North Dakota
LLC, Business License, Incorporation
With the third smallest population in the United States, North Dakota services both large and small businesses. North Dakota's major industries include agriculture, petroleum, and food processing. Regardless of your industry, we can help you take advantage of North Dakota's business services.
Forming a Corporation in North Dakota
Each state has its own set of rules for businesses seeking to form a corporation there. If you've decided to incorporate in North Dakota, incorporate.com will take care of all the details. We'll research the availability of your company name and help you prepare and file your Articles of Incorporation with the North Dakota Secretary of State. We can also assist with many of your follow-up needs such as amendment filings, written consents, and annual report preparation and filing.
Here are some helpful facts about North Dakota's incorporation requirements:
Corporate Name Requirements
North Dakota requires corporations to have names that can't be confused with any names or trade or service marks already registered with the Secretary of State. When you incorporate with incorporate.com's help, we'll research your company name to make sure it meets North Dakota's standards.
Permitted designations: North Dakota corporate names may be followed by several approved designations, including:
- Co.
- Company
- Corp.
- Corporation
- Inc.
- Incorporated
- Limited
- Ltd.
Restricted designations: The use of certain words and phrases in corporate names is considered "restricted" in North Dakota, meaning they require special approval by the state. These include:
- Bank
Filing Requirements
Remember, when you work with incorporate.com, we'll take care of your incorporation filing for you. This information is presented only for your reference.
Required documents: The state of North Dakota requires businesses to file Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State.
Turnaround time: In general, turnaround time for incorporating a business in North Dakota is 5-10 business days.
Follow-up filings: Not required.
Officers/Directors Information
Minimum number: Corporations are required to have one or more directors as well as a president, secretary and treasurer.
Director qualifications: Directors do not need to be residents of North Dakota or shareholders.
Appearance in articles: Not required. Directors' names and addresses do not have to appear in the Articles of Incorporation.
Written consent: Permitted. Directors may act in writing in lieu of holding a meeting.
Annual Reports
Time to file: Corporations must file annual reports with the North Dakota Secretary of State between on or before August 1.
Turnaround time: Turnaround time at the state is between 1 and 5 business days.
Signatures: A corporation may authorize signatories for annual reports. Emailed or faxed signatures are accepted.
Filing extensions: Permitted. Filing extensions are good for 11 months. Businesses must apply for extensions on or prior to the annual report due date.
Forming an LLC in North Dakota
Each state has its own set of requirements for businesses that plan on forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) there. If you decide to form an LLC in North Dakota, incorporate.com will take care of all the details. We'll research the availability of your company name and help you prepare and file your Articles of Organization with the North Dakota Secretary of State. We can also take care of many of your company's follow-up needs, including annual report preparation and filing.
Here are some helpful facts about North Dakota's LLC requirements:
LLC Name Requirements
North Dakota requires Limited Liability Companies to have names that can't be confused with any domestic or authorized foreign entity, or any reserved, fictitious or trade name registered with the Secretary of State. When you form your LLC with incorporate.com's help, we'll research your company name to make sure it meets North Dakota's standards.
Permitted designations: North Dakota LLC names may be followed by several approved designations, including:
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Company
Restricted words: The use of certain words in LLC names is "restricted" in North Dakota, meaning special approval by the state is required. These include:
- Bank
Filing Requirements
Required documents: Companies that wish to form an LLC in North Dakota must file Articles of Organization. Remember, when you work with incorporate.com, we'll take care of this filing for you.
Turnaround time: In general, turnaround time for forming an LLC in North Dakota is 5-10 business days.
Follow-up filing: Not required.
Managers/Members Information
Minimum number: LLCs are required to have one or more managers/members.
Annual Reports
Time to file: LLCs must file their annual report with the North Dakota Secretary of State on or before November 15.
Turnaround time: Turnaround time at the state is 1-5 business days.
Signatures: Only a manager or member may sign reports. Emailed or faxed signatures are accepted.
Filing extensions: Permitted. Extensions are good for up to five months. Applications for extensions must be filed on or before the report's due date.
Get North Dakota Business Licenses
Before your business can legally begin to operate, you must satisfy its license, permit, and tax registration requirements. Almost all state, county, and local governments require businesses to obtain one or more licenses and permits. Additionally, selling taxable goods and services or hiring employees requires that you register with tax authorities. All business license, permit, and tax registration requirements vary by your industry and location.
Examples of possible licenses required in North Dakota:
- Contractor's License
- Solicitor License
- Pharmacy License
Too busy to research your licensing requirements? We can help.
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Incorporate in any state, starting as low as
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plus state fees
