Greensboro, NC Business License Guide

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The Ultimate Business License Guide for Greensboro, North Carolina (2025)

Last updated: September 2025

Quick help (read this first)

  • Greensboro no longer requires a general “business license” for most businesses. The statewide municipal privilege license tax was repealed effective July 1, 2015. You still must handle zoning, state taxes, and industry permits. See North Carolina Session Law 2014-3 (HB 1050) for the repeal details: NC General Assembly — 2014-3 (HB 1050).
  • Before you sign a lease or open doors, confirm your location and use with the City of Greensboro (zoning and Certificate of Occupancy). Start by calling the City’s Contact Center at 336-373-2489 or visit City of Greensboro — Official Site and ask for Planning/Development Services.
  • Form your entity with the NC Secretary of State: LLC or corporation filing fee is $125. File online here: NC Secretary of State — Business Registration. Fees: NC SOS — Fee Schedule.
  • Get your free IRS EIN (Employer ID) online: $0. Apply here: IRS — Apply for an EIN.
  • Register for NC taxes (sales tax, withholding) with the NC Department of Revenue (NCDOR): $0 to register. Start here: NCDOR — Business Registration. Guilford County’s combined sales tax rate is 6.75% (state 4.75% + local 2%). See: NCDOR — Sales & Use Tax Rates.
  • Employers: register for unemployment insurance (UI) with NC DES: $0 to register. Go here: NC DES — Employers. Carry workers’ comp if you have 3+ employees (most cases). See: NC Industrial Commission — Employers.
  • Some industries need extra permits: food service (Guilford County Environmental Health), alcohol (NC ABC Commission), child care (NC DCDEE), contractors (NC Licensing Board for General Contractors), salons (NC Cosmetic Art Board), auto dealers (NCDMV), etc. Details and links are below.
  • If you plan to sell beer or wine, you’ll need state ABC permits and a City of Greensboro local beer/wine license (small statutory amounts in N.C.G.S. 105‑113.77). See: NC ABC Commission — Retail Permits and the statute: N.C.G.S. 105‑113.77 (Local Beer & Wine Licenses).
  • Deadlines to watch: Guilford County business personal property listing due by January 31 each year. See: Guilford County — Tax Department. NC LLC annual report due by April 15 each year (fee 200∗∗).NCcorporationannualreportalsodueannually(fee∗∗200**). NC corporation annual report also due annually (fee **25). See: NC SOS — Annual Reports.
  • Not sure where to start? Call the City of Greensboro at 336-373-2489 (ask for Planning/Development Services) and the Guilford County One Step/Small Business Center at 336-334-4822 (Guilford Technical Community College SBC) for free help: GTCC Small Business Center.

What you actually need in Greensboro (reality check)

Most Greensboro businesses do not need a general city “business license.” That changed in 2015 when the NC General Assembly repealed municipal privilege license taxes for most businesses. Source: NC General Assembly — 2014-3 (HB 1050).

You still must:

  • Lock in your location and use with the City (zoning and occupancy).
  • Register your legal entity with the NC Secretary of State (if forming an LLC/corporation).
  • Get an IRS EIN (free).
  • Register with the NC Department of Revenue for sales tax and/or withholding.
  • Register with NC DES for unemployment insurance if you hire.
  • Follow fire, building, health, and signage rules for your space.
  • Get industry permits (food, alcohol, child care, trades, salons, etc.).
  • Handle county-level property tax listing (business personal property).

Below is a snapshot to help you see the big picture.

Greensboro startup snapshot (at-a-glance)

Task Who issues it Cost How to apply Typical timeline
Zoning/use clearance & occupancy for your space City of Greensboro Planning/Development Services Varies by permit City of Greensboro — Official Site or call 336-373-2489 1–2 weeks+ depending on inspections
Form LLC or corporation NC Secretary of State $125 filing fee NC SOS — Business Registration Online filings often processed quickly (same–few days)
EIN (Employer Identification Number) IRS $0 IRS — Apply for an EIN Same day online
NC sales tax & withholding registration NC Department of Revenue $0 NCDOR — Business Registration Same day to a few days
Unemployment Insurance (if you hire) NC DES $0 NC DES — Employers Same day to a few days
Business personal property listing Guilford County Tax Dept. $0 to list; tax due later Guilford County — Tax Department Due by January 31
Food service permit (restaurants/food trucks) Guilford Co. Environmental Health Fees vary Guilford County — Environmental Health Weeks (plan review + inspection)
Alcohol permits (beer/wine/liquor) NC ABC Commission + City beer/wine State fees vary; local beer/wine license per statute NC ABC — Retail Permits Weeks (state + local steps)

Sources: NC SOS fee schedule, NCDOR, NC DES, NC ABC Commission, Guilford County departments (linked above).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your location fails zoning, call 336-373-2489 and ask Planning about alternative zoning districts or a different suite/tenant layout.
  • If filing issues delay, call the agency’s help line (numbers linked).
  • If cash is tight, the GTCC Small Business Center offers free advising: 336-334-4822 — GTCC Small Business Center.

Step 1 — Confirm your location and use (zoning, occupancy, inspections)

Most important action: Before you sign a lease or renovate, verify your business use is allowed at that address and what permits you’ll need.

  • Contact the City of Greensboro Contact Center at 336-373-2489 and ask for Planning/Development Services (zoning) to discuss your proposed use and address. Official site: City of Greensboro.
  • You may need:
    • Zoning/use verification
    • A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for a new tenant or change of use
    • Building permit (if you change walls, plumbing, electrical, hood systems, etc.)
    • Sign permit, and possibly a sign contractor
    • Fire inspections before opening
  • Required documents usually include:
    • Basic floor plan or site plan (even a scaled, dimensioned drawing)
    • Lease or letter of intent
    • Description of operations, hours, headcount, parking count
    • For restaurants: equipment schedule, hood info, grease trap plan (coordinate with Environmental Health and City water/sewer)
  • Timelines and realities:
    • Zoning/use answers can be quick, but permits and inspections may take 1–3+ weeks depending on workload and whether plans need revisions.
    • Restaurant and salon buildouts typically need multiple inspections (building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire).
    • Don’t move in or open to the public until you have your CO; opening early can create fines or delays.
  • Fees: City permit fees vary by project scope. Start with the City for current fee schedules: City of Greensboro — Official Site or 336-373-2489.

Real-world example:

  • A small coffee shop on Elm Street needed a change-of-use review, a hood permit (Type I with suppression), and a grease trap sized per City standards. Inspections were scheduled in stages. The team coordinated plan review with both City inspections and Guilford County Environmental Health. The CO was issued after final inspections and Environmental Health approval.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your planned use isn’t allowed at your chosen address, ask Planning about other zoning districts or nearby addresses that fit your use. Call 336-373-2489.
  • If plan review stalls, schedule a coordination call with your contractor, the plans examiner, and fire to clarify comments and resubmission steps.

Step 2 — Form your business with the State of North Carolina

Most important action: Pick a structure (LLC or corporation for liability protection) and file with the NC Secretary of State (SOS).

  • File online: NC SOS — Business Registration.
  • Fees (statewide):
    • Articles of Organization (LLC): $125
    • Articles of Incorporation (business corporation): $125
    • Annual Report fees: LLC 200∗∗(dueby∗∗April15∗∗eachyear),Corporation∗∗200** (due by **April 15** each year), Corporation **25 annually
    • Sources: NC SOS — Fee Schedule and NC SOS — Annual Reports
  • Required info:
    • Business name (check availability)
    • Registered agent (NC address)
    • Principal office address
    • Organizer/incorporator details
  • Processing time:
    • Online filings are usually the fastest (often same–few days).
    • Paper filings take longer.
  • You don’t need a lawyer to file, but get legal/tax advice on ownership, buy-sell agreements, and tax classification (especially if there are multiple owners).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your name is taken, use SOS search, adjust the name, or add a distinguishing word.
  • If you need step-by-step help, call NC SOS at 919-814-5400 or use the in-page help at NC SOS — Business Registration.

Step 3 — Get your EIN (free) and set up your business bank account

Most important action: Get your EIN from the IRS. It’s required for payroll, most bank accounts, and 1099 reporting.

  • Apply online (fastest, free): IRS — Apply for an EIN. Cost: $0.
  • Required info:
    • Your legal entity name as filed with NC SOS
    • Responsible party (SSN/ITIN)
    • Business address and NAICS activity
  • Open a business bank account once you have:
    • Articles (from NC SOS)
    • EIN letter (IRS)
    • ID for owner(s)
    • Operating agreement (some banks request this for LLCs)

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If online EIN hours or identity checks block you, apply by mail or fax using Form SS-4 (see instructions on the IRS page) or call IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933.

Step 4 — Register for NC taxes (sales tax, withholding) and county property listing

Most important action: If you sell taxable goods or services, register with NCDOR before you start selling.

  • Register online: NCDOR — Business Registration. Cost: $0 to register.
  • Sales tax in Greensboro (Guilford County)
  • Withholding tax (if you have employees)
    • Register for a withholding account via NCDOR (same portal as above).
    • Deposit schedules depend on payroll size. See: NCDOR — Withholding Tax.
  • Business personal property listing (county)
    • If you own business equipment, furniture, computers, or lease equipment, list with the Guilford County Tax Department by January 31 each year.
    • Start here: Guilford County — Tax Department.
    • Late listing can result in penalties per N.C.G.S. 105 (see county guidance for specifics).

Real-world example:

  • A boutique retail shop registered for sales tax with NCDOR (same week approval), set up a POS system to charge 6.75%, and filed monthly returns (frequency assigned by NCDOR). They listed shelving and POS equipment with Guilford County by January 31 to avoid penalties.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your sales tax account isn’t showing, contact NCDOR at 1-877-252-3052 or your assigned account rep (if any).
  • If you miss the county listing deadline, call the Tax Department via the page above to discuss next steps and potential penalties.

Key tax accounts table (Greensboro/Guilford)

Account Who needs it Where to register Cost Notes
Sales & Use Tax Most retailers and many service providers NCDOR — Business Registration $0 Combined rate in Guilford County: 6.75%
Withholding (Payroll) Employers with NC employees NCDOR — Business Registration $0 Deposit schedule assigned by NCDOR
Unemployment Insurance (UI) Employers NC DES — Employers $0 Rate assigned; new employers get a standard rate
Business Personal Property Listing Owners of business assets Guilford County — Tax Department $0 to list Due January 31 annually

Step 5 — If you hire employees (UI, workers’ comp, E‑Verify, new hire reporting)

Most important action: Register as an employer with NC DES for Unemployment Insurance and carry workers’ compensation coverage if you have 3+ employees (certain exceptions). Also, handle E‑Verify and new hire reporting.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If E‑Verify setup is blocked, contact USCIS E‑Verify Support via the site above.
  • If you can’t get workers’ comp coverage, ask your insurance broker about the NC assigned risk pool or contact the NC Rate Bureau at 919-582-1056: NC Rate Bureau — Workers’ Compensation.

Step 6 — Industry-specific licenses and permits (Greensboro + North Carolina)

Most important action: Identify your industry and pull the required permits before opening. Here’s a practical list for common Greensboro businesses with authoritative links.

Food service: Restaurants, caterers, food trucks

  • Who permits: Guilford County Environmental Health.
  • Where to start: Guilford County — Environmental Health.
  • Typical process:
    • Submit plan review (menu, equipment, layout).
    • Coordinate grease trap and ventilation with City building officials.
    • Pre‑opening inspection; permit is issued if compliant.
  • Costs: Fees vary by facility type (plan review and permit). Check the county page above for current amounts.
  • Tip: Submit plans early—kitchen redesigns can be costly late in the process.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If plan review feedback is confusing, request a meeting with your designer, contractor, and Environmental Health officer together to resolve issues before re‑submitting.

Alcohol: Beer, wine, and mixed beverages

  • Who permits: NC ABC Commission (state permits) + City of Greensboro beer/wine license (local).
  • State permits and fees (by statute):
  • Local (City) beer & wine license:
  • Other ABC realities:
    • Mixed beverage establishments must buy liquor from the local ABC board and follow inventory rules and monthly reporting.
    • Background checks and local government signoffs are routine.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your ABC application stalls, contact the NC ABC Commission at 919-779-0700 or use the contact on the permit portal. Keep your lease, floor plan, and local approvals ready.

Salons, barbershops, spas, and body art

  • Cosmetology/Esthetics/Nail salons: NC Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners — shop license and practitioner licenses. Start here: NC Cosmetic Art Examiners.
  • Barbershops: NC Board of Barber Examiners — shop and individual licenses: NC Board of Barber Examiners.
  • Body art/tattoo: Local environmental health permits and state rules may apply; begin with Guilford County Environmental Health: Guilford County — Environmental Health.
  • Facility considerations: ventilation, sink counts, disinfectants, sharps disposal, and building/fire codes.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If shop layout doesn’t meet sink or spacing rules, ask the Board for a pre‑inspection review before build‑out changes.

Contractors, trades, and home improvement

  • General contractor licensing: Required when the cost of the project is $40,000 or more. See: NC Licensing Board for General Contractors.
  • Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC: State boards license individuals/companies. Start with the NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors: NCBEEC, and State Board of Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler: NC Licensing Board for P&H.
  • Building permits: Issued through the City of Greensboro Development Services for work inside city limits. Call 336-373-2489 and ask for Building Inspections.
  • County inspections (unincorporated areas): Contact Guilford County Planning & Development: Guilford County — Planning & Development.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your classification or limitation is too low for a job, seek a higher license limit or partner with a qualifying GC. For permit routing issues, request a coordination meeting with plans review.

Child care facilities

  • Licensing: NC Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). Start here: NC DCDEE — Child Care Licensing.
  • Expect background checks, staff training requirements, ratios, and facility standards (fencing, restrooms, egress).
  • Local zoning and building safety approvals are also required before DCDEE issues operational approval.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your first site fails DCDEE spacing or facility requirements, ask DCDEE for a pre‑licensing consult and check other addresses with Planning before signing a lease.

Auto dealers

  • Licensing: NC DMV — Dealer and Manufacturer Section. Start here: NCDMV — Dealer License.
  • Expect a permanent business location, signage, records, and a surety bond (commonly $50,000; confirm at the DMV page above).
  • City zoning approval for your lot and display area is required before DMV will approve.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your location fails display/parking standards, ask Planning for a compliant site and DMV for a pre‑inspection checklist.

Home‑based food (home processing)

  • North Carolina allows some non‑potentially hazardous foods produced at home under the state’s home processing rules (not a blanket “cottage food” exemption).
  • Start here: NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) — Home Food Processing and follow the Home Processing section for applications and inspections.
  • City zoning rules for home occupations still apply (see the Home‑Based section below).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your product is not allowed from a home kitchen (e.g., temperature‑controlled foods), consider a commissary or shared commercial kitchen that meets code.

Industry permit overview table

Industry Local/State bodies Where to start Fees
Restaurant/Food Truck Guilford Co. Environmental Health; City Inspections Guilford County — Environmental Health Varies by facility/type
Alcohol (Retail) NC ABC Commission; City beer/wine NC ABC — Retail Permits State fees by permit; City beer/wine per N.C.G.S. 105‑113.77
Salon/Barber NC Cosmetic Art; NC Barber Board NC Cosmetic Arts / NC Barber Board Board fee schedules
Contractors/Trades NCLBGC; Electrical/Plumbing Boards; City permits NCLBGC Board fees + City permit fees
Child Care NC DCDEE NC DCDEE — Licensing DCDEE fees; local permits
Auto Dealers NCDMV Dealer Unit NCDMV — Dealers Bond and licensing fees

Step 7 — Home-based businesses in Greensboro

Most important action: Confirm your home occupation is allowed and whether you need a City home occupation permit.

  • Start: Call the City at 336-373-2489 and ask Planning about “home occupation” rules in your zoning district. City site: Greensboro — Official Site.
  • Common standards (typical across NC cities; verify locally):
    • Limits on client visits, signage, storage, and employees on site.
    • No exterior evidence of business activity in residential zones (noise, traffic, deliveries).
  • If you sell food from home, you must also meet NCDA&CS home processing rules (see Food section above).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your home occupation isn’t allowed, consider a co‑working office, a small commercial suite, or a shared kitchen. The Greensboro economic development team can suggest incubators; start via 336-373-2489 or GTCC Small Business Center 336-334-4822.

Step 8 — Signs, building permits, and fire inspections

Most important action: Get City permits for any construction, electrical/plumbing/HVAC work, and permanent exterior signs.

  • Building permits and inspections: Contact the City at 336-373-2489 (ask for Building Inspections). Official site: Greensboro — Official Site.
  • Signs: Most permanent exterior signs and some window signage require permits. Ask for Sign Permits at the same number above.
  • Fire inspections: The Greensboro Fire Department inspects many occupancies before opening and periodically thereafter. Schedule through the City Contact Center: 336-373-2489.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If your sign plan violates size/placement rules, ask about a different sign type (monument vs. wall sign), reduced square footage, or alternate location that fits code.

Step 9 — Costs, timelines, and recurring deadlines (summary tables)

Common startup costs (state/local filings)

Item Agency Amount Source
LLC Articles of Organization NC Secretary of State $125 NC SOS — Fee Schedule
Corporation Articles of Incorporation NC Secretary of State $125 NC SOS — Fee Schedule
EIN IRS $0 IRS — Apply for an EIN
NC Sales/Withholding Registration NCDOR $0 NCDOR — Business Registration
City Beer/Wine License City of Greensboro See statute N.C.G.S. 105‑113.77
Food Service Permit Guilford Co. Varies Guilford Co. — Environmental Health
Building/Sign Permits City of Greensboro Varies Greensboro — Official Site

Key deadlines at a glance

Deadline What Who it applies to Source
January 31 (annually) List business personal property Businesses with tangible property Guilford County — Tax Department
April 15 (annually) NC LLC annual report due NC LLCs NC SOS — Annual Reports
Annually (varies) NC corporation annual report NC corporations NC SOS — Annual Reports
Within 20 days of hire New hire reporting Employers NC New Hire Directory
Per return schedule Sales tax filing due Businesses collecting sales tax NCDOR — Sales & Use Tax
Quarterly Unemployment (UI) returns due Employers NC DES — Employers

Who to call (and where to click)

Topic Office Phone Link
Zoning, CO, Building/Sign permits City of Greensboro (Contact Center) 336-373-2489 Greensboro — Official Site
Business formation & annual reports NC Secretary of State 919-814-5400 NC SOS — Business Registration
Sales/Withholding registration NC Dept. of Revenue 1-877-252-3052 NCDOR — Business Registration
Unemployment Insurance NC DES (Employers) 888-737-0259 NC DES — Employers
Workers’ Compensation NC Industrial Commission 919-807-2501 NCIC — Employers
ABC Retail Permits NC ABC Commission 919-779-0700 NC ABC — Retail Permits
Environmental Health (food/tattoo) Guilford County See site Guilford Co. — Environmental Health
Small Business counseling GTCC Small Business Center 336-334-4822 GTCC Small Business Center

Reality-based timeline (typical)

Phase What’s happening Typical time
Planning Zoning/use check; preliminary floor plan 1–5 business days for guidance
Entity & EIN SOS filing and IRS EIN Same day to a few days
Tax accounts NCDOR, DES setup Same day to a few days
Build-out permits Plan review; trade permits; inspections 2–8+ weeks depending on scope
Health permits (food) Plan review + pre‑opening inspection 2–6+ weeks depending on revisions
ABC permits (if any) State and local approvals Several weeks
Final CO and opening Final inspections; punch list 1–2 weeks

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Compress the timeline with early design coordination meetings including City inspections, Fire, and (if food) Environmental Health. It prevents re‑work and re‑submissions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting zoning before signing a lease. Fix: Call 336-373-2489 and verify use first.
  • Starting build‑out without permits. Fix: Pull the proper building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits before work starts.
  • Opening without a Certificate of Occupancy. Fix: Schedule final inspections early to avoid delays.
  • Skipping Guilford County’s January 31 asset listing. Fix: Calendar it, gather invoices/asset lists, and file on time.
  • Not registering for sales tax or charging the wrong rate. Fix: Register at NCDOR and confirm 6.75% for Guilford County goods and applicable services.
  • Hiring employees without UI, withholding, E‑Verify (if required), and workers’ comp. Fix: Set these up before first payroll.
  • Overlooking health permits (restaurants, salons, body art). Fix: Contact the appropriate county/state board months before opening.
  • Missing annual reports. Fix: File by April 15 (LLCs) and annually for corporations via NC SOS.
  • Signage installed without a permit. Fix: Get a sign permit and use a sign contractor familiar with City rules.
  • Assuming “no business license” means “no permits.” Fix: Use this guide, the City Contact Center 336-373-2489, and the linked agencies to confirm what applies to you.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • Book a no‑cost session with the GTCC Small Business Center (336-334-4822) to sanity‑check your steps and gaps. They can also connect you with local mentors and lenders.

Inclusivity, Diversity, and Accessibility resources (NC and Greensboro)

  • City of Greensboro MWBE (Minority & Women Business Enterprise) Program
    • Certification, outreach, and city contracting opportunities.
    • Start: City of Greensboro — MWBE Program (search “MWBE” on the site) or call the City Contact Center 336-373-2489 and ask for the MWBE Office.
  • NC HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) Certification
  • Veteran-owned businesses
  • Women-owned small businesses (WOSB/EDWOSB)
  • Minority certification (private sector)
    • Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council (regional NMSDC affiliate) helps with corporate supply chains.
    • Start: CVMSDC.
  • LGBTQ+ certification
  • Disability-owned
  • Immigrant-owned and language access
    • Many NC state and local portals offer translated pages or interpreter lines. If you need language support, call the City Contact Center 336-373-2489 and request interpreter assistance, or ask the agency (NCDOR, DES, SOS) for language services when you call their main numbers (listed in the tables).

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If certification is complex, ask GTCC Small Business Center (336-334-4822) for a no‑cost navigator, or contact the NC SBTDC (Small Business and Technology Development Center) at UNCG: SBTDC at UNCG.

Real‑world examples (Greensboro)

  • Coffee shop near downtown
    • Zoning/use confirmation, lease with grease trap allowance.
    • City building permits for build‑out; hood and suppression.
    • Guilford Environmental Health plan review; equipment list and menu.
    • ABC permits for on‑premises malt beverage and unfortified wine; local beer/wine license.
    • NCDOR sales tax; POS set to 6.75%; County asset listing by January 31.
    • Result: Open with CO after final inspections and EH approval.
  • Mobile auto detailer
    • LLC filed (125∗∗),EIN(∗∗125**), EIN (**0), NCDOR sales tax (some detailing services are taxable; confirm at NCDOR).
    • No fixed shop means fewer permits, but storage and water discharge rules apply.
    • Workers’ comp if 3+ employees; UI and withholding if hiring.
  • Home‑based bakery (non‑potentially hazardous items)
    • Zoning check for home occupation rules.
    • NCDA&CS home processing application and inspection (labels, processes).
    • NCDOR sales tax if selling taxable products.
    • Farmers’ markets and pop‑ups may require local event permits.
  • Residential contractor
    • Limited license class at NCLBGC if projects may exceed $40,000.
    • City permits on each job within city limits; inspections scheduled via City.
    • Withholding/UI/Workers’ comp for employees on payroll.

What to do if this doesn’t work:

  • If you’re stuck at any step, call the City at 336-373-2489 to get routed to the right division, or book free counseling with GTCC SBC (336-334-4822).

Frequently Asked Questions (NC/Greensboro)

  • Do I need a general Greensboro business license?
    • For most businesses, no. The municipal privilege license tax was repealed effective July 1, 2015. You still need zoning approvals, state tax registration, and any industry permits. Source: NC General Assembly — 2014-3 (HB 1050).
  • What’s the sales tax rate in Greensboro?
  • How much does it cost to form an LLC in North Carolina?
  • When is my NC LLC annual report due and how much is it?
  • Do I need workers’ compensation in NC?
  • Do I need ABC permits to serve beer/wine?
  • I’m a home-based business. Can I see clients at home?
    • It depends on your zoning and the City’s home occupation standards. Call 336-373-2489 and ask Planning to review your address and intended activity.
  • How do I get a food truck permit?
  • I’m hiring. Do I need to use E‑Verify?
  • What if I only sell online from Greensboro?
    • You still need an entity (if you choose one), EIN, and NCDOR registration if you sell taxable products/services to NC customers. Zoning is simpler if it’s purely administrative at home, but confirm home occupation rules with 336-373-2489.

“What if” playbook (Plan B options)

  • Lease fell through after zoning approval:
    • Ask Planning if a similar property in the same district will work; bring your floor plan to speed up review.
  • Build‑out budget is tight:
    • Phase work: finish the minimum for a CO, then add features later with separate permits. Ask inspections about safe phasing.
  • Food concept flagged by Environmental Health:
    • Simplify menu (fewer high‑risk items) to reduce equipment needs; re‑submit plans.
  • ABC application delays:
    • Request a status check with the ABC analyst; ensure local sign‑offs and fingerprints/background checks are complete.
  • Can’t get workers’ comp coverage:
    • Contact your broker about the NC assigned risk pool through the NC Rate Bureau at 919-582-1056.
  • Missed a tax filing:
    • Call NCDOR (1-877-252-3052) or your tax pro promptly—penalties grow over time; ask about payment plans.

About This Guide

Disclaimer

  • Program details, fees, contact information, and timelines can change. Always verify with the relevant agency using the links and phone numbers in this guide before you apply or pay any fees.
  • This guide is for general information. It is not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.