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Dissolving a North Carolina LLC

How to Start an LLC

What Is an LLC?

A limited liability company (LLC) is a business structure in the United States whereby the owners are not personally liable for the company's debts or liabilities. Limited liability companies are hybrid entities that combine the characteristics of a corporation with those of a partnership or sole proprietorship.

What Is Dissolving an LLC?

When applying for an LLC in North Carolina, your business becomes officially registered with the state. To end your LLC legally, you must go through a process called dissolution. Business members may consider dissolution once the LLC completes its purpose or when it stops being viable economically. The members may also agree to dissolve the LLC if they are at an impasse regarding fundamental decisions concerning the LLC's business operations.

There are several steps you need to take when closing a business. It's essential to take careful action to ensure proper compliance with state regulations and protect yourself from future liabilities. Following the proper procedures can help you move forward quickly when winding down your business. This will protect you from being responsible for paying annual fees, filing annual reports, and paying business taxes. The following describes how to dissolve an LLC business structure. The dissolution process is state-specific, so look into your state's requirements. This article will cover the dissolution process for an LLC in North Carolina.

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What Are Some Reasons for Dissolving an LLC?

There are many reasons for dissolving an LLC. This can include that the company is going out of business, is not paying its taxes, or following state regulations. In some cases, LLCs are created to fulfill a purpose. Once the goals are completed, there may be no reason to continue the LLC. Members may also disagree about the direction of the business, what subsequent actions to take, or how to disburse profits. Another reason is if a single person formed an LLC, the individual's death or retirement might signal the organization's end. Finally, if there are decreasing demand or liability concerns for the products sold, you may decide to dissolve the business as running the company no longer becomes profitable.

How to Dissolve an LLC?

There are some basic steps to dissolving an LLC in North Carolina.

Step 1: Vote to dissolve the LLC

Review your company’s operating agreement. Most likely, it will contain information on how to dissolve the company. Typically this includes a vote amongst the members on whether to dissolve your company. If so, ensure you follow the requirements as part of the dissolution rules, including setting up the meeting to vote and providing notice to all members.

If it is not outlined in these documents, follow the procedures in your state's LLC laws.

Step 2: File Certificate of Dissolution

You will then need to fill out the Certificate of Dissolution. These articles of dissolution must be submitted to the Secretary of State Corporations and Charities Division. They can be found on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website. There is a $30 filing fee in North Carolina. You will need to provide the following information when completing the articles of dissolution. For the dissolution of nonprofit organizations, the cost is only $15. If you are mailing in the Articles of Dissolution, send it to the following address:

Corporations Division P.O. Box 29622 Raleigh, NC 27626-0622

Step 3: Winding up

After completion of the vote for dissolution, several final tasks need to be completed. This step is called winding-up and means closing the operations of a business, selling assets, paying creditors, and distributing assets to members. One or more LLC members may be designated to take charge of this step.

Step 4: File the final tax return

Certain states require LLC owners to obtain a tax clearance, consent to dissolution, or verify good standing from the state's tax agency. You may be required to file your last tax return before applying for dissolution. Make sure to indicate that this will be your company's final tax return. You can submit a request electronically or via mail to receive the clearance from your state's tax agency. If you are up to date on filing tax returns, you will receive the certificate that declares you have no tax liability.

Illinois does not require clearance before you submit your certificate of dissolution. However, you should still make sure to submit your final tax return to present any fees or penalties.

Other necessary actions:

Other steps needed when properly closing a business include letting go of employees and settling severance packages, paying final payroll taxes, negotiating contract cancellations, and canceling business licenses and permits.

Finally, you'll have to close your business bank accounts, and your Federal Employer Identification Number and state tax identification number will be inactivated.

If your business operates in other states, you will need to file separate forms to terminate your right to conduct business in each state. Otherwise, you will continue to be liable for annual report fees and minimum business taxes.

How Long Does It Take to Dissolve an LLC?

Once the Secretary of State receives the certificate of dissolution, it takes approximately one month before it’s processed. If you request expedited service for an extra $50 fee, your processing may be completed as quickly as within a week.

Can You Reopen Your LLC After It’s Dissolved?

After your LLC dissolves, you have 120 days from the effective date of voluntary dissolution to revoke your dissolution by filing the Articles of Revocation of Dissolution. This form can be found here. The cost for filing an Articles of Revocation of Dissolution is $10.

Are You Still Liable for Anything?

If you fail to file a tax return and pay taxes, you must contact the North Carolina Department of Revenue for any due taxes, penalties, or interest. You also may be liable for any debts left unpaid.

Other Questions?

Contact your business attorney for more information if you have any additional questions.