North carolina secretary of state identification number

Corporate Forms

The most commonly used forms for Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), Corporations and Limited Partnerships (LPs) are listed below. Complete and mail these forms to the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State, Corporations Division. The appropriate address is on the bottom of each form.

You also can register LLCs, Corporations and LPs online with the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State’s Business Registration. Call 919-814-5400 for help with the online application.

North Carolina Secretary of State forms used to start a business:

North Carolina Secretary of State forms used to authorize an out-of-state company to do business here:

Search the North Carolina corporation registry

Perform a multi-state search

Find more info on a North Carolina company

Starting a new business can be exhilarating and feel full of promise, but a good start is contingent on getting all your ducks in a row. When you create a sole proprietorship or partnership and register with your county register of deeds, you will not receive an identification number from the North Carolina Secretary of State. Creating a company with limited liability such as a corporation, limited-liability company or limited-liability partnership will require registration with the North Carolina Secretary of State. Companies of this type that operate in North Carolina but were formed in other states will also need to register with the Secretary of State's Office. Registering with this office will create a North Carolina Secretary of State Identification Number.

Registering With the NC Secretary of State

State Tax Registration

State Contract Pursuits

As you pursue contracts with different state agencies, you may need to include the Secretary of State ID Number on your registration with each agency of interest. Agencies that request this number include members of the University of North Carolina System, county governments, city governments and others.

These larger government contracts could be especially profitable for your business. For instance, contractors can bid on and win large construction contracts that pay much more than building individual homes or doing small renovation projects for home owners.

Opening a Bank Account 

Most banks want to see your company's EIN number and your North Carolina Secretary of State ID Number in order to open an account under your business name. This is because the bank wants proof that you are a legitimate organization before offering you services targeted only at that audience. In addition, since the bank account must be opened in your business' name and not your personal name, the bank needs to know who is liable should issues occur with the account.

Dissolution of a Company

You may decide to shut down and dissolve your company. Also, your company may be dissolved if you fall out of compliance with your duties to keep your records current through filing annual report with the North Carolina Secretary of State or paying taxes with the North Carolina Department of Revenue. Your Secretary of State ID number will remain archived with the company's registration on record with the state.

NC SOS corporation is a filing process that certain businesses should consider. 3 min read

1. Steps in Starting a Business in North Carolina 
2. Do I Need a Secretary of State ID Number (SOSID) in North Carolina?
3. How Long Will it Take to Form a Business With the Secretary of State?
4. How Long Does It Take to Form a Company in Another State That Will Operate in N.C.?
5. Starting a Corporation in North Carolina 
6. How to Order a Certified Copy of Articles of Incorporation

NC SOS corporation is a filing process that certain businesses should consider. Over the past few decades, North Carolina has become known as a great place to conduct business — both on a national and international scale. If you are considering incorporation, here is what you need to know. 

Steps in Starting a Business in North Carolina 

Standing for North Carolina Secretary of State, NC SOS corporation takes place after two steps:

• The first is to file Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State. If you will be registering an LLC, you will need to file articles of organization.
• Next, you will obtain a federal tax ID number with the IRS. 

At this point, you will be able to open a new business banking account. Also, be sure to register your North Carolina company with the state Department of Revenue. If you have employees, you will also need to contact the state Department of Labor. 

Do I Need a Secretary of State ID Number (SOSID) in North Carolina?

Depending on your business, you may require registration with the Secretary of State — resulting in a SOSID. This is the case when you create a company with limited liability, such as a corporation or limited-liability company. 

These types of companies or partnerships will require a state ID number. This also applies to businesses that operate in North Carolina but were formed in another state. However, this does NOT apply to a sole proprietorship or partnership that was registered with your county Register of Deeds. 

How Long Will it Take to Form a Business With the Secretary of State?

Processing time used to be a week or so, but the new normal is closer to two to three weeks. Since this processing time is currently longer on average, many new businesses opt for the expedited filing option. Although you will need to pay an additional $100 for this service, the turnaround time is 24 hours. 

Completed electronically, as soon as filing is complete, you will receive a notification. This is recommended for those who need to open a business bank account the following day or who require immediate legal documentation, including shareholder agreements or bylaw documentation. 

How Long Does It Take to Form a Company in Another State That Will Operate in N.C.?

For those who form businesses in other states, this timeline will be slightly longer. For example, a startup may have begun in Pennsylvania, but the company plans to set up its headquarters in North Carolina. On average, this process will take three to four weeks. Once again, this process can be expedited. However, in this case, fees vary based on the document.  

Starting a Corporation in North Carolina 

To start a corporation, you would need to file North Carolina Articles of Incorporation. This would be performed through the North Carolina Secretary of State; the cost is $125. The basic requirements when filing for incorporation in North Carolina include:

• A North Carolina company that ends in corporation, incorporated, or Inc. 
• The number of corporation shares you plan to authorize. 
• The class of the shares. 
• The principal address for North Carolina corporations — as well as the name and signature of incorporator(s).
• The date in which you would like the incorporation to become effective. 
• The registered agent. 

When including the NC SOS corporation cover sheet, your documents can be returned via email or mail or can be picked up. 

How to Order a Certified Copy of Articles of Incorporation

A certified copy of your NC SOS corporation, also known as Articles of Incorporation, can be ordered via mail, email, phone, fax, online, or in-person. However, ordering online is recommended. 

The cost to obtain copies will be $15, plus $1 per page. It is best to head over to the NC SOS corporation website to better assess your options.  Please note, all Articles of Organization/Incorporation will be sent via regular mail — unless you provide a FedEx or UPS account number. 

You can also contact the NC SOS via:

• Fax: 919-807-2039.
• Phone: 919-807-2225.
• Email: . 
• Mail: North Carolina Secretary of State Corporations Division P.O. Box 29622 Raleigh, NC 27626-0622

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