If you’re incorporating in North Carolina, it’s good to know about NC’s standards for your corporation’s name, the information in your Articles of Incorporation when you incorporate, corporate director requirements, and more.
Naming Your Corporation When Incorporating in NC
When incorporating in North Carolina, your business name needs to include one of the following words or abbreviations:
- "Corp."
- "Incorporated"
- "Inc."
- "Company"
- "Co."
- "Limited"
- "Ltd."
With respect to similar names, your corporation’s name needs to be distinguishable from the name of any domestic, nonprofit or foreign corporation or the registered or reserved name of an LLC or partnership.
CT Tip: Using words such as “Insurance,” “Wholesale,” “Trust,” “Engineering,” or “Mutual” has to be approved by the appropriate state agency or department.
The business name also can’t state or imply that the corporation is organized for purposes not permitted under North Carolina law and the corporation’s Articles of Incorporation. For more information on Articles of Incorporation, see the discussion below.
Articles of Incorporation in North Carolina
Incorporating in North Carolina requires an Articles of Incorporation document. When you’re incorporating in NC, your Articles of Incorporation include the name and address of your registered agent with a physical address in NC (no post office boxes). Also, the registered agent needs to be available to accept important official papers during normal business hours.
Authorized shares and par value are listed in the Articles of Incorporation. The initial filing fees aren’t affected by an increase in the number of shares or par value.
CT Tip: Each state has its own rules about its Articles of Incorporation. When incorporating in NC officer names and addresses aren’t required to be listed In the Articles of Incorporation. Also, director names and addresses aren’t required to be listed In the Articles of Incorporation.
Corporate Directors
North Carolina requires corporations to have one or more directors, but doesn’t have age requirements or a provision specifying where directors have to reside.
Professional Services Businesses in North Carolina
North Carolina allows professionals (e.g. physicians, accountants, attorneys) to form a professional corporation.
Cost to Incorporate in North Carolina
For more information on North Carolina state fees when incorporating in NC and our incorporation services, contact a CT Incorporation Specialist.