How to File an LLC Articles of Organization in North Carolina


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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articles of organization

The Articles of Organization is one of the main documents required while forming an LLC in North Carolina. The document needs to be filed with the Secretary of State in North Carolina to share all the important information related to the limited liability company that is going to be established.

On this page, LLCBuddy editors put all the information together about how to file the Articles of Organization in North Carolina. There might be several ways to file the formation document, online, by mail, fax, or by in-person visit to the office. Let’s dig more to check the available and easy ways in North Carolina to file the Articles of Organization while forming the LLC.

What is an LLC Articles of Organization in North Carolina?

The Articles of Organization for an LLC is the most important document among all. In general, establishing an LLC is much simpler than other types of business structures such as corporation or partnership. Among a few mandatory documents to file, Articles of Organization is one of the main papers.

By submitting the Articles of Organization, the LLC owners provide all sorts of information related to the LLC. Upon approval of the documents and information provided by the LLC, they can register their business with North Carolina Secretary of State.

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

  • The name of the LLC in North Carolina,
  • 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

Note that the Articles of Organization in North Carolina is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC. 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 LLC Articles of Organization

Filing an LLC Articles of Organization with the State is easy. There are several ways to file it. As mentioned, the filing can be done online, by sending the PDF form by mail, or by other means (physical visit or fax). Statewise filing methods can be different. Alternatively, hiring a third-party service can make a lot of difference compared to doing it on your own. They help the LLCs to file documents easily without any complications. In North Carolina, the following methods are available.

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Step 1: Find Forms Online

Go to the North Carolina Secretary of State to download the Articles 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 Articles of Organization form when filing. You also need to mention the name and address of the North Carolina Registered Agent. We recommend the best LLC services in North Carolina that you can choose to form your LLC, hire the Registered Agent, and file the Articles of Organization with the SOS.

If you plan to start an LLC in states other than North Carolina, you must file a foreign LLC in other states. For filing a foreign LLC you can explore the best LLC services that operate in 50 other states along with North Carolina.

What information does the Articles of Organization application need in North Carolina?

The application form for the Articles 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.

Step 3: File Formation Certificates

File your formation certificate either online or by mail (whichever is available and convenient for you) by filling out the form and sending it to the The Secretary of State, Business Registration Division, P.O. Box 29622, Raleigh, NC 27626. For online filing, you must log in to the North Carolina Secretary of State or register with the portal. Submit the form online (if available).

Pay the required filing fee at the time of form submission to complete the LLC registration. For online filing, payment should be made using Credit or Debit Cards. For offline filing, payment should be made using a Cheque or in cash (if available).

Cost of Filing North Carolina Articles of Organization

cost

LLC cost in North Carolina includes all types of fees starting from name reservation fee, DBA filing fee ($26), Registered Agent costs, and Articles of Organization fee. In North Carolina, the filing fee of a formation document is $125. The standard fee for filing the Articles of Organization allows one to file the LLC within the standard time. However, by paying additional fees, you can expedite the process, and can be done as soon as within a few hours (depending on state rules).

Hiring a professional service can reduce some of the costs while filing an LLC. However, the state filing fee is mandatory and has to be paid at the time of registration. We recommend hiring ZenBusiness as it offers filing an LLC at $0 (plus state filing fee).

Amend North Carolina Articles of Organization: If you make any changes to your LLC, you must file the changes with the Secretary of State. To do so, you must Amend North Carolina Articles of Organization. LLCs can get the amendment form, fill it out with the changed/updated information, and send it back to the SOS online or offline.

FAQs

What is an LLC Articles of Organization in North Carolina?
The LLC Articles of Organization in North Carolina is a legal document that officially forms a limited liability company (LLC) in the state.
How do I file the LLC Articles of Organization in North Carolina?
You can file the LLC Articles of Organization in North Carolina by submitting the required forms and fees to the Secretary of State.
What information is required in the LLC Articles of Organization in North Carolina?
The LLC Articles of Organization in North Carolina typically requires information such as the company’s name, address, management structure, and registered agent.
Can I file the LLC Articles of Organization online in North Carolina?
Yes, you can file the LLC Articles of Organization online in North Carolina through the Secretary of State’s website.
Are there any fees associated with filing the LLC Articles of Organization in North Carolina?
Yes, there are fees associated with filing the LLC Articles of Organization in North Carolina. The fees may vary depending on the state’s requirements.
How long does it take to process the LLC Articles of Organization in North Carolina?
The processing time for the LLC Articles of Organization in North Carolina can vary, but it typically takes a few business days to process.
Do I need an attorney to file the LLC Articles of Organization in North Carolina?
You are not required to have an attorney to file the LLC Articles of Organization in North Carolina, but it may be beneficial to seek legal advice.
Can a non-resident of North Carolina form an LLC in the state?
Yes, a non-resident can form an LLC in North Carolina as long as they comply with the state’s requirements for registering a business entity.
What is the difference between an LLC Articles of Organization and an LLC operating agreement in North Carolina?
The LLC Articles of Organization in North Carolina is a document that establishes the company as a legal entity, while the operating agreement outlines the management and operational details of the LLC.
Can I change the information in the LLC Articles of Organization in North Carolina after filing?
Yes, you can amend the LLC Articles of Organization in North Carolina by submitting the necessary forms and fees to the Secretary of State.
Do I need a physical address in North Carolina to form an LLC in the state?
Yes, the LLC Articles of Organization in North Carolina require a physical address within the state for the company’s registered office.
Do I need a registered agent to file the LLC Articles of Organization in North Carolina?
Yes, you are required to appoint a registered agent in North Carolina to receive legal documents and notices on behalf of the LLC.
How do I determine if my desired LLC name is available in North Carolina?
You can check the availability of your desired LLC name in North Carolina by searching the Secretary of State’s business entity database.
Can I reserve a business name before filing the LLC Articles of Organization in North Carolina?
Yes, you can reserve a business name before filing the LLC Articles of Organization in North Carolina by submitting a Name Reservation Request form and paying the required fees.
What is the significance of the LLC filing date in North Carolina?
The LLC filing date in North Carolina is the date on which the Secretary of State receives the complete and accurate LLC Articles of Organization, establishing the official formation date of the LLC.
Can I use a PO Box as the registered office address in North Carolina?
No, a PO Box cannot be used as the registered office address in North Carolina. The registered office must be a physical street address.
Are there any ongoing requirements for maintaining an LLC in North Carolina?
Yes, there are ongoing requirements for maintaining an LLC in North Carolina, such as filing annual reports and paying state taxes.
Can I add additional provisions to the LLC Articles of Organization in North Carolina?
Yes, you can include additional provisions in the LLC Articles of Organization in North Carolina, as long as they comply with the state’s laws.
Can I form a professional LLC (PLLC) in North Carolina?
Yes, you can form a professional LLC (PLLC) in North Carolina if you are licensed to provide professional services in the state.
How do I dissolve an LLC in North Carolina?
You can dissolve an LLC in North Carolina by filing Articles of Dissolution with the Secretary of State and completing any necessary tax obligations.
Can I convert my existing business entity into an LLC in North Carolina?
Yes, you can convert your existing business entity into an LLC in North Carolina by filing the necessary conversion forms with the Secretary of State.
What is the tax structure for LLCs in North Carolina?
The tax structure for LLCs in North Carolina varies, but most LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities, where profits and losses pass through to the owners’ personal tax returns.
Are foreign LLCs required to register in North Carolina?
Yes, foreign LLCs conducting business in North Carolina are required to register with the Secretary of State and obtain a Certificate of Authority.
Can I obtain a Certificate of Existence for my LLC in North Carolina?
Yes, you can obtain a Certificate of Existence for your LLC in North Carolina by requesting one from the Secretary of State’s office confirming that your LLC is in good standing.
What is the North Carolina LLC Act?
The North Carolina LLC Act is the state statute governing the formation, operation, and dissolution of limited liability companies in North Carolina.
How do I update the members or managers of an LLC in North Carolina?
You can update the members or managers of an LLC in North Carolina by filing an amendment to the LLC Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State.
Can an LLC in North Carolina have a single member?
Yes, an LLC in North Carolina can have a single member, known as a single-member LLC.
What is the difference between an LLC and a corporation in North Carolina?
The main difference between an LLC and a corporation in North Carolina is the structure of ownership and management. LLCs offer more flexibility in ownership and management structures.
Is there a publication requirement for forming an LLC in North Carolina?
No, there is no publication requirement for forming an LLC in North Carolina.
What is the purpose of filing Articles of Organization in North Carolina?
The purpose of filing Articles of Organization in North Carolina is to officially form a limited liability company (LLC) and register it with the state.

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In Conclusion

The formation document or the Articles of Organization is the main document you need while forming your limited liability company in North Carolina. Certainly, you must attach supporting documents such as a name reservation certificate, registered agent name and address, and others. In North Carolina, filing the Articles of Organization is easy. However, mistakes can happen if you are a beginner or a first-time business filer. It is suggested to hire a professional service.

LLCBuddy editors recommend ZenBusiness, as it not only offers free LLC formation service ($0), but also, offers other services such as Registered Agent, operating agreement, EIN, Certificate of Existence for foreign LLC establishment, business name search, and many more.

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