Start My Business

The way your business is structured affects taxation, legal and financial liability as well as decision-making authority. Before selecting a business structure, consult your attorney and/or accountant as each structure carries with it unique legal and tax consequences.

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Choose a Business Structure

This resource from the Secretary of State's office provides the most popular types of business entities formed in North Carolina. Find out more about the structure, formation and tax requirements for Business Corporations, Nonprofits, LLCs, Partnerships and Professional Entities.

Confirm the Business Name is Available

Search your Business Name in the NC Secretary of State Business Registry, to determine if it is available for you to use.

Questions about Doing Business as (DBA)?

Doing Business As (DBA) Form is also known as Assumed Business Name Form. If you decide to use a DBA name that differs from the legal name of your business, check with the Register of Deeds in the county where your business is located to learn whether you need to register your DBA with their office. For questions about DBA form, call EDPNC Small Business Advisors at 1-800-228-8443

File a Business Creation Form Electronically (Tutorial)

Obtain Necessary Licenses & Permits

North Carolina has no single generic business license that will ensure compliance with all requirements. Some businesses may be subject to several state requirements while others may not be subject to any. For questions about which license or permit your business needs, call EDPNC Small Business Advisors at 1-800-228-8443.

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Determine if your Business Requires a License or Permit

NC BOLD lists all of the business licenses, professional licenses, and privilege licenses required to do business in the State of North Carolina.

Apply for a North Carolina State Privilege License

Apply for Sales & Use Tax Number, if applicable

Who Should Register for Sales and Use Tax? Check out the North Carolina Department of Revenue Page to find out more.

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Register with NC DOR to Pay Sales and Use Tax

Register with NC DOR to Pay Sales and Use Tax - NC Department of Revenue (NCDOR) online business registration allows you to electronically register for an account ID number for income tax withholding, sales and use tax, and other taxes and Service Charge instead of submitting Form NC-BR.

How to file Sales and Use Tax (Tutorial)

How to file Sales and Use Tax - North Carolina Department of Revenue provides tutorial videos on how to complete the most common sales & use tax forms and how to register for a sales & use account.

Apply for Employer Identification number (EIN)

Do I need an Employer Identification Number (EIN)? - IRS provided the criteria to help you determine if you require an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

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Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Application for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) - You can apply for and obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS website.

Prepare for Applicable Taxes

Small business taxes and employer requirements can be simple or complex depending on the size and structure of your business. In addition, specific tax liability for each type of business is different. We have information on: Sales & Use Tax, Privilege License Tax, State & Local Tax, State Withholding Taxes, Federal Taxes

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Sales and Use Tax

Who Should Register for Sales and Use Tax? Check out the North Carolina Department of Revenue Page to find out more.

How you can apply for Sales & Use Tax - Watch a Video on how you can apply for Sales & Use Tax with NC Department of Revenue (NCDOR).

Privilege License Tax

State privilege license taxes are imposed for the privilege of carrying on the business, exercising the privilege or doing the act named in Article 2, Schedule B of the Revenue Laws of North Carolina. These privilege license taxes are in addition to any regulatory or qualification requirements to engage in the practice of a profession, business or trade.

Franchise Tax

Income Tax Withholding

Unemployment Insurance Tax

Are you required to pay Unemployment Insurance Tax? Check out the North Carolina Division of Employment Security page to find out more.

Federal Taxes

The form of business you operate determines what Federal taxes you must pay and how you pay them. The following are the five general types of business taxes: Income Tax, Estimated Taxes, Self-Employment Tax, Employment Taxes and Excise Tax.

Business and Income Tax Seminars and Online Training Events

Check out upcoming events and webinars offered by NC Department of Revenue (NC DOR) that include topics like Business Tax essentials, Withholding Tax basics, Sales & Use Tax Basics, Privilege License Tax Webinar.

Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) offers free online training to help small businesses be successful. Some of the topics include: Pre-Venture Training Series, SBIR/STTR Grant eligibility and proposal process Training, Government Contracting, Safety and Health Management, Small Business Tax workshop.

Check out upcoming free seminars and workshops offered by Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) to help small businesses be successful. Some of the popular topics include: Business and Income Tax Seminars, Think like a Lender, Kickstart your business in 4 weeks, Supply Chain Management.

Small Business Centers offer year round a wide variety of free seminars and workshops to help small businesses be successful. Some of the topics include: How to Start a Business, How to write a Business Plan, Financing Your Business, Bookkeeping and Taxes, Marketing for Success