Form a Corporation in North Carolina
Forming a Corporation in North Carolina costs $125 in state filing fees and typically takes 3-5 business days (online) to process. After that, plan for a $20 annual report fee.
Last verified September 2026 against official North Carolina sources · see sources
Want this turned into your personalized Corporation roadmap for North Carolina?
See it free, no account needed. Save it later to track every step, deadline, and what comes after forming a Corporation.
How to File
Choose a Corporate Name
Select a unique name that includes a required designator such as 'Corporation,' 'Incorporated,' 'Company,' or an abbreviation thereof. Search the NC Secretary of State business name database to confirm availability before filing.
30 minutes
Appoint a Registered Agent
Designate a registered agent with a physical street address in North Carolina who is available during normal business hours to receive legal and official documents. The registered agent can be an individual resident or a qualified business entity.
30 minutes
File Articles of Incorporation
Prepare and file Articles of Incorporation with the NC Secretary of State, including the corporate name, number of authorized shares, registered agent information, and incorporator details. Filing can be completed online at the NC Secretary of State website or by mail with a $125 fee.
1-2 hours
Appoint Directors and Hold Organizational Meeting
The incorporator(s) appoint the initial board of directors, who then hold an organizational meeting to adopt bylaws, elect officers, authorize stock issuance, and address other initial corporate formalities. Document these actions in meeting minutes.
2-4 hours
What's Next After Filing
Once your Corporation is officially formed, you'll want to complete these important steps:
- •Draft Corporate Bylaws — Create bylaws that govern the corporation's internal management, including rules for shareholder and director meetings, voting procedures, officer roles, and other operational guidelines. While not filed with the state, bylaws are legally required and should be kept at the principal office.
- •Obtain an EIN and Open a Bank Account — Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS at no cost, which is required for tax filings, hiring employees, and opening a corporate bank account. Open a dedicated business bank account to maintain separation between corporate and personal finances.
- •Register for State Taxes and Obtain Licenses — Register with the NC Department of Revenue for applicable state taxes, including corporate income tax and sales tax if selling taxable goods or services. Obtain any required local business licenses or professional permits relevant to your industry.
Fees and Processing Time
- State filing fee:
- $125
- Expedite fee:
- $200
- Standard processing:
- 3-5 business days (online); 7-10 business days (mail)
- Expedited processing:
- 24 hours
The $125 base fee applies to Articles of Incorporation filed with the NC Secretary of State. Expedited 24-hour processing is available for an additional $200 fee (total $325). Online filings may be processed faster than mail submissions.
Corporation in North Carolina: Quick Answers
How much does it cost to form a Corporation in North Carolina?
The state filing fee is $125, plus $200 if you choose expedited processing. Optional costs such as a paid registered agent are on top of that.
How long does it take to form a Corporation in North Carolina?
Standard processing is 3-5 business days (online); 7-10 business days (mail); expedited processing is 24 hours.
Does a Corporation in North Carolina need a registered agent?
Yes. You must name a registered agent with a physical North Carolina address. You can serve as your own agent if you have a North Carolina street address and are available during business hours.
Does North Carolina require a Corporation to publish a notice?
No. North Carolina has no newspaper publication requirement for this entity type.
What are the annual fees and filings for a Corporation in North Carolina?
The annual report fee is $20. Due: April 15. See Annual Obligations below for other required filings.
Advantages
- ✓Limited liability protection shields shareholders' personal assets from corporate debts and legal judgments
- ✓Corporations can raise capital more easily by issuing multiple classes of stock to investors
- ✓Perpetual existence means the corporation continues even if ownership or management changes
- ✓S-Corp election available to eligible corporations, allowing pass-through taxation and potential self-employment tax savings
- ✓Enhanced credibility and professional image with customers, partners, and investors
Considerations
- •Potential for double taxation as a C-Corp — profits taxed at the corporate level and again when distributed as dividends to shareholders
- •More complex and costly to maintain than an LLC, with requirements for bylaws, board meetings, minutes, and strict record-keeping
- •North Carolina franchise tax adds an additional annual tax burden based on net worth or property value with a $200 minimum
- •More rigid governance structure with required directors, officers, and shareholder meetings compared to the flexible management of an LLC
Annual Obligations
How a Corporation Compares in North Carolina
Corporation vs. LLC
An LLC offers more flexible management and pass-through taxation by default without corporate formalities, while a North Carolina Corporation requires a board of directors, bylaws, and shareholder meetings but provides easier access to venture capital and the ability to issue stock.
Corporation vs. S-Corp
An S-Corp is not a separate entity type but a federal tax election a qualifying North Carolina Corporation can make; an S-Corp passes income and losses through to shareholders to avoid double taxation, whereas a standard C-Corp pays corporate-level income tax separately from shareholder taxes.
Corporation vs. Partnership
A Corporation provides full limited liability protection for all owners, whereas a general partnership exposes partners to personal liability for business debts; corporations also have more formal governance requirements and easier paths to outside investment than partnerships.
Corporation vs. Nonprofit
A for-profit Corporation is formed to generate profit for its shareholders, while a Nonprofit Corporation is organized for charitable, educational, or public purposes and may qualify for federal and state tax exemptions but cannot distribute profits to members or directors.
Sources
Fees, steps and deadlines on this page come from North Carolina's official filing office and tax agency pages listed below and were last verified in September 2026. Fees change — confirm on the official site before you file.
What OpenChamber Does
We don't file paperwork for you — we guide you through doing it yourself, which saves money and helps you understand your business from day one.
Personalized Checklist
Every task you need, organized by priority and tailored to North Carolina.
Vetted Professionals
When you need help, we connect you with professionals we trust.
Progress Tracking
Never lose track of where you are or what's next.
Track Your Progress
Get a personalized checklist for forming your Corporation in North Carolina — and everything that comes after.
Get Your Free Checklist