How to File an Annual Report for Your North Carolina LLC

Every LLC in North Carolina is required to submit an Annual Report annually to keep their LLC active.

If you have just established your LLC in North Carolina, you won't need to file an Annual Report until the following year. To stay organized, bookmark this page for future reference.

For those needing to file their North Carolina LLC Annual Report, this guide will provide comprehensive filing instructions.

Since 2010, we’ve been guiding LLC formation and managing several LLCs in North Carolina. With our extensive experience in filing Annual Reports, we’ll help you navigate the process and provide valuable tips.

What is an Annual Report for an LLC?

An Annual Report is required to update your LLC's contact information with the North Carolina Secretary of State.

You can file this report online or by mail.

Is an Annual Report Required for North Carolina LLCs?

Yes, North Carolina mandates that every LLC file an Annual Report each year. This criteria keeps your LLC compliant and upholds its reputation.

This requirement remains in place whether or not your LLC is active or generating income. Even if your LLC is inactive and has no earnings, you still need to submit the Annual Report each year.

What is the Filing Fee for the Annual Report in North Carolina?

The cost to file an Annual Report for an LLC in North Carolina is $200 annually.

This fee is applicable every year for the duration of your LLC's existence.

What is the Deadline for Filing the Annual Report in North Carolina?

The due date for the North Carolina Annual Report is April 15 each year.

When is the First Report Due?

Your initial Annual Report is due the year following your LLC's approval.

For instance:

• If your LLC was approved at any time in 2023, your first report will be due by April 15, 2024.
• If your LLC was approved at any time in 2024, your first report will be due by April 15, 2025.

Subsequent Annual Reports are due annually by April 15.

Does North Carolina Send Reminders for the Annual Report?

Yes, the North Carolina Secretary of State sends out reminder notices every March.

If your LLC has an email address on file, the reminder will be sent to that email address.

Calendar Reminder

Even if you do not receive a reminder notice, you are still responsible for timely filing your North Carolina Annual Report each year.

We recommend setting up a recurring reminder on your phone, computer, and/or calendar.

When Can You File Your Annual Report?

You can begin filing your North Carolina LLC Annual Report as early as January 1st.

For instance, you may file your 2024 report (due by April 15, 2024) starting January 1, 2024.

What Happens If You Don't File?

Failure to file your Annual Report on time will result in your LLC losing its "good standing" status.

While there is no immediate financial penalty, prolonged non-compliance may lead to the Secretary of State initiating an Administrative Dissolution of your LLC.

What if the Deadline is Missed?

If you miss the April 15th deadline You can still submit a late Annual Report without a penalty. The fee remains $200.

A late report can be filed until you receive a "Notice of Grounds for Administrative Dissolution". After receiving this notice, you have 60 additional days to file without incurring a penalty.

What if You Don’t File by the 4th Quarter?

During the 4th quarter (October to December), the state will issue a Notice of Grounds for Administrative Dissolution to LLCs that have not filed their Annual Report.

• If an email address is on file, the notice will be sent via email.
• Otherwise, it will be mailed to your Registered Agent.

60-Day Filing Period

There will be a specified date on the message. After that date, you have sixty days to file a late annual report before your LLC is dissolved.

For instance, if the notice is dated October 14, 2024, you need to file by December 13, 2024, to prevent dissolution.

What if a Certificate of Administrative Dissolution is Received?

If your LLC is administratively dissolved and you plan to close it, no additional steps are needed beyond handling your final tax return with an accountant.

If you wish to keep your LLC active, you must file for reinstatement using the Application for Reinstatement Following Administrative Dissolution, which has a $100 filing fee. This form can only be submitted by mail online filing is not an option.

How to File a North Carolina LLC Annual Report

You have the option to file your North Carolina Annual Report either online or by mail.

Online Filing: We recommend filing online because it’s simpler and makes updates easier.

Mail Filing: Although possible, filing by mail is more complicated and not recommended. If you prefer to file by mail, contact the Secretary of State for guidance.

To Start Online Filing

• Visit the North Carolina File An Annual Report page.
• Click "File Business Annual Report Here".

Find your LLC

• Locate your LLC by entering the first part of its name.
• Select your LLC from the search results and click "Annual Report".
• On the next page, click "File Current Annual Report Due".
• Check the certification boxes, then click "Next".

Report Year

• Choose the report year. For on-time filing in 2024, select 2024.

Veteran Question

Answer the brief survey about US Military Veterans and proceed.

Select Registered Agent

Confirm if your Registered Agent remains unchanged or select a new one.

If the Registered Agent is unchanged:

• Select "Current Registered Agent". Click "Next".
• Verify the address and select "This address is also the Registered Mailing Address" if applicable.
• Press "Next".

If the Registered Agent needs to be updated:

• Choose "An entity on this list has consented to be the registered agent".
• Press "Next".
• Check "This address is also the Registered Mailing Address" if necessary after confirming the Registered Agent's address.
• Press "Next".

If appointing a new Registered Agent:

• Choose "An entity or person not on the above list has given consent to be the registered agent or I need to correct the spelling of the current registered agent".
• Press "Next".
• Enter their email, name, and address. Ensure "This address is also the Registered Mailing Address" is checked if relevant.
• Press "Next."

A Synopsis of the Business

Give a brief overview of the operations of your LLC.

Phone Number

You need to provide a phone number, which can be a cell phone, office phone, or home phone.

Principal Office Email

Enter your email address. The state will use it to notify you whenever documents are filed for your LLC, providing an additional layer of security.

Annual Report Receipt Return Email

Enter your email address again to receive a filing receipt. This email will be kept private.

Principal Office Street Address

Enter your LLC's Principal Office Street Address. This address can be located in North Carolina or any other state.

Most people also select "This address is also the Principal Office Mailing Address". If your LLC's mailing address is different from the Principal Office Street Address, you can enter an alternate mailing address.

Company Officials

List all LLC Members or Managers, depending on the management structure. Add or edit as needed.

Official's Title

Choose the appropriate title based on the LLC's management structure.

If your LLC is member-managed:

The Official should use the title "Managing Member".

If your LLC is manager-managed:

• Choose "Manager" if the Official is only a Manager and not a Member.
• Choose "Managing Member" if the Official is both a Manager and a Member.
• Choose "Member" if the Official is only a Member and not a Manager.

Is the Official a Commercial Entity?

• Select "No" if an individual and "Yes" if another company.

Entity Executing the Report

Select the official signing of the report. In a Member-managed LLC, this can be any Member. In a Manager-managed LLC, this can be any Manager.

Preview Filing

Review all information carefully. Use the "Back" button to make corrections if necessary.

If all looks good, click "Go to Checkout" to proceed.

Fees & Payment

The state charges a small transaction fee in addition to the filing fee.

Payment Details

Choose "Credit Card/Debit Card", input billing details, and submit payment.

Transaction Confirmation

After submission, you will see a success message. Download your receipt if desired.

And that's it! You have successfully filed your North Carolina Annual Report.

Be sure to set a calendar reminder for next year!

If you close the tab before saving the receipt, you can retrieve it by searching for your LLC and selecting "View Filings" to download any filed documents.

North Carolina Secretary of State Contact Info

For any questions, contact the North Carolina Secretary of State at 919-814-5400.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm Eastern Time.