Setting up an LLC in NC is $200 initially, then $200 every April. I didn't quite grok that at first, because I'd filed my LLC paperwork in March, then needed to pay the $200 again in April - should have just waited until May.
Getting an EIN from IRS is free and took about 10 minutes.
Not sure about any local paperwork you'd need to file in NC - I didn't have to file any in Franklin county.
I had an independent accountant do the majority of the work for me for a total of $750. This included virtually all the setup, including verifying the name wasn't taken, filing the paperwork (state and local), all the official docs, getting TaxID, etc.
The process only took a few weeks from start to finish, which was a nice surprise.
