North Carolina State Law

North Carolina businesses must register with the Secretary of State before conducting business. Sole proprietors using a trade name must file an assumed name certificate with the county register of…

Source: NC Secretary of State

North Carolina employers who pay $1,500 or more in wages in any calendar quarter or employ at least one worker in 20 weeks of a year must register with the…

Source: NC Division of Employment Security

North Carolina corporations are formed by filing Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State and paying a $125 fee. Corporations must designate a registered agent in North Carolina and…

Source: NC Secretary of State

North Carolina LLCs and corporations must file an Annual Report with the Secretary of State by April 15 each year. The filing fee is $200 for LLCs and $20 for…

Source: NC Secretary of State

North Carolina imposes a 2.5% corporate income tax on net income attributable to North Carolina, phasing down toward 0% by 2030 under legislation enacted in 2021. C corporations file Form…

Source: NC Department of Revenue

North Carolina imposes a franchise tax on corporations and certain LLCs doing business in the state. The rate is $1.50 per $1,000 of the greater of net worth, total assets…

Source: NC Department of Revenue

North Carolina imposes a state sales tax of 4.75% on retail sales of tangible personal property and certain services, with county taxes bringing combined rates to between 6.75% and 7.5%.…

Source: NC Department of Revenue

North Carolina minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, matching the federal rate. Tipped employees may be paid $2.13 per hour provided tips bring total compensation to at least $7.25. North…

Source: NC Department of Labor

North Carolina employers with three or more employees must carry workers compensation insurance. Construction industry employers must provide coverage with one or more employees. Coverage may be obtained through a…

Source: NC Industrial Commission

North Carolina professional licensing is administered through numerous independent boards covering engineers, architects, real estate agents, healthcare providers, accountants, and contractors. The NC.gov business portal provides a centralized directory of…

Source: NC Office of the Governor

North Carolina requires general contractors performing work valued at $30,000 or more to be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors. Residential contractors performing work over $30,000 must also…

Source: NC Licensing Board for General Contractors

The North Carolina Job Catalyst Fund provides discretionary grants to businesses creating significant jobs in North Carolina. Awards are negotiated based on job creation commitments and capital investment. The program…

Source: NC Department of Commerce

The NC Small Business Center Network (SBCN) provides free one-on-one business counseling, seminars, and resource referrals through a network of centers at community colleges across North Carolina. The network is…

Source: NC Small Business Center Network

Home-based businesses in North Carolina are regulated by local city and county zoning ordinances. Most jurisdictions permit home occupations as an accessory residential use subject to restrictions on signage, customer…

Source: NC Department of Commerce

North Carolina LLCs are formed by filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and paying a $125 fee. All LLCs must designate a registered agent with a North…

Source: NC Secretary of State