7 Best LLC Services in North Carolina (2025 Expert Picks)

According to the North Carolina Secretary of State the NC LLC business segment has seen a 20% increase in new business registrations in 2024 [1]. The small business sector is growing, but starting a limited liability company (LLC) can still be difficult, especially if you're unfamiliar with the procedures in North Carolina.

To provide you with the most reliable and comprehensive guidance, I partnered with legal experts and attorneys to evaluate 7 different LLC services meticulously. Our focus was not just on the basic features but also on the nuances of cost efficiency and exceptional customer service.

Company	LLC Packages	LLC Fees	Registered Agent Price	Same & Next Day Filing	Money-Back Guarantee	Free Package Features	BBB Accredited	Advisory Services
ZenBusiness (Best Overall)	3	From 0$	First year $99 + state fees/ Renewal: $199/year.	Pro & Premium Package	60 days	LLC Filing & 100% Accuracy Guarantee	Yes	Accounting Consultation
Northwest (Best Premium)	1	$39 (using our link)	First year free with LLC purchase / $125 from 2nd year	No	90 days	None	No, A rating	No
LLC Attorney (Best Essentials)	3	From $49	Add-on (Price Varies)	No	30–60 days	LLC Filing, Operating Agreement, Organizational Minutes	Yes, A rating	Attorney Support (Paid Add-On)
LegalZoom (Best Legal Advisor)	3	From $0	$249	No	60 days	LLC Filing, Digital welcome packet, Customizable website	Yes, A+ rating	Attorney Consultations (Premium Plan)
Inc Authority	3	From $0	Free with LLC formation	Depending on the premium packages	60 days	LLC filing, EIN, Registered Agent	Yes	Private banking specialist
Swyft Filings	3	From $0	$149/quarter	Premium Package	60 days	LLC Filing & Lifetime customer support	No	No
Bizee	3	From $0	First year free with LLC purchase / $119 from 2nd year	Platinum Package	Order refundable before state payment (usually 24h), minus $30 fee.	LLC Filing, FREE Registered Agent (1 year), EIN, Operating Agreement, Business Tax Consultation & more	No	Tax: Free 1-hour Consultation

7 Best LLC Services in North Carolina (December 2025)

1 - ZenBusiness (Best Overall)

Would you recommend ZenBusiness (Best Overall)?

ZenBusiness is not just our editor's choice but a clear leader in LLC formation services available in all states in the US, setting the standard for excellence in this field.

Their low-cost options and fantastic customer relations make them the best overall choice for anyone looking to form an LLC in the state.

Our personal experience with ZenBusiness was fully positive. From the beginning to the end, they made registering our LLC in North Carolina seamless.

Clear package choices, essential features like an EIN, and a well-organized dashboard ensured a smooth experience. Our LLC was approved within four days, and we received a comprehensive New Business Kit.

LLC Formation Packages:

• ZenBusiness Starter ($0 + $128 State Fee): Includes LLC Filing services, expense and deduction tracking, and a 100% accuracy guarantee.
• ZenBusiness Pro ($199 + $128 State Fee): Everything in the Starter plan, plus a special guided operating agreement, ongoing compliance, business document templates, an EIN, the fastest "rush" filing speed (1 business day). The package also boasts a Website Builder with a 1-month free trial, subsequently priced at $15/month.
• ZenBusiness Premium ($349 + $128 State Fee): This LLC service package includes all starter and pro features, plus a registered agent service and a one-on-one business advisor consultation.
• North Carolina Registered Agent Service ($199): ZenBusiness offers North Carolina registered agent service as an add-on at $199, which is charged after the business is formed and can be renewed annually at the same price. Take advantage of a special offer to get 50% off when you form an LLC. The first year costs $99 plus state fees, with a renewal price of $199 annually.

2 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Premium)

Would you recommend Northwest Registered Agent (Best Premium)?

Northwest Registered Agent sets the standard for premium LLC formation services in North Carolina.

Known for its exceptional customer service and a user-friendly, interactive website, Northwest makes the process of registering a limited liability company both straightforward and efficient.

Working with Northwest Registered Agent was a seamless and positive experience. Their website's user-friendly design made navigating the complexities of LLC formation simple and intuitive.

The initial filing process was impressively quick, taking just 9 minutes, and our filing was ready in a mere 72 hours. The ease of use of their online platform significantly streamlined the LLC formation process for us.

LLC Formation Packages:

• Basic Package ($39 + $128 State Fee): This Basic Plan may be used to form nonprofits, corporations, and LLCs. Additionally, a year of free registered agent service and an operating agreement is included.
• Northwest Registered Agent Services ($125): If you choose Northwest to create your LLC, the first year's registered agent service fee is free. It includes free mail forwarding, privacy, and corporate guides.

3 - LLC Attorney (Best Essentials)

Would you recommend LLC Attorney (Best Essentials)?

LLC Attorney gives North Carolina founders a reliable and attorney-supported way to complete their LLC filings with confidence.

When I tested the North Carolina process, I was impressed by how clearly each step was explained. Nothing felt vague or left for me to figure out.

The platform handled NC’s Articles of Organization requirements smoothly, and I never felt uncertain about what information belonged where.

LLC Formation Packages:

• Starter Package ($49 + $125 North Carolina State Fee): This plan includes preparation and filing of the Articles of Organization, Operating Agreement, or Bylaws, anonymous/private filing, organizational minutes, and a bank account resolution.
• Professional Package ($199 + $125 North Carolina State Fee): Adds an EIN, Certificate of Good Standing, one free amendment or name change within 90 days, and tax election support.
• Professional+ Package ($399 + $125 North Carolina State Fee): Includes everything in the Professional plan, plus one foreign entity filing or subsidiary setup, an apostille, and a Certificate of Incumbency.

4 - LegalZoom (Best Legal Advisor)

Would you recommend LegalZoom (Best Legal Advisor)?

Exclusively for Venture Smarter users, apply code venturesmarter20 to enjoy 20% off LLC formation and other services at LegalZoom.

LegalZoom emerges as the best North Carolina registered agent seeking essential services for LLC formation. Known for its competitive pricing and a wide range of additional services, LegalZoom simplifies the legal complexities of starting and running a business.

LegalZoom offers a diverse array of judicial products and solutions, catering to the unique needs of company executives and owners. Their services are designed to help you navigate the legal challenges of establishing and operating a firm with ease and confidence.

Our interaction with LegalZoom was a testament to their expertise in the field. Their experienced staff guided us through every step of the LLC formation process.

The welcoming and supportive approach of their team made it easy for us to seek further assistance whenever needed. This level of customer care and support sets LegalZoom apart as the best provider of essential LLC services.

LLC Formation Packages:

• Basic Package ($0 + $128 State Fee): The features include articles of organization, name search services, and a customizable business website from Wix. You'll also get a complete digital welcome packet.
• Pro Package ($249 + $128 State Fee): Includes everything in the Basic package. It also adds an EIN to facilitate bank account creation and tax filing, an operating agreement for dispute settlement and organization guidelines, and an in-depth license business guide. You also have the benefit of tax and insurance consultations.
• Premium Package ($299 + $128 State Fee): Comes with all Pro package features plus countless 30-minute consultations from a professional attorney regarding emerging legal topics, applied changes to your formation documents within 90 days of the first subscription, and engaging personalized guidance for a North Carolina attorney.
• Registered Agent Services ($249): This is a yearly subscription.

5 - Inc Authority

Would you recommend Inc Authority?

Inc Authority is a business formation service that helps entrepreneurs establish LLCs and corporations across all 50 states. The platform provides registered agent services, compliance monitoring, and basic business filing support at competitive rates.

I used Inc Authority to set up my LLC last year and found the process quick, though the dashboard felt somewhat basic compared to other providers I've tried. Their customer service team responded to my questions within a few hours, which helped when I needed clarification on state-specific requirements.

The pricing structure is transparent with their starter packages, but additional services can add up if you need more than the basics.

LLC Formation Packages:

• Free LLC Package ($0 + State Fee): This option covers your LLC registration, registered agent service for one year, an EIN, a custom website, and a VISA business credit card.
• Starter Business Bundle (Price upon request): You'll get registered agent service for one year, a business name check, tax ID, operating agreement, and a deluxe record book.
• Fast Track Business Bundle (Price upon request): This package includes everything from the Starter Bundle, along with stock certificates, annual compliance alerts, a private banking specialist, and the INC Success Advisor Package.
• Registered Agent Service (Free for first year with LLC formation): After the first year, you'll pay an annual renewal fee that they'll share when you sign up, and you'll continue getting compliance reminders and legal mail management.

6 - Swyft Filings

Would you recommend Swyft Filings?

Swyft Filings is an affordable North Carolina business entity formation service with some of the quickest response times on the market!

The company remains one of the finest options for some simple LLC forms or incorporations due to its efficient price plan and fast delivery periods, so we had to test it first.

Swyft Filings is an expert in the industry and is informed about rules and laws that apply to LLCs in North Carolina, which was helpful. During the process, customer support offered us the right direction. All in all, this assistance made the entire procedure easy and stress-free.

LLC Formation Packages:

• Basic Package ($0 + $128 State Fee): Basic Package is ideal if you want LLC incorporation plus document filing.
• Standard Package ($149 + $128 State Fee): Includes everything from the previous package and Federal Tax ID (EIN), and the most important documents you need to start your business.
• Premium Package ($249 + $128 State Fee): Premium Package includes all the basic services, plus free domain and business website hosting and customized digital corporate kit.
• Registered Agent Service ($149 per three months ): This will be an ongoing quarterly subscription for the registered agent services.

7 - Bizee

Would you recommend Bizee?

Bizee (formerly Incfile) has established itself as the most affordable and efficient service for online business creation, particularly for those looking to form an LLC in North Carolina. Their competitive pricing and range of essential services make them a top choice for entrepreneurs on a budget.

Bizee's standout feature is its ability to offer high-quality services at some of the most competitive rates in the industry. Their packages are designed to cater to various business needs without compromising on the essentials required for a successful LLC formation.

Our experience with Bizee strongly reflected their dedication to providing affordable, high-quality service. We were particularly impressed with the full year of free registered agent service included in their package, which significantly streamlined our LLC formation process.

Despite their lower rates, the quality of customer service was exceptional, providing us with a sense of security and confidence throughout the process. For those seeking an affordable yet reliable LLC formation service in North Carolina, Bizee is the go-to provider.

LLC Formation Packages:

• Basic Package ($0 + $128 State Fee): Basic Package files the articles of organization in your name, and offers you a free registered agent service for a year, name searches, and support.
• Standard Package ($199 + $128 State Fee): In addition to Basic Package, the Standard Package will provide you an EIN Business Tax Number and an IRS Form 2553, along with an online access dashboard, business banking account & business tax consultation, banking resolution, operating agreement, lifetime and company alerts.
• Premium Package ($299 + $128 State Fee): This plan includes the Standard Package plus business contract templates, a domain name, and free next-day filing.
• Registered Agent Services ($119): You don't have to pay within the first year if you form your LLC with Bizee. After the first year, you will have to pay $119 per year for the registered agent service.

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Why Should You Trust Us

Trust Venture Smarter for your North Carolina LLC formation needs because our team, led by seasoned professionals, has conducted extensive research and analysis on the leading LLC service providers in the state.

The Venture Smarter team, consisting of legal experts and business formation specialists, has meticulously evaluated each service provider to ensure our recommendations meet the highest standards of reliability and trustworthiness.

Our commitment to your business's success is reflected in our rigorous evaluation process. The Venture Smarter team interacts anonymously with each service provider, leveraging the insights of our independent review team to offer unbiased, evidence-based suggestions.

This thorough approach ensures that our recommendations are not only reliable but also tailored to meet the unique needs of North Carolina businesses.

The Venture Smarter team is dedicated to your business's growth and legal compliance in North Carolina. We evaluate each service's features, customer support, affordability, and efficiency, ensuring they meet the high standards necessary for your business's success in the state.

Our selections are not just based on generic criteria; they are informed by the specific legal requirements and business environment of North Carolina.

Our dual commitment to transparency and quality means that when you follow a Venture Smarter recommendation, you're choosing a partner dedicated to your success. Our reviews are a testament to our mission: to guide you towards making informed decisions that propel your business forward.

How We Picked And Tested The Best LLC Services In North Carolina

In our quest to determine the top LLC services in North Carolina, we undertook an extensive evaluation. This included the formation of 7 LLCs to assess the capabilities of each service provider.

Additionally, we sought insights from attorneys and legal professionals to gain a deep comprehension of the unique requirements in North Carolina. Our analysis covered various aspects such as cost, range of services, dependability, user-friendliness, state-specific knowledge, processing speed, and the quality of customer service.

1. Pricing

Affordable pricing is crucial as it allows businesses to allocate more resources to other essential areas like product development, marketing, and operations.

Additionally, transparent pricing structures are important to avoid hidden fees that can unexpectedly increase the overall cost.

In our pricing analysis, we compared the costs of various packages offered by each LLC service. Considering the initial fees and ongoing costs, we looked for options that provided value for money.

For instance, we found that Bizee was the most affordable, offering initial filing services at no cost. We also noted the availability of premium packages for those seeking more comprehensive services.

Northwest Registered Agent, while slightly pricier with its Basic Package at $39 plus the state fee, compensates with the added value of a free year of registered agent service through our link.

2. Services Offered

The range of services offered by an LLC formation company is crucial because it determines the value you get for your money.

We evaluated the range of services offered by each provider, both included and additional. Our focus was on essential services like EIN registration, operating agreements, and registered agent services.

We also considered the availability of additional services, such as business document templates and website hosting, which can be crucial for a growing business.

ZenBusiness offered comprehensive services, including EIN, while Bizee provided a free registered agent service for the first year. LegalZoom, despite higher costs, offered a range of legal services.

"Choose an LLC service that offers clear pricing models, regular updates on your business filings and compliance status, and responsive customer support. This level of transparency fosters trust and ensures you stay informed about your legal obligations."

- Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions

3. Local Expertise

Local expertise is paramount when selecting an LLC service, especially when establishing a business in North Carolina. Understanding the state's specific laws, regulations, and requirements is crucial for the accurate formation and management of an LLC.

We favored services that demonstrated a strong grasp of local regulations and procedures. ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent demonstrated strong local expertise, making them reliable choices for North Carolina businesses.

According to the North Carolina Secretary of State, 41% of North Carolina businesses seek additional services beyond the core LLC formation process. This indicates a growing demand for services that provide ongoing support and ensure long-term compliance.

4. Turnaround Time

Prompt turnaround time is essential for businesses aiming to accelerate their processes. It dictates the speed at which the LLC formation service can gather and transmit legal documents between your business and the Secretary of State (SOS).

We assessed how quickly each service processed LLC formations. Northwest Registered Agent excelled with a filing ready in just 72 hours. ZenBusiness offered expedited filing in 1-2 working days, while other services had competitive processing times.

5. Ease of Use

The user-friendliness of an LLC service is a pivotal consideration as it directly influences the overall user experience. Since forming an LLC can be unfamiliar terrain for many entrepreneurs and business proprietors, an intuitive online platform simplifies and streamlines the process.

We looked for services with user-friendly and intuitive platforms. ZenBusiness was praised for its intuitive platform, guiding users through filing in about 10-12 minutes. It offered a well-organized dashboard and abundant resources for business management.

6. Reliability and Reputation

Reliability and reputation are fundamental in entrusting your business formation and management to a service provider. Ratings and customer feedback are valuable indicators of trustworthiness.

To assess reliability and reputation, we examined customer feedback and the track record of each service. ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent stood out for their exceptional reputation, boasting positive client feedback. Bizee also demonstrated reliability with its same-day filing and free registered agent service.

7. Customer Support

Effective customer support, accessible through various channels and prompt responses, is vital for addressing queries and ensuring a smooth LLC formation process.

ZenBusiness earned accolades for its outstanding customer relations and 24/7 availability. Bizee and Northwest Registered Agent also provided efficient support, while we noted LegalZoom for potential upselling despite experienced staff.

Key Financial & Business Insights in North Carolina

1. North Carolina-Specific Resources

• North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC): Provides business advisory services and education through 16 offices across the state, affiliated with the university system.
• Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC): The state's economic development organization focused on business recruitment, existing industry support, and export assistance.
• Chambers of Commerce: Includes the North Carolina Chamber and local chambers (e.g., Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham) offering networking, advocacy, and business support.

2. North Carolina Business Statistics

• Between March 2022 and March 2023, approximately 37,840 establishments opened and 32,560 closed in North Carolina, resulting in a net increase of 5,280.
• Employment expanded at 58,720 establishments and contracted at 52,430.
• Small businesses accounted for 35,950 openings and 30,930 closings.
• Opening and expanding establishments added 441,600 jobs, while closing and contracting establishments lost 389,200, resulting in a net increase of 52,400 jobs.
• Small businesses contributed 34,060 net new jobs, or 65.0% of the total job growth.
• In 2022, North Carolina businesses with revenues under $1 million received $5.3 billion in small business loans.
• Total reported new lending to businesses in 2022 was $6.2 billion for loans under $100,000 and $13.8 billion for loans under $1 million.

Source: Business Employment Dynamics (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and CRA Aggregate Data (FFIEC).

3. Financial Incentives for LLCs

• Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG): Performance-based grant for businesses that create new jobs in the state.
• One North Carolina Fund: Provides financial assistance to recruit and expand businesses based on job creation.
• Building Reuse Program: Provides grants to renovate vacant buildings or expand rural businesses.

4. North Carolina State Taxes

• Corporate Income Tax: Flat rate of 2.5% (lowest corporate income tax rate among states that levy this tax). Rate scheduled to phase down to 0% by 2030.
• Franchise Tax: Annual tax on businesses incorporated in North Carolina, with a minimum tax of $200 for LLCs.
• Income Tax on LLCs: Most LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities with income taxed at the individual rate.
• Personal Income Tax: Flat rate of 4.75% (scheduled to decrease to 3.99% by 2027).
• Sales Tax: State rate of 4.75%, with local jurisdictions adding 2-2.75% for combined rates between 6.75-7.5%.
• Annual Report Fee: LLCs must file an annual report with the North Carolina Secretary of State and pay a fee of $200.
• County Business Property Tax: Rates vary by county and apply to business equipment, furniture, and fixtures.
• Research and Development Tax Credit: Available for qualifying R&D expenses within the state.

Steps to Start an LLC in North Carolina

The filing process of forming an LLC in North Carolina involves submitting paperwork to the North Carolina Secretary of State's office and paying a filing fee.

Here are the simple steps to start an LLC in North Carolina:

• Step 1: Pick a unique name for the North Carolina LLC
• Step 2: Acquire a registered agent
• Step 3: File Articles of Organization
• Step 4: Get an operating agreement set up for your North Carolina LLC
• Step 5: Obtain an EIN and meet all tax and regulatory obligations
• Step 6: Annual reports must be filed with the North Carolina Secretary of State

FAQs

Our Verdict On The Best LLC Formation Services in North Carolina

If you're looking for an LLC filing service that suits your company, consider a firm with an impressive record of working with other businesses in your field that offers competitive rates.

ZenBusiness topped our list as an excellent choice for fresh entrepreneurs looking for help and comfort as they start their businesses.

Registering our LLC with ZenBusiness was an amazing experience. Their user-friendly platform made the entire process a breeze. Submitting our paperwork was simple and secure, and we got our documents quickly.

We recommend ZenBusiness to anyone looking for an efficient and cost-effective way to set up their LLC in North Carolina.