These are the public and nonprofit bodies in North Carolina that help two or more owners start a business together, fund it and settle it when they disagree. North Carolina still runs its general partnerships on the 1914 Uniform Partnership Act, one of a shrinking handful of states that never moved to the newer version, so a rule that is settled elsewhere can be less settled here. Every organization below is free or low cost, and every link goes to the organization itself.

This is general information as of October 2026; a lawyer in North Carolina should read your actual agreement.

North Carolina's partnership rules at a glance

  • The law. General partnerships still follow the 1914 Uniform Partnership Act (N.C. Gen. Stat. §59-31). LLCs have North Carolina's own act (N.C. Gen. Stat. §57D-1-01). LLPs and LLLPs are both open to any partnership. All 50 states compared.
  • The cost. An LLC files for $125, then owes a $200 Annual Report every year by April 15, the whole recurring state cost for an LLC. An LLP files for $125 and pays the same $200 report. Fees in every state.
  • Non-competes. No general statute beyond a writing-and-signature requirement (N.C. Gen. Stat. §75-4); beyond that courts apply ordinary reasonableness and may strike an overbroad term but not rewrite it. Every state's rule.
  • When a court can end it. An LLC can be dissolved when it is not practicable to carry on under its own agreement, or when liquidation is necessary to protect a member's rights; only the second ground lets the other members buy the petitioner out. Grounds by state.

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