North Carolina LLC Articles of Organization Application form. Once you have successfully submitted your application form, you will receive a notification from the State office confirming your application with the State office.

Filing your North Carolina LLC Articles of Organization via Mail

If you want to file your formation application through mail, you can do that easily as well. However, online filing offers a more convenient and easier platform to track the update on your application. Follow the instructions below to file the Articles of Organization in North Carolina,

  1. Download the Application form PDF (Form L- 01) on your computer system.
  2. The form provides detailed instructions for filing the application form. Read all the instructions very carefully before you start filling in the form.
  3. Proceed to fill in the application form.
  4. You can also attach the name reservation certificate along with your application form.
  5. Review all the information entered by you to be correct and accurate to your knowledge.
  6. Make the payment of $125 as the filing fee for your application payable to the ‘Secretary of State’.
  7. Arrange all the documents together and send them to the following address, The Secretary of State, Business Registration Division, P.O. Box 29622, Raleigh, NC 27626.

Cost of filing a North Carolina Articles of Organization

The online filing method is considered a more convenient method of filing a Formation Application with the Secretary of State office. Nevertheless, the cost of filing a North Carolina LLC article of Organization is the same for both online and offline filing options. Here is the cost of filing a Certificate of Formation in North Carolina,

  • Online filing costs $125.00
  • By mail filing costs $125.00

F.A.Qs

What is an Article of Organization?

An Article of Organization is a legal document that will officially make your LLC into existence. This document is needed specifically for North Carolina in forming an LLC business structure.

What information does an Article of Organization application need?

The application form for the Article of Organization needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.

What is the recommended method of filing an Article of Organization, online or by mail?

Filing by mail or in person is neither highly recommended nor required; waiting an extra week for your LLC to be approved isn’t that bad. The LLC approval you send in will be returned by mail. Online filing, meanwhile, is more convenient as you won’t have to stay in a queue.

Where Can You Find Your North Carolina LLC Articles of Organization

North Carolina Articles of Organization PDF is available to download from the North Carolina Secretary of State website. You can file this form online or send it through mail.

But where exactly can you find the necessary forms and information to create your North Carolina LLC Articles of Organization? Fortunately, the process is relatively straightforward and can be completed online through the Secretary of State’s website. The first step is to visit the Secretary of State’s website and navigate to the Business Registration section. Here, you will find a wealth of information on how to start and manage a business in North Carolina, including the necessary forms and instructions for creating your LLC.

The Articles of Organization form itself is a simple document that can be completed in just a few easy steps. You will need to provide basic information about your LLC, such as its name and street address, as well as the names and addresses of its members. It is important to double-check all information for accuracy, as any mistakes or omissions could result in delays or complications in the formation process.

Once you have completed the form, you will need to submit it to the Secretary of State’s office along with the required filing fee. The fee can vary depending on the method of submission and processing time, so be sure to check the current fee schedule on the Secretary of State’s website. In most cases, you can pay the filing fee online using a credit or debit card.

After you have submitted your Articles of Organization, the Secretary of State’s office will review the information and, if everything is in order, officially form your LLC. You will receive a stamped copy of the Articles of Organization as well as a Certificate of Formation, which serves as proof that your LLC is now officially recognized by the state.

In addition to filing your Articles of Organization, it is important to remember that there are additional steps to take to ensure your LLC is compliant with North Carolina state regulations. This may include obtaining any necessary business licenses or permits, as well as registering for state and local taxes. The Secretary of State’s website is a valuable resource for finding information on these requirements, as well as links to relevant agencies and resources.

In conclusion, creating your North Carolina LLC Articles of Organization is a crucial step in establishing your business and ensuring its legal standing in the state. By utilizing the resources provided by the Secretary of State’s office, you can easily navigate the formation process and start your business on the right foot. Remember to double-check all information for accuracy and follow any additional steps required to keep your LLC in good standing with state regulations.

In Conclusion

Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation is the most important document for your North Carolina LLC. Before you submit/file the document make sure to provide proper and correct information about your company. If you have any questions, share that below in the comment section.

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