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Do not look for a general license to run an LLC in North Carolina. The Secretary of State's launching a business guide is blunt about it. The state does not have a one-stop shop to register across state agencies for all types of licenses. You contact federal, state and local agencies for their requirements, and what you need depends on your business type, whether you will have employees, and your tax position.
What does forming the LLC cost?
The Articles of Organization are a separate step with the Secretary of State. The fee is $125. That filing creates the company. It is not a license to operate. Our North Carolina LLC guide covers the form and the yearly report.
Who do you contact for a license?
The Secretary of State guide lists agencies that may help you plan:
- Department of Revenue
- Industrial Commission
- Division of Employment Security
- Internal Revenue Service
- Small business advisors, the Small Business Administration and the state small business center network
The guide also has a Licensing Boards section. If your trade has a licensing board, start there. Check with your city or county for local permits.
How does sales tax registration work?
Sellers register with the Department of Revenue. The certificate of registration is often called a sales and use or resale tax number. The Department states there is no fee to apply, and that it does not contract this service out to third parties.
It warns that some private websites charge for what they call a registration service, and calls such sites often inaccurate, deceptive or misleading. If a site wants a card number to get you a certificate, close it. Apply on the state page. The page offers Register Online and Register by Mail.
What about the EIN?
The IRS issues the EIN, not the state. Our EIN guide shows how to apply.
Where do you check a license?
We did not read a North Carolina license verification tool for general business licenses, so we do not link one. To confirm that a company exists, use the Secretary of State's business search described on our North Carolina hub. For tax numbers, see the state tax ID lookup page.
What about a trade name?
An assumed business name is filed with the county register of deeds, not as a license. See the North Carolina DBA page.
What this page does not cover
Privilege license rules, local business permits, occupational boards and the full tax registration forms are not covered, because we did not read them. This is general information, not legal advice.