If you run an online business, you register the business and obtain required licenses in the state and city where you base the business. Learn the differences in what we offer with this side-by-side comparison. Step-by-step guides in your state could walk you through the process and include links to necessary applications on various websites. States tend to regulate a broader range of activities than the federal government. Good news: Most businesses can apply for a North Carolina business license 100% online. To obtain a business license, you must apply to the agency or authority that has jurisdiction over your location. Typically, as a drivers license allows you to drive your car, a business license allows you to run your business. Businesses located in coastal areas of North Carolina may be required to obtain additional licenses and permits depending on the type of business. Last Updated: June 8, 2023 by the TRUiC Team. However, you must comply with zoning restrictions and obtain the necessary permit before opening your home-based business. Certain types of businesses are prohibited by law in North Carolina, including most forms of gambling. Business licenses by county. The cost of a business license and permit in North Carolina varies depending on the type of business and the location. Businesses must apply to the North Carolina Secretary of State for state licenses. Learn how we started and what our team stands for. You may need other types of documents before you apply for the business licenses, depending on the business nature. North Carolina offers a variety of small business grants and funding opportunities. Businesses must go to the official website of the North Carolina Secretary of State and search for the licenses and permits they require based on their business. If you sell goods in person or . Professionals are responsible for maintaining these licenses in order to stay in good standing with the regulatory board. Our business license report can help you determine what licenses and permits you need to start a business in North Carolina. Business Licenses and Permits in Columbus County, NC North Carolinas Department of Commerce has accredited Business Link North Carolinas free service to help you determine just what licenses and permits your business needs. Are there any tax incentives available for businesses in North Carolina? Are there any requirements for obtaining a business license and permit in North Carolina? Business licenses and permits must be renewed annually in order to remain valid. Find funding, open new locations and expand in the future. Below are a few cities that have licensing requirements. Additional Approvals or Requirements It's best to check with the issuing agency for details onthe business license cost. Some of the occupations required to obtain a North Carolina business license include: The law also requires North Carolina state business licenses in order to operate specific businesses. Sole proprietors are fully responsible for business debts and obligations, and they report business income as self-employment income on their tax returns. The regulatory hurdles required vary depending on the type of business, its location, and the products and services offered. You'll need to get a federal license or permit if your business activities are regulated by a federal agency. Like an LLC, a corporation protects personal assets from business liabilities. The process is simple and youll receive your number right away. Online businesses operating in North Carolina require the same licenses and permits that are required of businesses that operate out of a retail location. To help you sort through the process, we've compiled this small-business license guide. If you run a brick-and-mortar business, youll probably need permits for planning, zoning, building, signs and fire in your city or county. A locked padlock Business license fees vary in North Carolina depending on which license is being applied for. But if you want to operate your business, youll have to wade through all the red tape. NOTE: At the present time this process can take 2 to 4 weeks due to the volume of requests. Yes. Yes. Please note that the results below are for illustration purposes only and may contain licenses that are not currently imposed by the jurisdiction shown. In North Carolina, most businesses must acquire a sales and use tax number, commonly known as a sellers permit. What are the reporting requirements for businesses in North Carolina? If your business engages in activities regulated by the federal government, you may need to obtain a license or permit from a federal agency. While most businesses will need a license for some reason or another, North Carolina doesnt require all businesses to purchase a generic state business license. The testing will take place at the Private Protective Services office, located at 3101 Industrial Dr, Suite 104, Raleigh, NC 27609. organization in the United States. If you apply for a sales and use tax permit online, the state will immediately process your application and provide you with a confirmation page. For example, you might not think you need a health permit as a hairstylist. 74C-3(a)(6), 74C-8, 74C-9, 74C-10, 14BNCAC.0301), Successful completion of a Polygraph course at a Board approved school, successful completion of an examination and performance test administered by a panel of polygraph examiners designated by the Board, and one year of experience within the past three years. So, your LLC might not need a specific license, but if you are selling medical cannabis, you must get the proper license for it. The licensing is different if your business is home-based in North Carolina. Are there any special requirements for businesses located in North Carolinas Research Triangle area? To operate in North Carolina, certain business types, such as limited liability companies and partnerships, must also register with the North Carolina Department of State. How to Get a Small Business License in North Carolina If they are running a massage business, they will need a special permit in addition to the city Privilege Licence. Online business registration is faster, requiring a federal employer identification number or social security number and a few business details. Businesses located on military bases in North Carolina may be required to obtain additional licenses and permits depending on the type of business. If your business broadcasts information by radio, television, wire, satellite, or cable. Once youve completed federal and state formalities, you should check with your local city authorities for any additional permits that may be required. North Carolina Department of RevenueNorth Carolina Business and Occupational License DatabaseNorth Carolina Municipal DirectoryNorth Carolina Counties Directory, "Providing actionable and accessible guides and tools to help you succeed". As you can see, finding all of the necessary licenses and permits needed to run your business legally can cause a serious headache for business owners. If you want to start a business in North Carolina, you must obtain diverse licenses and permits to run the business. The following information reviews the requirements necessary for each license, permit or certificate issued by Private Protective Services. Save time & be confident while starting your company. There are many types of business licenses. (Internet Explorer may not load properly for all, technical support assistance, please call 855-642-2453 or email. You will also need to get a business license to operate a general contracting company in North Carolina. The ATF issues the licenses necessary to engage in this industry. Whether youre required to get any type of license to run your business depends on where you live (and where your business is based) and what kind of goods and services you sell. How To Get a Catering License in North Carolina - On the Line | Toast POS By clicking any of the above links, you will be leaving Toast's website. Doing this creates your business and authorizes you to begin operating in North Carolina. You need to search for the required permits and licenses in the state. The cost of permits and licenses changes regularly. A sales and use tax number costs $0, while some liquor licenses can run up to $400. North Carolina, popularly knowns as The Tar Heel State, has some rules and regulations when it comes to starting a business. Head to the North Carolina government website. However, different types of businesses need special licenses to be allowed to operate in North Carolina. Some licenses and permits are issued by cities or counties. Fish and Wildlife Service regulates this industry and issues the necessary permits. Depending on where your business operates and what kind of licensing you need, you could pay a fee in the area of $50 to $200. If youre a sole proprietor, your own name is the official name of your business, though you may choose to use a dba, such as Joe Jones, dba Affordable Lawn Care. Some common permits, such as building permits, health permits, signage permits, zoning permits, and environmental permits, are required if youre in a related industry. Yes. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau issues permits for these activities. Rob is an SMB writer and editor based in New Jersey. This email will contain the application URL, along with your username and password to access your dashboard. When youre starting a business, it can be difficult to sort out which steps to take to get up and runningand stay compliant with confounding government regulations. However, if you want to open a business bank account or hire employees, you will need to get one. You can apply for a sales and use tax permit for your business with North Carolinas Department of Revenue here. Be sure to check both your county and city requirements for operating a business within their boundaries. For example, a convenience store seeking to sell prepared food must first acquire the necessary licensure. We'll discuss types of business licenses, potential costs and explain how to get a business license . Be a US citizen or a resident alien. 27203. Are business licenses and permits renewable in North Carolina? local Small Business Administration office. Learn more about the. Electronic Countermeasures Business Licenses, LLC simplifies and streamlines the process of applying for a business license. Yes. In most states and many localities, you can get a general business license online through the proper agencys website. Home-based business licenses are issued on the basis of the nature of your business. Even after your business has been created and registered with the Secretary of State, there are additional requirements you have to meet to stay legally compliant. Creating your North Carolina business is no easy feat, but the work doesnt end once youve successfully formed your corporation or LLC. Different states have different licensing policies. The Forbes Advisor editorial team is independent and objective. Find opportunities for businesses owned by women and people of color. There are also environmental licenses, zoning permits, and more. You can obtain a North Carolina Certificate of Registration online or by mail. A .gov website belongs to an official government North Carolina has no single generic business license that will ensure compliance with all requirements. Yes. Read about how to do a business license search to know the process and requirements. 16. Learn more about the differences between a sole proprietorship and an LLC. You can obtain an EIN through the IRS online. After your business is registered, then you have to determine what business licenses are required in order to operate legally. Check your city or county for local licensing in North Carolina. The Federal Aviation Administration issues the necessary certificates to pilots and other airmen and certifies airports and air carriers. Depending on how your state processes business licenses, you may need to include your federal tax ID number on your business license application. If you manufacture, wholesale, import, or sell alcoholic beverages at a retail location. 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