Key Takeaways

  • All North Carolina LLCs must file an annual report with the Secretary of State to keep business information current and maintain good standing.
  • The North Carolina annual report can be filed online or by mail, with a filing deadline of April 15 each year.
  • Filing fees are $202 online and $200 by mail, and missing the deadline can lead to administrative dissolution.
  • Reports update key details like the registered agent, business address, and management structure.
  • Different rules apply for foreign LLCs and other entities such as corporations or charities.
  • Late filings can result in penalties or loss of legal protection, making timely filing essential.

An NC LLC Annual Report is a requirement by the state of North Carolina that is filed with the Secretary of State (SOS). The report is used to update the corporate information listed with the SOS.

Information About Filing an NC LLC Annual Report

The process for filing an annual report for a limited liability company and corporations is simple.

  • The report requires basic information about the LLC. You will provide a statement outlining the nature of the business, the name and street address of the designated registered agent, the principal office address, and the names of the company officials.
  • If the information about the designated registered agent is being changed, a paper form of the annual report must be filed so that the North Carolina Corporations Division has the signature of the new registered agent on file. 
  • Professional limited liability companies (PLLC), professional corporations (PCs), and limited partnerships (LPs) are not required to file annual reports with the state.
  • For businesses operating as charities, the license must be renewed annually with the Charitable Solicitation Licensing Section at the Secretary of State website.
  • Annual reports can be filed online at the North Carolina Secretary of State website.
  • If you prefer to file the annual report by mail, include a check or money order for $200. Make the check payable to the North Carolina Secretary of State. Mail the annual report to: Secretary of State, Corporations, P. O. Box 29525, Raleigh, NC 27626-0525.

Annual Report Filing Dates and Fees

A standard LLC must file an annual report by April 15. The due date is not tied to fiscal year-end. Once an LLC is incorporated, the first annual report won't be due until the following year and will remain due on April 15 as long as the LLC is in operation.

If an LLC is listed under Profit Corporations, the annual report is due the 15th day of the fourth month after the fiscal year end. The current cost for filing is $20 if filed online and $25 if filed by mail.

Foreign corporations must also file on the 15th day of the fourth month after the fiscal year ends. The filing fee is $25 by mail and $20 online.

A Domestic or Foreign LLC must file by April 15. The filing fee is $202 online and $200 by mail.

An LLC operating as a charity files an annual report on the date the license was assigned. The fee is based on contributions received and may range from $0 to $200.

North Carolina issues a notice to LLCs that have failed to file their annual reports or have filed reports that were rejected. These LLCs are considered delinquent and have 60 days from the notice date to resolve the issues or provide valid proof that delinquencies do not exist. 

If the LLC fails to respond to the notice issued by the North Carolina Secretary of State within the 60-day timeframe, the corporate charter will be either dissolved or revoked.

North Carolina Annual Report Deadlines and Fees

All domestic and foreign LLCs must file their annual report by April 15 each year. The filing fees are:

  • $202 for online submissions
  • $200 for reports filed by mail

Corporations and limited liability partnerships have similar filing deadlines, though the fees may differ. Nonprofits and professional entities should verify if they have different reporting obligations through their governing boards or the Secretary of State’s office.

For first-time filers, note that the first annual report is not due until the year after formation, regardless of the company’s fiscal year end

Consequences of Missing the Filing Deadline

Failure to file a North Carolina annual report on time can have serious consequences. If an LLC misses the April 15 deadline, the Secretary of State will mark the entity as “delinquent” and issue a written notice. The business then has 60 days to correct the issue. Failure to comply within this period may result in administrative dissolution, meaning the business loses its right to operate legally in the state.

If your LLC has been dissolved for noncompliance, you can apply for reinstatement by filing the delinquent reports and paying applicable fees. However, reinstatement doesn’t retroactively protect the company during the period of inactivity, so timely filing is critical.

Required Information for the North Carolina Annual Report

The North Carolina annual report gathers essential information that helps keep the public record up to date. The form typically includes:

  • The legal name of the LLC and its SOS ID number
  • The principal office address and mailing address
  • The name and address of the registered agent
  • The names and titles of company officials or members
  • A brief description of the nature of business activities

Ensuring this information is accurate helps prevent administrative issues and ensures that government notices reach the correct contacts. Businesses should verify that their registered agent information matches the records on file to avoid rejection or penalties

Filing Process and Online Access

North Carolina makes it easy for business owners to submit their annual reports online through the Secretary of State’s Business Registration Division. LLCs can search their business name in the online database, verify information, and complete the annual report form electronically using a debit or credit card for payment. Online filing ensures instant confirmation and faster processing compared to mail-in submissions.

For LLCs preferring paper filing, forms can be downloaded from the Secretary of State’s website. However, note that if there’s a change to your registered agent, the paper form must be used to capture the new agent’s signature. Once completed, mail the report with payment to the address provided by the Secretary of State.

North Carolina LLC Taxes

Most LLCs are considered "pass-through" entities when it comes time to file federal income taxes. The pass-through designation means the responsibility for paying the LLCs taxes "pass through" to the members. The LLC does not pay federal income tax, just the members. 

If the owner of an LLC has chosen to have the business treated as a corporation, Form 2553 can be used to file taxes with the Internal Revenue Service. In this case, the company is not using the default pass-through filing option but instead filing a separate return for the LLC.

The current corporation tax in North Carolina is a flat 5 percent of taxable income. 

An LLC that has employees must pay employer taxes to the Internal Revenue Service.

For LLCs selling goods in North Carolina, sales tax must be collected and paid. The LLC must be registered with the Department of Revenue to make sales tax payments on goods sold. 

If the LLC will be doing business in other states besides North Carolina, it may be required to be registered in some or all the states. This will depend on the rules and regulations governing each state where the LLC may be doing business.

Best Practices for Timely Filing

To avoid late filings and penalties, consider these best practices:

  • Set reminders before the April 15 deadline.
  • Keep contact information current, especially for your registered agent.
  • Use the online filing portal for faster processing.
  • Review your annual report each year to confirm that business addresses and member details remain accurate.

Maintaining accurate filings ensures that your North Carolina LLC remains compliant and avoids administrative complications that can disrupt business operations.

Penalties and Reinstatement After Dissolution

If your LLC fails to file the North Carolina annual report, it may be administratively dissolved by the Secretary of State. Dissolution means the business can no longer conduct operations or use limited liability protections.

To reinstate a dissolved LLC, you must file all past-due reports, pay delinquent fees, and submit an Application for Reinstatement Following Administrative Dissolution. Once reinstated, the company’s good standing is restored. However, reinstatement does not erase liabilities incurred during the dissolved period.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the North Carolina annual report due? 

The North Carolina annual report is due by April 15 each year, regardless of your fiscal year end. The first report is due the year after your LLC is formed.

2. How much does it cost to file an annual report? 

Filing online costs $202, while mailing a paper report costs $200. Payment can be made via credit card, debit card, or check payable to the Secretary of State.

3. Can I change my registered agent when filing? 

Yes. If you change your registered agent, you must file the paper version of the annual report so that the new agent’s signature can be recorded.

4. What happens if I miss the filing deadline? 

If your LLC fails to file by April 15, it will be considered delinquent. After 60 days, the Secretary of State may dissolve or revoke the LLC’s status until reinstatement requirements are met.

5. Do foreign LLCs have to file an annual report in North Carolina? 

Yes. Foreign LLCs authorized to do business in the state must also file an annual report by April 15, following the same process and fee structure as domestic LLCs.

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