Find a suitable and available name for your Business

Naming your Sole Proprietorship or General Partnership

You may name your business after your own name without having to consult anyone.

• Jane Smith Landscaping (not Jane’s Landscaping)
• Joe Doe Plumbing (not Doe Plumbing)
• John Jackson and Mike Mason Handyman Service (not John and Mike: The Handymen)

A name like Jane’s Landscaping, or a business name that has nothing to do with your name, is considered an “assumed name.” With an assumed name, you should conduct a search with your county Register of Deeds [here] to find out whether someone is already doing business under the name you want.

Choosing Business Structure

Find out a Business Structure that's right for you

Your choice affects how your business is taxed, financial liability and how decisions about the company are made. You should consult your attorney and/or accountant to help you make the right choice for your particular business. The State of North Carolina cannot advise you.

• A sole proprietorship is a business that is owned and operated by an individual. It is the simplest and most common structure chosen to start a business. There is no distinction between the business and you, the owner. You are entitled to all profits and are responsible for all your business’s debts, losses and liabilities.
• A general partnership is formed by two or more persons who agree to contribute money, labor, and/or skill to a business and to share its profits, losses, and management. All partners typically are held legally responsible for their own actions and the actions of the other partners.
• A corporation is a separate legal entity from the individuals who form it and its owners. Owners are generally protected from personal liability. You may apply to the IRS to be either an S-corporation or a C-corporation, which has implications on income taxes.

Where to File?

The type of business will determine where you file.

File with the County

• Sole Proprieter
• General Partnership

File Online

• Business Corporation
• Limited Liability Company(LLC)
• Limited Partnership (LP)
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
• Limited Liability Limited Partnership (LLLP)

What next?

After you file any business with the N.C. Secretary of State’s Office, you will receive notification from the office regarding the status. Allow 5 business days to receive this email. You may not use your business name for any official purpose until that paperwork is approved.

We advise you not to purchase stationery or business cards with your business name until receiving confirmation from the Secretary of State.