Corporations Division North Carolina Secretary of State

PO Box 29622
Raleigh,  NC 27626-0622
Phone: (919) 807-2000
Fax: (919) 807-2073
Email: belek@sos.nc.com
Website: www.secretary.state.nc.us

Contact: Bonnie Elek
Type of Organization: State
Mission:

To facilitate the growth of North Carolina's economy and promote the accumulation and protection of financial capital by providing efficient and expeditious corporate services and information to the general public and the business, legal, and banking communities.
Resources/Services:
Data Services:

Maintains computer files on all of North Carolina's business entities -- their status, transactions, and annual reports. Information may be obtained in the following ways: 1) a FTP site subscription 2)a CD-ROM subscription or 3) hard (paper) copies.
Information:
Reports/Publications:

Incorporating Your Business in North Carolina. 

Incorporating Your Non-profit in North Carolina.  Both publications are free of charge and can be obtained by contacting the Corporations Division

Start-Up Checklist To Incorporate in North Carolina

A list for new business owners when planning the road ahead

Congratulations on your decision to embark upon a new business venture in North Carolina!  To save time and ensure you have all the information you need in one place, weíve outlined a six-step process to help you get started.  The requirements vary according to your business activity.

Step 1:  Create a business plan


For any business, the first step is to turn your basic idea into a written, viable plan of action.  Your business plan must convince you that the business will work ìon paperî and then serve as a road map and model for your business success.  A well-thought out business plan is necessary for obtaining loans and other aid. Refer to the Business ServiCenter Business Planning Section on our website to determine what should be included in a comprehensive business plan.

 Step 2:  Decide on your business structure and register your business name 


One of the earliest decisions a company makes is determining an appropriate business structure.  Whatever entity is chosen - corporation, limited liability company, a partnership or something else - careful consideration must be given to the management, structural and tax implications of  your decision.  While not a replacement for sound legal or tax advice, the following information outlines many of those structural options.  You may also want to see Choosing a Legal Structure and the Forms Section on our website.

 

    * To register a business name for a sole proprietorship or general partnership:
      Contact the County Register of Deeds Office where you intend to do business.  

 

    * To file a Corporation, LLC, LLP, or Limited Partnership:
      Contact the North Carolina Secretary of State Office, Corporations Division or call (919) 807-2225.  

 
Step 3:  Get license information and business referrals


The State of North Carolina does not issue a single business license, one that will ensure compliance with the numerous state licenses, permits and regulatory requirements. Additionally, your business may be subject to local and/or federal requirements. Simply knowing which agencies to contact for all these permits can be a very confusing task for the new entrepreneur.  Call the Business ServiCenter at (800) 228-8443 or (919) 807-4280 or visit these links for information.

    * State license & permitting requirements
    *
      Local license & zoning issues:  Check with city/town & county agencies where you intend to do business: List of North Carolina cities and towns or
      List of North Carolina counties

 
Step 4:  Obtain the necessary tax information


Taxation for small businesses may be simple or complex, depending on the size and business structure.  Keep in mind that tax liability for each business will be different and that you should consult your attorney and accountant regarding comprehensive tax planning to fit your unique business situation.  Visit the Business ServiCenter Taxes Section on our website to identify tax requirements with the city, county, state and federal agencies.

 
Step 5:  Identify sources of financing


Refer to the Business ServiCenter Sources of Capital Section on our website for an overview of financial resources and special loan programs available for small business owners and entrepreneurs in North Carolina.

 
Step 6:  Learn about employer reporting requirements and responsibilities


Visit the Business ServiCenter Employer Issues Section on our website for instructions on how to register as an employer, apply for tax ID numbers and unemployment insurance, obtain workerís compensation insurance and adhere to employee eligibility regulations.

 

Some optional considerations and resources that may apply:

    * For Federal Identification Numbers (EINs) contact the Internal Revenue Service or call (800) 829-4933
    * For State Sales Tax and State Withholding Tax Numbers contact the North Carolina Department of Revenue or call  (877) 252-3052
    * Consult with an accountant for bookkeeping, tax and related needs
    * Obtain insurance
    * Review contracts with legal counsel
    * Review applicable regulations (OSHA, EPA, Labor, etc.)
    * Register trademarks or patents
    * Develop policy and employee handbook
    * Join trade associations, chamber of commerce organizations

North Carolina Corporations Division



Mailing Address:
PO Box 29622
Raleigh, NC 27626-0622
	

Physical Address:
2 South Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 27601-2903


Corporations Director : Cheri L. Myers

The Corporations Division is responsible for the examination, custody and maintenance of the legal documents filed by more than 400,000 corporations, limited partnerships and limited liability companies. The duty of the Secretary of State is to ensure uniform compliance with the statutes governing the creation of these entities, record the information required to be kept as a public record, and provide that information to the public. The Corporations Division acts in an administrative capacity only and cannot give legal advice.

Alert: The Secretary of State's Office has become aware that an entity, "Compliance Services," has mailed solicitations titled "Annual Minutes Requirement Statement" to business entities in North Carolina. Click here for more information.

Extended hours for Corporations Customer Service
The Corporations Division has extended the customer service call center hours from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday during the Annual Report peak filing season. These hours will be effective from March 22, 2010 through June 4, 2010.

Document Examination Resource Constraints
The Corporations Division anticipates an examination resource constraint beginning on or around March 22, 2010 and continuing until the end of May, which may affect document filing turn around times. Please be mindful of the expedited filing provisions found N.C.G.S. 55D-11 if you require 24 hour or same day filing service.