Winston-Salem · Forsyth County
Starting a business in Winston-Salem: LLC filing, assumed names and local rules
Your company is formed once with the NC Secretary of State ($125). If you trade under a brand, record an assumed name with the Forsyth County Register of Deeds for $26. Winston-Salem has no general business license.
State filing
$125 (G.S. 57D)
Assumed name
$26, Forsyth County
Local license
None (zoning applies)
LLC annual report
$200, April 15
Heads up: we are an independent company that prepares and submits North Carolina filings for owners. We are not the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State and we do not give legal advice. Every state and county charge passes through at the exact amount billed, and anyone can file directly with the Business Registration Division for no service fee.
Heads up: we are an independent company that prepares and submits North Carolina filings for owners. We are not the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State and we do not give legal advice. Every state and county charge passes through at the exact amount billed, and anyone can file directly with the Business Registration Division for no service fee.
Heads up: we are an independent company that prepares and submits North Carolina filings for owners. We are not the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State and we do not give legal advice. Every state and county charge passes through at the exact amount billed, and anyone can file directly with the Business Registration Division for no service fee.
Doing business in Winston-Salem
Health care and biotech in the Innovation Quarter, plus food and beverage makers and legacy manufacturing.
Winston-Salem has no general business license. Food businesses need Forsyth County environmental health approval; alcohol sales need ABC permits.
Official sourceRecording an assumed name in Forsyth County
Forsyth County Register of Deeds: Forsyth County Government Center, 201 North Chestnut Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Phone: 336-703-2700.
Up to five business names fit on one certificate and the filing fee is $26. Certificates can be recorded in person, by mail or by e-filing.
Official sourceSolve this in 5 minutes
Heads up: we are an independent company that prepares and submits North Carolina filings for owners. We are not the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State and we do not give legal advice. Every state and county charge passes through at the exact amount billed, and anyone can file directly with the Business Registration Division for no service fee.
Step-by-step in Winston-Salem
- File the LLC ($125).
- Record up to five trade names on one Forsyth certificate ($26).
- Get an EIN and NCDOR sales tax registration.
- Line up health permits before opening.
One certificate, many brands
Owners file separate DBAs for each brand when one Forsyth certificate can hold five names for $26.
Worked example: A catering company with a food-truck brand
Both brands fit on one assumed name certificate.
Next year: the LLC annual report is $200 (plus $3 online) by April 15. We file it for $149 plus the state fee.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Corp USA Pro package | $349 |
| NC Articles of Organization (state fee at cost) | $125 |
| Assumed name certificate, county recording fee | $26 |
| Known day-one total | $500 |
Doing it yourself vs. having us file
| Task | On your own | With Corp USA |
|---|---|---|
| Name check and Articles | You, with the Business Registration Division | We prepare and file the same day |
| Registered agent | Your address goes public | Our NC address, $199/yr |
| Assumed name | You, at the county | $149 + $26 |
| April 15 annual report | You | We track and file |
Frequently asked questions
Ready when you are
Heads up: we are an independent company that prepares and submits North Carolina filings for owners. We are not the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State and we do not give legal advice. Every state and county charge passes through at the exact amount billed, and anyone can file directly with the Business Registration Division for no service fee.
Heads up: we are an independent company that prepares and submits North Carolina filings for owners. We are not the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State and we do not give legal advice. Every state and county charge passes through at the exact amount billed, and anyone can file directly with the Business Registration Division for no service fee.