Welcome to Part 1 of our compliance series.
Let’s break down what you need to do to keep your business out of trouble! 🚀
Look, running a business is hard enough without the state or IRS breathing down your neck because you “forgot” to file some paperwork. You wouldn’t ignore a credit card bill (at least, we hope not), so don’t ignore the stuff that keeps your LLC legally alive.
If you slack on compliance, here’s what happens:
❌ Late fees pile up – Because who doesn’t love throwing money away?
❌ Your LLC gets dissolved – Yep, the state can straight-up shut you down.
❌ You lose legal protection – Which means if someone sues your business, they can come for your personal assets too. Fun times.
❌ Tax & banking nightmares – No LLC = no business bank account, no tax deductions, no legitimacy.
The Simple Fix?
Put It on the Calendar.
First, start with ChatGPT. We used the prompt: I need to make sure my LLC stays in compliance in (enter state) where do I go to do that?
It gave us all the links to the specific websites we need to stay compliant. This is also where most of this list came from!
Set reminders. Use your phone, a sticky note, a trained parrot—whatever works.
We use a vendor to manage this for us. Check our list of recommended vendors to learn more about who we use to stay compliant and why.
To remain in Good Standing:
✅ Annual Report Deadline – File with your state before they decide your LLC doesn’t exist anymore.
✅ Registered Agent Info – If you change your registered agent, update the state ASAP or risk missing critical notices.
✅ State Business Taxes – LLC fees, sales tax, employment tax… don’t give the state an excuse to fine you.
✅ Federal Tax Filings – The IRS isn’t known for patience. Pay what you owe and file on time.
✅ Business Licenses & Permits – Expired licenses can shut you down faster than a bad Yelp review.
✅ Operating Agreement & Business Records – Keep your internal documents updated so you don’t look clueless if audited.
✅ Beneficial Ownership Report (New for 2024!) – The Feds now require this to prevent shady business dealings. Don’t skip it.
Skipping this stuff isn’t an option—unless you enjoy legal drama and surprise expenses. Stay compliant and keep making money without the headaches. 🚀
Let's dive deeper into each of these:
1. File Your Annual Report (State-Level)
Where to go: Your state’s Secretary of State (SOS) website
What to do: Most states require LLCs to file an Annual Report and pay a fee.
Deadline: Varies by state.
2. Maintain a Registered Agent
What to do: Your LLC must have a registered agent with a physical address in the state.
Where to check: NC SOS website under your LLC’s registration details.
Action needed: If you change your registered agent, you must update this with the state.
3. Pay Your State Business Taxes
Where to go: State Department of Revenue (NCDOR)
What to do: Depending on your business, you may owe:
Annual LLC tax or franchise tax
Sales tax (if selling taxable goods/services)
Employment tax (if you have employees)
4. Federal Tax Compliance (IRS)
Where to go: IRS.gov
What to do:
File your LLC’s federal tax return (either on Schedule C if you're a single-member LLC or Form 1065 or 1120-S if you elected a different tax structure).
Pay estimated quarterly taxes if applicable.
Link: IRS Business Taxes
5. Renew Business Licenses & Permits
Where to check: Your city/county’s business licensing office
What to do:
Make sure you renew any business licenses, permits, or zoning approvals.
If you have a professional license, verify compliance with your regulatory board.
6. Keep Operating Agreement & Records Up to Date
Where to do this: Internally, but ensure it's available for audits or legal needs.
What to update: If ownership, address, or other major aspects change, update your Operating Agreement and possibly notify the state.
7. File Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report
Where to go: Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)
What to do: As of 2025, this is optional, but keep an eye out for changes.
Deadline: If your LLC was formed before 2024, file by January 1, 2025. If formed in 2024 or later, you have 90 days from creation.
Link: ZenBusiness has a great list of BOI regulation changes that helps keep you updated on where the ruling is.
Need help? We aren't compliance experts. Make sure you talk to a tax expert if you have any questions about that side of your business. Wondering what the heck the rest of this is? Join our community and jump into office hours to see if we can help!
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