Both cost $125 to form. The LLC annual report is $200 a year; the corporation's is $25 on paper or less online. Tax treatment differs, so ask a tax adviser.
North Carolina General StatutesNorth Carolina General StatutesNC Department of the Secretary of State fee schedule and the North Carolina General Statutes reviewed October 30, 2026. Confirm current fees with the Business Registration Division before filing.
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.
- Filed online with the NC Secretary of State
- We track your April 15 annual report
- Cited to NC General Statutes 57D and 55
- Talk to a filer: (386) 465-3937
The forks in the road.
Corporation
Chapter 55. $125 to form, annual report $25 paper, due by fiscal year.
North Carolina General StatutesWhat to have ready
- Compare owners and investors
- Compare annual cost
- Talk to a tax adviser
- Choose and file
LLC vs. Corporation in North Carolina: Fees and Filings
LLC vs. Corporation in North Carolina: Fees and Filings
North Carolina first-year cost
State fees (at cost)
$125
Our service fee
$149
Add-ons
$0
Total before shipping
$274
Budget $200 (plus $3 online) for the first LLC annual report, due April 15 of the year after you form.
Start with these options0 / 4 complete
North Carolina law and SOS rules behind this.
| Topic | North Carolina rule | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| LLC | Chapter 57D. $125 to form, $200 annual report every April 15. | North Carolina General Statutes |
| Corporation | Chapter 55. $125 to form, annual report $25 paper, due by fiscal year. | North Carolina General Statutes |
Related North Carolina reading.
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.
What North Carolina owners ask us
On state fees alone, the corporation: its report is $25 or less versus $200 for an LLC.
North Carolina General StatutesYes. You can file directly with the NC Business Registration Division for the state fee alone. Our service fee is separate and optional.
NC Department of the Secretary of State