Doing business in North Carolina - FAQs

North Carolina does not have a single business license that covers every business activity. There are over 700 State business license requirements for certain types of businesses. There are also businesses for which there are no state license requirements. Call the Business ServiCenter to determine your state license requirements -- (800) 228-8443 or (919) 715-2864.

There are several types of tax numbers. If a business is planning to have sales, a State Sales & Use Tax number (Form NC-BR)  is required. Businesses having employees are required to obtain a State Withholding Tax Number (Form NC-BR) along with a Federal Employer Identification number (SS-4 form).  The Business ServiCenter can provide application forms to you for these numbers.

The type of business structure determines where a business name should be registered. A  Certificate of Assumed Name for Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Limited Partnership must be filed with the Register of Deeds in the county or counties where businesses plan to operate. Corporations or Limited Liability Companies must register their business names with the N.C. Secretary of State, Corporations Division.

You can Incorporate or form an LLC by filing Articles of Incorporation (Corporation) or Articles of Organization (LLC) with the N.C. Secretary of State, Corporations Division. There are additional steps involved in completing the corporation or LLC. The booklets, A Guide to Incorporating Your Business in North Carolina and Organizing Your Limited Liability Company in North Carolina are available to assist you with the paperwork. An attorney is not required, though it may be helpful to have the services of an attorney since there are a number of legal issues involved in establishing new businesses, new corporations and new LLCs. The only time you would be required to use an attorney would be if you wanted to hire someone to incorporate your business for you. When someone else incorporates your business for you, he or she is considered to be practicing law and it is against the law for anyone other than a licensed attorney to practice law in North Carolina.

Name availability can be determined by contacting the N.C. Secretary of State, Corporations Division at (919) 807-2225 or faxing (919) 807-2039. Online searches can be completed on the Corporations Division web page.

A federal employer identification number ( Form SS-4 ) can be applied for by mail or at the Internal Revenue Service's website. You also may contact them (800) 829-4933.

The Small Business & Technology Development Center has made available a publication called Capital Opportunities for Small Businesses to assist you in identifying sources of capital.  SBA Loan information can be obtained from the Small Business Administration by calling (800) 827-5722. In addition, the Self-Help Credit Union offers loan programs for qualified businesses and can be reached at (800) 476-7428.

The state license you have is good statewide in North Carolina; however, you may need additional city licenses because you are doing business within city limits. State and city governments are separate entities and may have different licensing requirements. Separate county government requirements may also apply to your business.

North Carolina has 59 Small Business Centers located within community colleges across the state. These Centers provide a variety of services to small businesses, including assistance with the development of business plans.  For more information, contact your local community college or the SBTDC in your area. In addition, SCORE and SBA are excellent resources for assisting with business plans for new and existing businesses and can be reached at (800) 827-5722.

No. The Business ServiCenter does not issue licenses, keep records or register licensed businesses. Municipalities and/or counties maintain tax records for businesses operating within their limits, and municipalities can provide information confirming whether a business has been issued a local privilege license.

No. The Business ServiCenter was created as a result of the business community's need for a central source of information regarding State business licenses, services, resources and programs. All services are provided without cost.

Information regarding environmental permit requirements may be found on the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources website under Permits, Licenses and Certifications. Other local or county ordinances, which may apply to your business, would need to be addressed as well.

Grants given to business start-ups are rare.  Generally, exceptions are for a high technology business or for businesses marketing products that can be used by certain agencies or departments involved in our nation’s defense.  Also, non-profit businesses are sometimes eligible for grants.  Grant information can be found at your local library in the business section or by visiting the following web sites:

Grants.gov is the single access point for over 1,000 grant programs offered by all Federal Agencies.

The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) gives you access to a database of all federal programs available to state and local governments including federally -recognized Indian tribal governments; Territories (and possessions) of the United States; domestic public, quasi-public, and private profit and nonprofit organizations and institutions; specialized groups; and individuals.

The North Carolina Board of Science and Technology administers the One North Carolina Small Business Program.  This program awards matching funds to North Carolina businesses who have been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)  or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program award.

The Department of Commerce's Small Business Ombudsman is your advocate to state agencies on the behalf of small business.   This person has the authority to:

• Collect information concerning the status of a business’s inquiry
• Convene representatives of state agencies to resolve specific small business-related issues
• Cut through the government morass to reduce unnecessary delays
• Resolve inconsistencies between regulatory agencies

If you encounter problems with regulatory issues involving state agencies and need immediate assistance, contact:

Gail A. McDonald

North Carolina Department of Commerce

Business and Industry Division

4310 Mail Service Center

Raleigh, NC  27601

(919) 715-0255

gmcdonald@nccommerce.com