Licensing
Business License Information Office
State Business Privilege Licenses
County (& City) Privilege Licenses
Business License Information Office
The purpose of this office of the Secretary of State is to provide a one-stop system for identifying, acquiring, and maintaining the licenses and permits necessary to conduct business in North Carolina. The office also acts as a referral service to direct businesses to other resources for assistance.
Comment: The office offers a free publication entitled Business Notes which describes various types of business licensing requirements and provides other business information.
Return to top
State Business Privilege Licenses
Any person, firm, or corporation engaging in a business, trade, or profession must obtain an annual privilege license.
Privilege Licenses for many types of small business begin at $50.00 per year. The privilege license increases for certain larger businesses. Annual licenses run from July 1st to June 30th.
Return to top
County (& City) Privilege Licenses
These annual licenses are similar but not identical to the above State Privilege Licenses. They are levied on certain, but not all, businesses, trades, occupations or franchises.
Certain municipalities, but not all, require an annual city privilege license for various types of businesses. Fees start as low as $2.50 per year. The license fee increases for larger businesses.
Detailed lists of entities subject to these annual licenses are available at the county tax offices and/or at the various municipal offices.
Return to top
Return to Tax Resources Front Page
[Home]
[Accounting]
[Consulting]
[Taxation]
[Valuation]
[Business Brokerage]
[Publications]
[About The Firm]
[Links & Tools]
[Copyright]
[Privacy]