How to File North Carolina Articles of Incorporation


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
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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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File North Carolina Articles of Incorporation

Incorporating a business is essential for entrepreneurs looking to establish their venture as a separate legal entity. By filing Articles of Incorporation, business owners in North Carolina can enjoy myriad benefits, such as limited liability, tax advantages, and increased credibility. However, the incorporation process may seem daunting for many, especially those not well-versed in the legal intricacies of their state. This article is a comprehensive guide on how to file North Carolina Articles of Incorporation, taking you through the necessary steps and requirements to establish your corporation successfully.

Whether you are a startup founder or a seasoned business owner, understanding the process of filing Articles of Incorporation in North Carolina, popularly known as The Tar Heel State, is crucial for the seamless formation of your corporation. The following sections will outline the paperwork, fees, and registration procedures specific to North Carolina, along with tips on navigating potential roadblocks and ensuring your application is approved. Let’s dive in and explore the ins and outs of incorporating your business in North Carolina.

What is Articles of Incorporation in North Carolina?

The Articles of Incorporation is a legal document required to file with the state government to legalize the creation of your corporation. In other words, filing these documents with the North Carolina Secretary of State ensures the formation of the corporation in North Carolina officially. The Articles of Incorporation is similar to filing the North Carolina LLC Articles of Organization while filing an LLC in North Carolina.

North Carolina, also known as The Tar Heel State, has some rules when it comes to file the Articles of Incorporation. We shared the step-by-step process here to file the incorporation document with the North Carolina SOS. Checking with the SOS is recommended for more information.

It is always wise to consult a legal professional before you file your company under the North Carolina SOS. FIling process can be easy, but it is sensitive. If you miss anything, it can totally stope the filing process.

– LLCBuddy Editorial Team

How to File North Carolina Articles of Incorporation

You can file the Articles of Incorporation in several ways based on the state you are willing to start your corporation. In North Carolina, you can file it in three methods that are online, by mail and in-person. The details are similar to the details you need when forming an LLC. Here are the details you must submit while filing the documents-

Step 1: Get the Form and Enter the Details

The first step is to get the Articles of Incorporation form from the North Carolina Secretary of State. You will get both offline and online forms on the site, as available. You must pay the $125 for filing online, or by mail. when submitting the form. Following are the details you must add to your incorporation form-

Name of the Entity

The first thing you need to do is submit your company’s name. Make sure to mention the exact name of the company that you decided on. Like the LLC naming guidelines, you must also follow the North Carolina corporation naming requirements too. There are a few points to note when you name your company. They are,

  • You cannot have a name used by other companies or businesses.
  • You cannot have any name that is misleading or the same as government organizations.
  • Banks, Insurance, Insurer, or any such names cannot be used as they reflect the financial organization.
  • You must add terms like corporation, limited, company, incorporated, or incorporation. You can also add abbreviations like co., ltd., inc., and corp instead of the above terms.

Address of the Corporation

The next section of the form is to provide your main address. It is necessary to have a physical street address in North Carolina. For those running an online business, you must provide any address in the state (including your home address) where you will receive all the business and legal documents and mail. While sharing your address, make sure not to use abbreviations, such as N.Y. for New York or L.A. for Los Angeles.

North Carolina Registered Agent

The next point is to provide information about the Registered Agent. The North Carolina Registered Agent is an individual or business entity that is responsible for receiving all the legal and official documents on behalf of the company. They must be aged above 18 years and have eligibility to conduct business in the state. The Registered Agent should be legit and experienced because, in case of any lawsuit, you need an expert to handle your issues. In most cases, the Registered Agent’s official address is the company’s official mailing address. If you form an LLC, hiring a registered agent is the most crucial step in the process.

Shares and Stocks

The next important information you must provide is about the stocks and shares. While filing the Articles of Incorporation, you must mention a minimum of one share. In North Carolina, to start a corporation, you need at least One director(s) initially. When filing the incorporation documents, you must provide the share of directors in the corporation. It decides the ownership of the company.

If you amend North Carolina Articles of Incorporation in the future, you will not be able to change the initial directors. You might need an additional form to change the initial directors’ details. You must check with the North Carolina SOS while filing the Articles of Incorporation amendment.

Additional Documents

You might need additional documents to submit along with the incorporation documents. In North Carolina, you can attach a cover letter with the documents as an additional document. if you are willing to start a foreign corporation in North Carolina, then you must add one document along with the Articles of Incorporation. Foreign corporations in North Carolina must submit the North Carolina Certificate of Existence along with the incorporation documents.

Signature

Finally, the signature of the directors and shareholders are required on the form. You can have more than one share and director. All your initial directors must submit their official signature while filing the corporation in North Carolina. Get their signatures to file the Articles of Incorporation.

Step 2: Submit the Articles of Incorporation in North Carolina

Once you are done filling up the form, now it is time for you to submit it. The form can be submitted in three methods that are online, by mail and in-person. Checking with a legal professional or a formation service while filing your corporation is recommended. It is sensitive, and one mistake can stop the entire filing process immediately.

  • Online filing: Create a wizard on the SOS site, fill out the online form and submit online. Or download the PDF form, fill it up offline and upload it back to the SOS site.
  • Offline filing: Send the form by mail or drop it off in person at The Secretary of State, Business Registration Division, P.O. Box 29622, Raleigh, NC 27626.

Cost of Filing the Articles of Incorporation in North Carolina

The cost of filing the Articles of Incorporation in North Carolina is an important aspect to consider when starting a new business. This one-time fee is necessary for officially registering your corporation with the Secretary of State and can vary depending on the specific requirements and regulations of North Carolina. In some cases, additional fees may be required for expedited processing or other optional services. It is crucial for entrepreneurs to budget for this expense and research the specific costs associated with their North Carolina in order to ensure a smooth and successful incorporation process. To file the Articles of Incorporation in North Carolina, you must pay a filing fee. The filing fee is $125 for filing online, or by mail..

FAQs

How do I file North Carolina Articles of Incorporation?
To file North Carolina Articles of Incorporation, you must obtain a Certificate of Existence from the North Carolina Secretary of State. This document must be completed and filed with the Secretary of State’s office.
What is the filing fee for North Carolina Articles of Incorporation?
The filing fee for North Carolina Articles of Incorporation is $125.
What information is required for filing North Carolina Articles of Incorporation?
When filing North Carolina Articles of Incorporation, you must provide the name of the proposed corporation, its purpose, the name of its registered agent, the address of its principal office, and the name and address of each incorporator.
What is the name of the agency responsible for filing North Carolina Articles of Incorporation?
The North Carolina Secretary of State’s office is responsible for filing North Carolina Articles of Incorporation.
What is the timeframe for processing a filing of North Carolina Articles of Incorporation?
The processing time for filing North Carolina Articles of Incorporation is usually within two to four weeks.
Is there an expedited processing option for filing North Carolina Articles of Incorporation?
Yes, an expedited processing option is available for filing North Carolina Articles of Incorporation. The fee for expedited processing is an additional $25.
Is it possible to file North Carolina Articles of Incorporation electronically?
Yes, North Carolina Articles of Incorporation can be filed electronically through the Secretary of State’s online filing system.
Is there a minimum amount of capital required when filing North Carolina Articles of Incorporation?
No, there is no minimum capital requirement when filing North Carolina Articles of Incorporation.
Are there restrictions on the name of a corporation when filing North Carolina Articles of Incorporation?
Yes, when filing North Carolina Articles of Incorporation, the name of the corporation must be distinguishable from any other existing corporation or business in the state.
Is it possible to change the name of a corporation after filing North Carolina Articles of Incorporation?
Yes, it is possible to change the name of a corporation after filing North Carolina Articles of Incorporation. The corporation must file an amendment with the Secretary of State’s office in order to make the change.
Is it necessary to appoint directors when filing North Carolina Articles of Incorporation?
No, it is not necessary to appoint directors when filing North Carolina Articles of Incorporation. Appointing directors is a matter to be addressed in the corporation’s bylaws.
Is it possible to file North Carolina Articles of Incorporation without a registered agent?
No, it is not possible to file North Carolina Articles of Incorporation without a registered agent. The registered agent must be located in the state and must be available to receive service of process on behalf of the corporation.
What is the purpose of filing North Carolina Articles of Incorporation?
The purpose of filing North Carolina Articles of Incorporation is to create a legal entity with limited liability protection for its owners.
Is it possible to file North Carolina Articles of Incorporation for a nonprofit corporation?
Yes, it is possible to file North Carolina Articles of Incorporation for a nonprofit corporation. The filing process is similar to that for a for-profit corporation.
How long does it take for a North Carolina corporation to become official?
Once the Secretary of State has accepted and filed the Articles of Incorporation, the corporation is officially formed. This process usually takes two to four weeks.
What is the difference between a corporation and an LLC in North Carolina?
A corporation and an LLC in North Carolina differ in terms of ownership, management structure, and taxation. Corporations are owned by shareholders and managed by a board of directors, while LLCs are owned by members and managed by managers. Corporations are subject to double taxation, while LLCs are not.
What is the process for filing North Carolina Articles of Amendment?
To file North Carolina Articles of Amendment, the corporation must obtain a Certificate of Existence from the Secretary of State’s office and submit the amendment along with the required fee.
What is the fee for filing North Carolina Articles of Amendment?
The fee for filing North Carolina Articles of Amendment is $25.
Is it possible to file North Carolina Articles of Amendment electronically?
Yes, it is possible to file North Carolina Articles of Amendment electronically through the Secretary of State’s online filing system.
What is the purpose of filing North Carolina Articles of Amendment?
The purpose of filing North Carolina Articles of Amendment is to make changes to the original Articles of Incorporation, such as changing the name of the corporation, changing the purpose of the corporation, changing the number of authorized shares, or changing the registered agent.
Is it possible to dissolve a North Carolina corporation?
Yes, it is possible to dissolve a North Carolina corporation. The process for dissolution is similar to that for filing Articles of Incorporation.
What is the filing fee for dissolving a North Carolina corporation?
The filing fee for dissolving a North Carolina corporation is $125.
Is it possible to file a written statement of dissolution for a North Carolina corporation?
Yes, it is possible to file a written statement of dissolution for a North Carolina corporation. This document must be filed with the Secretary of State’s office.
What is the process for filing a Certificate of Authority for a North Carolina corporation?
The process for filing a Certificate of Authority for a North Carolina corporation is similar to that for filing Articles of Incorporation. The Certificate of Authority must be obtained from the Secretary of State’s office and filed with the appropriate documents and fee.
What is the process for filing North Carolina Articles of Incorporation?
The process for filing North Carolina Articles of Incorporation involves submitting an Application for Certificate of Authority to the Secretary of State. The application must include the company’s name, purpose, and principal place of business, as well as information about the directors and officers.
What is required to form a corporation in North Carolina?
To form a corporation in North Carolina, you must file an Application for Certificate of Authority with the Secretary of State. This application must include the company’s name, purpose, and principal place of business, as well as information about the directors and officers.
What information is required in the North Carolina Articles of Incorporation?
The North Carolina Articles of Incorporation must include the company’s name, purpose, principal place of business, information about the directors and officers, and other relevant details.
How long does it take to form a corporation in North Carolina?
The process of forming a corporation in North Carolina typically takes up to two weeks, depending on the speed of the state’s filing office.
How much does it cost to form a corporation in North Carolina?
The filing fee for filing North Carolina Articles of Incorporation is $125. Additional filing fees may apply, depending on the type of entity and other factors.
What is the process for amending North Carolina Articles of Incorporation?
The process for amending North Carolina Articles of Incorporation involves filing a Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State. This application must include the changes to the Articles of Incorporation, as well as any other details required by the state.
What is the process for dissolving a corporation in North Carolina?
The process for dissolving a corporation in North Carolina involves filing a Certificate of Dissolution with the Secretary of State. This certificate must include information about the company, such as its name and date of dissolution, as well as any other details required by the state.
What is required to register a foreign corporation in North Carolina?
To register a foreign corporation in North Carolina, you must file an Application for Certificate of Authority with the Secretary of State. This application must include the company’s name, purpose, and principal place of business, as well as information about the directors and officers.
What is the process for reinstating a North Carolina corporation?
The process for reinstating a North Carolina corporation involves filing an Application for Reinstatement with the Secretary of State. This application must include the company’s name, purpose, and principal place of business, as well as information about the directors and officers.

Also Read

Why North Carolina Articles of Incorporation is So Important

One of the main reasons why the Articles of Incorporation are so important is because they officially establish your business as a separate legal entity from yourself as the owner. By incorporating your business, you are creating a distinct entity that is separate from your personal finances and liability. This separation is crucial to protect your personal assets in the event that your business encounters legal troubles or financial difficulties. Without the protection of incorporation, you could be held personally liable for any business debts or legal claims, putting your personal assets at risk.

Incorporation also lends credibility to your business, as it demonstrates that you are serious about operating a professional and legitimate company. This can be particularly important when seeking financing, entering into contracts, or attracting potential clients or customers. Many partners, investors, and customers prefer to work with incorporated businesses due to the added level of legal protection and formality that comes with it.

Additionally, the Articles of Incorporation provide a clear framework for how your business will be structured and operated. This document outlines important information such as the name of your business, the purpose of your business, the duration of its existence, the registered agent, and the number and types of shares of stock that the company is authorized to issue. By clearly defining these key elements of your business, you set a solid foundation for your operations and ensure that all parties involved are on the same page from the start.

Furthermore, incorporating your business in North Carolina can offer significant tax benefits. Corporations are subject to different tax laws than sole proprietorships or partnerships, which can often result in lower tax rates and additional deductions that can help your business save money in the long run. By taking advantage of these tax benefits, you can increase your bottom line and ensure the financial health and success of your business.

Overall, the Articles of Incorporation are a critical document for any business owner looking to establish a legally recognized and protected entity in North Carolina. By filing this document, you not only protect your personal assets and establish credibility for your business, but you also set a clear framework for your operations and potentially save money on taxes. So, if you are considering starting a new business or want to formalize an existing venture, don’t overlook the importance of filing the Articles of Incorporation in North Carolina.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the process of filing North Carolina Articles of Incorporation is a crucial step for businesses looking to establish their presence in the state. This legal document serves as the foundation of the company’s structure and outlines essential information, such as the company’s name, purpose, and management team. To ensure a smooth and successful filing process, it is vital for business owners to familiarize themselves with the State of North Carolina’s requirements, adhere to the applicable laws and regulations, and provide accurate and complete information in the Articles of Incorporation.

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