​Creating an LLC in North Carolina – is there a way to avoid the $200 annual report filing fees?

My husband and I are looking to form an LLC for a construction business in North Carolina. I’m familiar with the process and capable of using the IRS/Secretary of State websites to get it done.

We are beginning the venture of starting a small construction business in NC, and there is a $125 fee to file the articles of organization, which we expected. Doing more research, it looks like the state also requires annual reports that cost $200 to file for LLCs.

Most of my small business friends don’t have to file these in their states, or any paper work when filing is less expensive than their initial set up cost. We don’t plan on making tons of money in the first couple years of the business, so $200 feels like a lot. Is there any way we can avoid this $200? It seems like the annual report filing is really just verifying/updating my registered agent.

Any and all thoughts welcome.

Also, what are the tax implications of us both being members of the LLC? I know an LLC is considered a disregarded entity and that the profits are pass-through as income to the member(s). So, is there any difference to it being owned by one or both of us, considering we file our taxes jointly? Any other benefits/drawbacks of one vs both?

Also, there are tons of title options for the Articles of Incorporation (member, owner, founder, president, etc.). Does it matter which we choose? If we decide only one of us should be a member, what is the best title for the other?