NC LLC Formation and Governance
Filing to form an LLC is the quick part. Setting the company up so it runs cleanly, with the right records from the start, is what pays off later. This service is for one adult founder starting a new, single-member, member-managed North Carolina LLC.
What governance documents are for
The state filing creates the LLC. The governance documents say how it works: who owns it, who makes decisions, how money goes in and out, and what happens if you bring in an owner or step away. Contribution and ownership records show what you put into the company and what you own. Clear records also help show that the company is separate from you personally, and banks and others may ask to see them.
What the EIN is for
An EIN is the company's federal tax identification number, issued by the IRS. A bank may ask for one to open a business account, and you need one to hire employees. I help you apply once the LLC is formed and follow up on it.
What you walk away with
- A planning conference and a written plan for your company.
- A review of your proposed name and your registered agent and address, which receive legal papers for the company.
- One NC articles filing, with a check of the state record once it is in.
- Initial governance documents written for your company, with contribution and ownership records.
- Help getting your EIN after formation, with follow-up.
- A company record book that keeps it all in one place: signed originals by mail, plus a digital copy.
- A memo on the company's startup obligations.
- A handoff meeting to walk through everything.
Fee
$850, plus government charges and any approved outside costs. As of October 23, 2026, the North Carolina Secretary of State charges $125 to file articles of organization.
Example total: $850 for the LLC + $125 state filing fee = $975, before any outside costs you approve in advance.
Tax elections, registered-agent service, and annual reports are not included.
Starting with a cofounder?
A separate package forms a new North Carolina LLC for two founders and writes an operating agreement for the two of you: who owns what, who decides what, what happens if you disagree, and what happens if one of you leaves or dies. I represent both of you together, with written consent from each of you, so the two of you decide the business terms and I write them down clearly and explain how the law treats them. If you have not yet agreed on the basics, or either of you wants a lawyer on your side against the other, each of you should have your own lawyer instead. Both of you must live in North Carolina, and the business must be based here.
$1,500 for both founders, plus government charges. The North Carolina Secretary of State charges $125 to file articles of organization.
Not included: three or more owners, investors, a company owned by another company or a trust, professional practices, moving existing intellectual property or a business into the company, and tax planning.
Already have an LLC? Governance review
$500
For one ordinary single-member North Carolina LLC that already exists. I review the operating agreement and related records you supply, up to 20 pages, and give you a findings memo and a 45-minute consultation. It flags gaps and recommends next steps. Restated documents, filings, companies with more than one owner, and cleanup work are quoted separately.
Ready to form or review your company? Get in touch.