Free guides, in plain language.
You shouldn't need a law degree to start a business — or a budget to learn the basics. These are the guides we wish every founder had on day one. New guides are added as we write them.
How to Form an LLC in North Carolina
The seven steps to a properly formed NC LLC — name, registered agent, Articles of Organization, EIN, and what federal reporting does (and no longer does) apply to you.
Read the guide →LLC vs. Corporation: Which Fits Your Business?
A plain-language comparison of the two most common structures — liability, taxes, ownership, and what each one is actually good for.
Read the guide →Do You Need a Trademark? A Starter Guide
What a trademark really protects, the difference between state and federal, and how to check whether your business name is even available.
Read the guide →The NC Annual Report — Deadline, Fee, and Missing It
$200 a year, due April 15, and the most common way a North Carolina LLC quietly loses good standing. What happens if you miss it, and what reinstatement really costs.
Read the guide →Do You Need a Business License in Charlotte?
There isn't one to get — North Carolina repealed local privilege licenses in 2015. Here's what you actually need instead, and why websites still try to sell you one.
Read the guide →Your Business Address: Why a CMRA Can Cost You a Bank Account
Most mailbox and virtual-office addresses are registered with USPS as a CMRA, and lenders can see it. What qualifies, what each option costs, and how to check the one you already have.
Read the guide →NC Sales Tax Registration — Free, and the Rate Just Changed
Registering costs nothing. Mecklenburg County went to 8.25% on July 1, 2026, and there's no 200-transaction threshold. What to charge and when to file.
Read the guide →Want this done with you, not just explained?
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