Changes to GBM Services
Effective immediately, North Carolina annual reports will no longer be included in GBM’s tax preparation services. During this transition period, we will continue to assist clients with their 2026 annual report filings to help ensure a smooth handoff. Beginning thereafter, clients will be responsible for submitting these reports directly to the North Carolina Secretary of State (NCSOS). We are providing this notice in advance so you have time to plan for this change and make any necessary updates to your filing procedures.
Filing Requirements and Deadlines
Most corporations, LLCs, and certain partnerships registered to do business in North Carolina must file an annual report with the NCSOS. The filing deadline depends on the type of entity:
- Corporations and Partnerships: Reports due by the 15th day of the 4th month following the entity’s fiscal year end. For calendar year entities, the deadline is April 15th.
- LLCs: Reports due by April 15th, regardless of the entity’s fiscal year-end.
Filing Methods and Fees
While paper filing is still permitted, online filing is strongly recommended by the NCSOS as electronically filed reports are processed almost immediately. The fees for filing are as follows:
- Corporations: $21 online via credit card; $20 via ACH; or $25 for paper filings.
- LLCs and Partnerships: $203 online via credit card; $202 via ACH; or $200 for paper filings.
Please note that while there is no formal monetary penalty for late filing, the NCSOS reserves the right to administratively dissolve any entity that fails to file in a timely manner. Typically, a 60-day “Notice of Grounds for Administrative Dissolution” is issued before such dissolution occurs.
Exempt Entities
Certain entities are not required to file North Carolina annual reports, including:
- Professional Corporations and Professional LLCs
- Nonprofit Corporations
- Limited Partnerships
- General Partnerships and Sole Proprietorships not registered with the Secretary of State’s Office
We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the NCSOS online filing portal to ensure your business remains in good standing. If you have any questions regarding this transition or the filing requirements for your specific entity, please contact your GBM advisor.
