Register online before the first sale; the certificate of registration arrives by mail within about 10 business days, so allow for that before opening. Add income tax withholding in the same application once you have employees. Prepared food carries the county’s extra meals tax in several counties.
Checked Oct 17, 2026 against the agency’s page.
Step 2 of 6: Register for tax
1Set up the business
2Register for tax
3Approve the space
4Get the permits for your kind of business
5Alcohol permits
6Before the first hire
Issued by North Carolina Department of Revenue.
Sources and dates
Department of Revenue online business registration (form NC-BR). Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.
Questions about opening here.
Yes. Register online before the first sale; the certificate of registration arrives by mail within about 10 business days, so allow for that before opening.
Yes. Register online before the first sale; the certificate of registration arrives by mail within about 10 business days, so allow for that before opening.
Yes. Register online before the first sale; the certificate of registration arrives by mail within about 10 business days, so allow for that before opening.
Yes. Register online before the first sale; the certificate of registration arrives by mail within about 10 business days, so allow for that before opening.
Yes. Register online before the first sale; the certificate of registration arrives by mail within about 10 business days, so allow for that before opening.
Yes. Register online before the first sale; the certificate of registration arrives by mail within about 10 business days, so allow for that before opening.
Yes. Register online before the first sale; the certificate of registration arrives by mail within about 10 business days, so allow for that before opening.
Yes. Register online before the first sale; the certificate of registration arrives by mail within about 10 business days, so allow for that before opening.
Yes. Register online before the first sale; the certificate of registration arrives by mail within about 10 business days, so allow for that before opening.
Yes. Register online before the first sale; the certificate of registration arrives by mail within about 10 business days, so allow for that before opening.
Yes. Register online before the first sale; the certificate of registration arrives by mail within about 10 business days, so allow for that before opening.
Yes. Register online before the first sale; the certificate of registration arrives by mail within about 10 business days, so allow for that before opening.
Yes. Register online before the first sale; the certificate of registration arrives by mail within about 10 business days, so allow for that before opening.
Yes. Register online before the first sale; the certificate of registration arrives by mail within about 10 business days, so allow for that before opening.
Yes. Register online before the first sale; the certificate of registration arrives by mail within about 10 business days, so allow for that before opening.
Yes. Register online before the first sale; the certificate of registration arrives by mail within about 10 business days, so allow for that before opening.
Yes. Register online before the first sale; the certificate of registration arrives by mail within about 10 business days, so allow for that before opening.
Yes. Register online before the first sale; the certificate of registration arrives by mail within about 10 business days, so allow for that before opening.
Yes. Register online before the first sale; the certificate of registration arrives by mail within about 10 business days, so allow for that before opening.
Yes. Register online before the first sale; the certificate of registration arrives by mail within about 10 business days, so allow for that before opening.
North Carolina Department of Revenue.
Step 2 of 6, register for tax. The steps before it: set up the business.
Who needs a business registration in North Carolina? | DoorWorthy
