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The objective of the annual report is three-fold. The annual report keeps the Government informed about all the updates, communicates about all the modifications or changes, & keeps the LLC members informed about the necessary taxes and costs. This article has all the information about North Carolina LLC annual report filing in North Carolina.
An annual report can be called an address book, as it features all the relevant addresses of the company & the members. This yearly report is a record of all the company’s activities in an entire year. It is also referred to as the Annual Franchise Tax Report because it helps in filing the franchise tax.
Contents of the Annual Report
Typically the annual report filed by a North Carolina LLC (or any other business entity for that matter) will include all the information related to its business & members. The standard contents of the annual report or the annual franchise tax report are
- Office Address of the LLC
- Names & Addresses of the Members & managers.
- Identification Documents
- Social Security numbers of the key members of LLC
- The objective of the business of LLC
- List of all the signatories of the LLC
- Information of the registered agent, if any
North Carolina LLC Annual Report
An Annual report is essential for all business types. It authenticates that the information provided to the Secretary Of the State is accurate & updated. The information provided in the annual report helps the State officials to ensure that all the companies pay taxes. The North Carolina Annual Report is filed with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
Does the State of North Carolina Require an Annual Report Filing?
Every business entity in North Carolina is bound to file an annual report with the North Carolina Secretary of State. This rule applies to all the legal entities such as C Corporations, Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, bound to file the Annual Report.
Annual Report Deadline
As mentioned above, filing the Annual report is a mandatory requirement even for an LLC. An LLC operating in North Carolina has to file the Annual report with the North Carolina Secretary of State on 15th April every year.
Penalties for Non-filing or late filing
There are no late fees for late filing. If your LLC can not file the report by April 15, it will lose its ‘good standing’ status in the North Carolina state reports. Further failure of not filing the report within 60 days from the due date, will lead to the dissolution of the LLC.
Why Do LLCs Have to File the Annual Report?
Some of the states are not required to file this yearly report, commonly known as the Annual Report. However, there are some reasons why states should file an LLC Annual Report. Here are some reasons,
To Maintain the Accuracy of the Information
An annual report filed by the LLC has all the updated information about its official addresses & the names or addresses of all its officials. This updated information allows the State authorities to track down any LLC when communicating.
To Provide the Correct Correspondence
Many times, any creditor or other entity willing to transact with the LLC requires the correct correspondence address. If this information (which can only be modified with the help of an annual report) is not updated every year, such entities will not be able to communicate with them.
To Notify the Government About All the Significant Changes
If you have changed your main business address or had new business appointments of managers or members, the annual public information report notifies the State Government Entities about it. So, the next time someone questions a newer reform that you have introduced in your LLC, you will be saved because you had submitted the information with the Government.
To Provide an Activity Log of an LLC
The Annual Report is like an activity log of the LLC. It brings on record; all the transactions, new associations, appointments, etc. & keeps those records intact for all future references.
To Help You With the One-time Filing of Taxes
The annual report is an excellent means to keep you on your toes in case of your dues payment. Every LLC must pay the taxes through the annual report filing. By filing the report on time, the LLC can manage the exemptions & can avoid penalties imposed by the Government.
To Enable the State to Track the Payments
The government authorities use all the information filed through the annual report, for tracking the payment of State Taxes.
How to File a North Carolina LLC Annual Report
The North Carolina LLC Annual Report can be filed online or by mail. An LLC operating in North Carolina has to file the Annual report with the North Carolina Secretary of State on 15th April every year.
Steps to File North Carolina LLC Annual Report Online
Time needed: 5 minutes
Below is the procedure to file the North Carolina LLC Annual Report online.
- Visit North Carolina’s Secretary of State Website.
The first step in filing the North Carolina Annual Report is to visit the North Carolina Secretary of State Website
- Click on the “File Business Annual Report HERE!” Tab.
Scroll down & Click on the “File Business Annual Report HERE” Tab
- Search for your Business Name.
Write the Business Name in the box below “searching for” & click on the search button.
- Click on the “Annual Report” tab.
Choose your business name & click on the Annual Report tab before it. Start filing the report online.
Filing North Carolina LLC Annual Report By Mail
To file the LLC Annual report in North Carolina, you can follow the steps as mentioned below,
- Visit the North Carolina Secretary of State Website
- Click on the “File Business Annual Report HERE!” Icon
- Write the Business Name in the box below “searching for”
- Choose your business name & click on the small icon Above the Annual Report tab that says “Print an E-populated annual report form”
- Once you click on the icon, the form will be downloaded on your computer automatically
- Fill in the required information & send the printed copies of the form and relevant documents to the address: Business Registration Division, P.O. Box 29525, Raleigh, NC 27626-0525
North Carolina LLC Annual Report (Domestic & Foreign)
| State Office: | Business Registration Division, P.O. Box 29525, Raleigh, NC 27626-0525 Links to Website, Form |
| Due Date: | An LLC operating in North Carolina has to file the Annual report with the North Carolina Secretary of State on 15th April every year. |
| Filing Fee: | $202 – online, $200- by Mail. |
| Penalty: | There are no late fees for late filing. If your LLC can not file the report by April 15, it will lose its ‘good standing’ status in the North Carolina state reports. |
| Filing Method: | An LLC can file the Annual Report Online or by mail. |
| Forms: | Form |
| Important Information: | Once a Domestic or Foreign North Carolina Limited Liability Company submits the Annual Report along with the prescribed fees to the North Carolina Secretary of State, the filing is said to be complete. |
Seek the Help of a Registered Agent
Every State will have a different rule for filing the Annual Report. Usually, it is submitted every year, but it is submitted once in two years in some states. Some states require the filing of the report only once in ten years.
Not only the timing, the mode of filing, the proper addresses, exemptions, legality, annual report compliance, etc., have to be taken care of while paying the taxes or filing any reports with the State authorities. In many such scenarios, it is advised that an LLC appoints a Registered Agent to manage all this. Check out the best LLC service that offers all the services at an affordable price. An experienced agent is required for:
- Streamlining the mandatory processes & filing.
- Sending or receiving any documents.
- Reminding you about important dates of filing or payment of taxes.
- Simplifying the filing procedures.
- Avoid any penalties.
- Flexibility in working.
- Maintaining Privacy (as it keeps your personal records off the public record)
You can read more about a North Carolina Registered Agent here.
FAQs
Yes, an annual report is essential for every business entity in most states. Some states also ask to file biennial or decennial reports to be filed.
A Yearly Business Report or the annual report typically incorporates the address of the business, names & addresses of the members, a list of all the signatories, SSN of the members, & details of the registered agent.
A Registered Agent is well-aware of all the filing requirements, annual report filing fee, & overall Annual Report compliance. The knowledge & proficiency of the registered agent allows the smooth filing of reports & other fees.
The most important thing for filing an Annual Report is record keeping. Make sure that you document every other transaction well.
Yes, the fees may vary depending on the type of entity or the type of legal entity you are representing.
How Fast Can I Fill North Carolina LLC Annual Report
Deadline for filing annual reports in North Carolina is April 15 every year with the North Carolina Secretary of State. Failing to do so within 60 days may result in dissolution of the LLC.
The first step is to understand the deadline for filing your Annual Report. In North Carolina, LLCs must file their Annual Report by April 15th of each year. This deadline allows the North Carolina Secretary of State’s office to have the most up-to-date information about your company and ensure that your LLC remains in good standing. By knowing the deadline in advance, you can plan ahead and avoid any last-minute rush to submit your Annual Report.
Next, gather all the necessary information before you start filling out the Annual Report form. This includes basic details about your LLC, such as the name, address, and registered agent information. You may also need to provide information about your company’s activities and any changes that have occurred since you last filed an Annual Report. By having all the information ready, you can streamline the process and fill out the form accurately.
When it comes to actually filling out the Annual Report form, be sure to double-check your entries for accuracy and completeness. Any mistakes or missing information could result in delays or issues with your submission. Take your time to review each section of the form, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the Secretary of State’s office if you have any questions or need clarification on any points.
Once you have completed the Annual Report form, you can submit it online through the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website. Filing online is usually the quickest and most convenient method, as it allows you to track the status of your submission and receive a confirmation once it has been accepted. This eliminates the need for mailing in a paper form and waiting for it to be processed.
In addition to filing your North Carolina LLC Annual Report on time, it’s important to keep accurate records of your company’s activities throughout the year. This includes maintaining updated financial records, meeting minutes, and any other relevant documentation. By staying organized and proactive with your recordkeeping, you can streamline the process of filling out your Annual Report each year and ensure that your company remains compliant with state regulations.
In conclusion, filling out your North Carolina LLC Annual Report doesn’t have to be a time-consuming or complicated task. By understanding the deadline, gathering all necessary information in advance, double-checking your entries, and filing online, you can efficiently complete this requirement and continue focusing on the growth and success of your business. Staying on top of your compliance obligations is crucial for maintaining your LLC’s good standing, so make it a priority to fill out your Annual Report in a timely manner each year.
In Conclusion
An LLC has to file many types of reports, such as Application for Reinstatement, Periodic Report of a limited partnership (usually filed by the exempt nonprofit organization), etc., which are required depending on the type of entity. The Annual Report is mandatory irrespective of the entity type. It requires compliance across entities.