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I am planning on opening a new business, what do I need to do?
Depending on the nature of your new business, federal, state, and local licenses and permits may be required. In most areas, there are zoning restrictions that may prevent you from operating a business from a particular location, including your home. Finally, there are state and federal income taxes, sales taxes and withholding taxes to consider. Depending on the size of your business, it may be best to consult with an attorney before getting started.
To find out what is required, contact the town(s) that you plan to operate in to see what their licensing requirements are. If you plan to conduct business within the Raleigh City Limits, contact Revenue Services at 919-996-3200 for more information. For information concerning Wake County’s requirements related to your business, contact the Wake County Revenue Department at 919-856-5400. To find out what state licenses and permits are required, contact Business Link North Carolina (BLNC), an extension of the NC Department of Commerce at 919-447-7828 or toll free in North Carolina 1-800-228-8443.
How do I get a business license?
Please be advised that effective July 1, 2015, the City of Raleigh no longer requires a Business License to operate a business within the Raleigh City Limits. The North Carolina General Assembly passed House Bill 1050 which eliminated the authority of municipalities to levy a business license tax.
Depending on the nature of your new business, other local licenses and permits may be required. If you plan to conduct business within the Raleigh City Limits, contact Revenue Services at 919-996-3200 for more information.
How do I get a tax number?
There are several types of tax numbers. If a business is planning to have sales, a Sales & Use Tax number is required. Businesses having employees are required to obtain a Federal Employer Identification number along with a NC withholding tax number. Business Link North Carolina at the NC Department of Commerce can provide application forms to businesses for these numbers.
How do I register my business name?
The type of business structure determines where a business name (assumed name) should be registered. A Certificate of Assumed Name for sole proprietorships and partnerships must be filed with the Register of Deeds in the county or counties in which businesses plan to operate. Corporations must register their business names with the North Carolina Secretary of State Corporations Division.
What do I need to do to incorporate my business? Do I need an attorney?
You can incorporate your own business by filing a one-page form called the Articles of Incorporation with the Corporations Division in the Department of the Secretary of State. There is a $125.00 filing fee associated with filing this form. However, there are additional steps involved in completing the corporation, and the Business Corporations Guidelines booklet is available for assistance with paperwork. Anyone who is not an attorney cannot prepare the documentation for your new corporation. There are a number of legal issues involved with establishing a new corporation and you may find the services of an attorney helpful.
How do I check to see if a name I want to use as my corporate name is available?
Name availability can be determined by contacting the North Carolina Secretary of State Corporations Division at 919-807-2225. The Division can be reached by fax at 919-807-2039. You can perform your own corporate name search by selecting the option from the web page.
How do I apply for a Federal ID Number?
A federal employer identification number can be applied for by filing an SS-4 form with the Internal Revenue Service. For more information regarding how to file by fax or phone, call 1-800-829-1040.
Where can I go for a business loan?
Contacting the bank where you are an account holder is a good place to start. Loan information can be obtained from the Small Business Administration by calling 1-800-827-5722. In addition, the North Carolina Self-Help Credit Union offers loan programs for qualified businesses and can be reached by telephone at 1-800-476-7428.
Who can help me with my business plan?
North Carolina has 58 Small Business Centers located within Community Colleges across the State. These Centers provide a variety of services to small businesses, including assistance with the development of business plans. For more information, contact your local community college. In addition, the Small Business Administration (SBA) is an excellent resource for assisting with business plans for new and existing businesses and can be reached at 1-800-827-5722.
How can I find out about zoning restrictions in the City of Raleigh?
A list of Permitted Uses in Raleigh Zoning Districts is available from the City's Development Services Customer Service Center. For more information, dial 919-996-2495.
Does the City have a program for minority and women-owned businesses?
Yes, the City of Raleigh has a Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise Program. For more information, contact Maria Torres, Business Assistance Coordinator, at 919-996-4271.
How do I register my business to become a supplier for the City of Raleigh?
To become an active supplier with the City, please complete the Supplier Registration Process. Contact the Procurement Division at 919-996-3240 for more information.
