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.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
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,
- 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’.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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Review your application thoroughly before proceeding to the payment gateway page. All the information filled in the application should be correct and accurate.
- 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.
- 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,
- Download the Application form PDF (Form L- 01) on your computer system.
- The form provides detailed instructions for filing the application form. Read all the instructions very carefully before you start filling in the form.
- Proceed to fill in the application form.
- You can also attach the name reservation certificate along with your application form.
- Review all the information entered by you to be correct and accurate to your knowledge.
- Make the payment of $125 as the filing fee for your application payable to the ‘Secretary of State’.
- 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
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.
Starting a new business can be both exciting and intimidating. There are certainly many important decisions that have to be made to ensure that your business gets off on the right foot. One of the most important of these decisions is choosing the type of entity under which your business will operate. For many entrepreneurs, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the perfect choice because it provides the flexibility and protection of a corporation without the tax burden that comes with that entity.
Part of starting an LLC in North Carolina includes filing articles of organization with the Secretary of State. The articles of organization establish the legal existence of your LLC and are required by state law. As such, it’s important to know where to find those articles if you ever need them in the future.
There are a few different ways to obtain these articles, and the good news is that they’re relatively easy to obtain. Here are a few places you can look:
The Secretary of State’s Website
One option is to visit the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website. The Secretary of State’s website is easy to navigate, and you’ll find a section dedicated to businesses and LLCs. This section is where you’ll find all of the information you need about different business structures, how to file for an LLC, and how to amend or dissolve your LLC if necessary. You’ll also find digital copies of your Articles of Organization once you’ve filed them.
The Division of Corporations at the Secretary of State’s Office
If you’re having trouble accessing the Articles of Organization online, or if you need a notarized copy, you can always visit the Division of Corporations at the Secretary of State’s Office in Raleigh. This is especially useful if you need a certified copy of the articles of organization for some reason, but even a regular “plain copy” – that is, a copy that is not notarized and does not have an official seal – of the document will usually do.
Your Registered Agent
When you filed the articles of organization, you designated a registered agent for service of process – this is the person who receives legal documents and notices on behalf of the LLC. Your registered agent should also have a copy of the articles of organization on file, particularly if they’re a professional registered agent. If you’re uncertain who your registered agent is or how they distribute information, you can always contact them directly to ask if they have a copy of the articles of organization on hand.
In many cases, it’s important to have access to your LLC’s articles of organization, and by knowing where to find them, you are one step closer to being able to manage and grow your business successfully. When you’ve established a business in North Carolina as an LLC, you now have the freedom to make your ideas and dreams a reality, and the North Carolina government strives to make it easy for you by letting you gain access to the articles of organization online or using digital copies and the Unfroe copy Service in the event of applicants living outside of the State. With these various more easily accessible options, finding your LLC’s articles of organization is easier than ever before.
F.A.Qs
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.
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.
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.
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.
