Launch Your C-Corp in North Carolina with Ease

Forming a C-Corp in North Carolina is straightforward and legally secure with our expert guidance. Whether you’re planning to attract investors or establish a formal presence, we ensure compliance with state laws at every step. Start your C-Corp today with a free consultation. Starts at $199 + filing fees.

Get Your Business Started Today. Select Your Package

Basic

$199

+ States Filing Fees

Form my C-Corp

02 weeks processing

Agent fee

Registered Address

Document filing with the Secretary of State

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Standard

$499

+ States Filing Fees

Form my C-Corp

05 days processing

Includes everything in basic package

Comprehensive name check

Preparation of Articles of Incorporation

Lifetime customer support (phone & email)

Federal Tax ID (EIN) Obtainment Service

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Recommended

Premium

$599

+ States Filing Fees

Form my C-Corp

01 day processing

Includes everything in standard package

2 hours of free tax consultation

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Benefits of Choosing a C-Corp in North Carolina

Attract Investment Opportunities

Issue stock to raise funds, appealing to investors who value North Carolina’s legally structured C-Corp framework.

Boost Your Professional Image

A C-Corp enhances credibility, helping you build trust and secure partnerships in North Carolina’s competitive market.

Leverage State Incentives

Access North Carolina’s business incentives, like the Job Development Investment Grant, while staying compliant with state regulations

What is a C-Corp in North Carolina defined?

A C-Corp is a legally recognized entity established by filing Articles of Incorporation with the North Carolina Secretary of State, ensuring a separate structure from its owners. It faces double taxation—corporate income tax and shareholder dividend tax—but offers significant benefits for businesses aiming to scale, all while adhering to state legal requirements.

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Why Start a C-Corp in North Carolina?

Access Capital for Growth

Issue stock to attract investors, leveraging North Carolina’s investor-friendly environment to fund your business expansion while complying with state regulations.

Gain a Competitive Edge

Establish a formal structure that enhances your credibility, making it easier to secure contracts and partnerships in North Carolina’s diverse markets, from tech to agriculture.

Benefit from State Support

Tap into North Carolina’s economic incentives, such as the Job Development Investment Grant, to support your C-Corp’s growth, all while meeting legal requirements.

C-Corp Benefits in North Carolina

A North Carolina C-Corp offers liability protection, shielding your personal assets from business debts or lawsuits. It lets you issue shares to attract investors and access state programs like the Job Development Investment Grant, all while staying legally compliant.

C-Corp Legal Duties in North Carolina

North Carolina C-Corps must file Articles of Incorporation, appoint a registered agent, adopt bylaws, hold annual meetings, and submit an Annual Report by April 15 yearly. We ensure compliance with all state requirements.

C-Corp vs. S-Corp in North Carolina

A C-Corp in North Carolina faces double taxation—corporate and shareholder levels—but can issue unlimited shares to attract investors, ideal for scaling businesses. An S-Corp offers pass-through taxation, avoiding double tax, but limits shareholders to 100 and restricts ownership to U.S. citizens or residents, per state and federal laws. Both must file with the NC Secretary of State and meet annual reporting requirements.

S Corporation vs. C Corporation in North Carolina: Key Differences

Both S-Corps and C-Corps are legally recognized structures in North Carolina—we’ll help you choose the right one while ensuring full compliance with state laws.

S Corporation

Single-Level Taxation

Profits are taxed only at the shareholder level, per IRS rules, ensuring legal tax reporting.

Ownership Restrictions

Limited to 100 shareholders, all U.S. citizens or residents, with only common stock, per federal law.

C Corporation

Corporate Structure

Faces corporate and shareholder taxation, adhering to NC and federal legal standards.

Flexible Ownership

Allows unlimited shareholders and stock types, ideal for businesses seeking diverse investors, fully compliant with state laws.

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Simple Steps to Form a C-Corp in North Carolina

Select and Secure Your Business Name

Choose a unique name for your C-Corp that complies with North Carolina naming rules. We’ll check availability and reserve it for you with the Secretary of State if allowed.

Designate a Registered Agent

North Carolina requires a registered agent to receive legal documents. We can appoint one for you, ensuring compliance with state laws and simplifying the process.

File Articles of Incorporation

We’ll prepare and file your Articles of Incorporation with the NC Secretary of State, including required details like your business address, to establish your C-Corp legally. We also assist with opening a bank account to get you started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose North Carolina to incorporate a C Corporation?

North Carolina is corporate-friendly with respect to C Corporations, with the lowest U.S. corporate income tax rate of 2.5%. The state's robust economy, fueled by Charlotte's banking hub and high-tech cluster in Raleigh, is home to such industries as technology and pharmaceuticals. Access to incentives such as the Job Development Investment Grant favors businesses that are bringing jobs into the state. The straightforward process of incorporating, with highly developed body of law is in North Carolina's favor. The qualified labor force and proximity to large markets also maximize North Carolina's appeal for startups as well as established businesses seeking to expand.

Can a non-U.S. resident or citizen form a C Corporation in North Carolina?

Yes, non-U.S. citizen or resident can form a C Corporation in North Carolina. No state residency is required of incorporators or directors. A registered agent must have a physical North Carolina address to receive legal notices. Non-residents must file Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State and obtain a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) for tax purposes. No U.S. visa or citizenship is needed, making North Carolina available to global entrepreneurs. The process is federally compliant, keeping compliance in place but allowing global business owners to reap the economic benefits of the state, including its strong tech and banking sectors.

Is a separate business bank account required for a North Carolina C Corporation?

Yes, it is highly recommended to have a separate business bank account for a North Carolina C Corporation. While not mandated by statute, having a separate account is limited liability protection by separating business and personal money. This makes accounting, tax returns, and IRS reporting simpler. Banks typically request an EIN, Articles of Incorporation, and bylaws to establish an account. Charlotte as a banking hub in North Carolina offers numerous corporate banking choices. Having a separate account increases investor and vendor credibility, essential for startup businesses in the state's competitive sectors like technology and manufacturing.

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