Sales and Use Tax Frequently Asked Questions

Sales and Use Tax Categories:


Registration for Sales and Use Tax Account

How can I obtain a sales and use tax number?

To obtain a sales and use tax account number you must register online using the online business registration portal or submit a completed Form NC-BR, Business Registration Application, to the address at the bottom of the application. You may obtain Form NC-BR online, by mail, or by contacting the Taxpayer Assistance and Collection Center at 1-877-252-3052 (toll free). After your application is processed, you will be mailed information concerning your Sales and Use Tax Account ID and an initial paper return.

How long does it take to get a sales tax number?

Most applicants registering using the online business registration portal will receive their account number instantly. Others will receive their account number within ten business days. If the registration is not filed electronically, it may take up to four weeks. Sales tax numbers cannot be obtained over the telephone.

How do I obtain sales and use tax returns?

All registrants, regardless of filing frequency, are furnished an initial paper tax return; however, new sales and use tax registrants required to file a Form E-500, Sales and Use Tax Return are not automatically sent preprinted coupon booklets. Monthly with prepayment sales and use tax registrants are required to file Form E-500, Sales and Use Tax Return, electronically and make payments electronically. Monthly and quarterly sales and use tax registrants have the option to file Form E-500, Sales and Use Tax Return, electronically and make payments electronically, or they may request a coupon booklet with preprinted returns by contacting the Department at 1-877-252-3052 (toll free).

Is there a fee charged to obtain a sales tax number?

There is no fee charged for a Certificate of Registration.

Do I have to re-register for a new number if I move?

No. You must complete and submit Form NC-AC, Business Address Correction.  You can now complete the form online. 

How do I register my seasonal business?

To obtain a sales and use tax account number you must register online using the online business registration portal or submit a completed Form NC-BR, Business Registration Application, to the address at the bottom of the application.  A retailer who engages in business for six or fewer months in each year must indicate the months in which they engage in business when registering in order to register as a seasonal filer. A retailer who is registered as a seasonal filer is not required to file a return for an off-season reporting period in which the retailer did not engage in business.


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Filing Sales and Use Tax Returns

How can I file sales and use tax returns?

You may file online or by mailing in the tax returns. If payment is made by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), a paper return is still required to be submitted to complete the filing. Monthly with prepayment filers are required to file their returns electronically.

When are quarterly and monthly sales and use tax returns due?

Quarterly returns are due on or before the last day of January, April, July, and October for the preceding three-month period. Monthly returns are due on or before the 20th of the month following the end of the month.

How do I file if I have not received my tax number or forms?

You should file using a blank sales and use tax return with the notation “Number Applied For” and include remittance of the tax due. Form E-500 can be obtained online or ordered by mail. Forms can also be obtained by contacting the Taxpayer Assistance and Collection Center at 1-877-252-3052 (toll free).

How do I file a return if I have misplaced my coupon booklet?

You may file online or obtain a blank Form E-500. Do not use old forms or a form with a different filing period. Using incorrect forms will create errors and delays in the processing of returns. You may order replacement forms by contacting the Taxpayer Assistance and Collection Center at 1-877-252-3052 (toll free).

How do I file a return if my business makes no sales or purchases?

A retailer who does not make any sales during a reporting period must file a return for that period and indicate 0.00 on the “Total Due” line. Similarly, a business that does not make any taxable purchases during a reporting period must file a return for that period and indicate 0.00 on the “Total Due” line.

Where do I send my tax return?

North Carolina Department of Revenue
Post Office Box 25000
Raleigh, North Carolina 27640-0700


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Online Filing for Sales and Use Tax

Can I file my sales and use tax return and pay the tax online?

You may file sales and use tax returns and pay through eServices for Businesses or call the E-Services Help line at 1-877-308-9103 (toll free) Monday through Friday. The E-File system offers the convenience of filing returns and paying tax 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


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Filing Frequency and Due Dates

How do I determine my filing frequency and due dates?

If your tax liability is consistently more than $100 but less than $20,000 per month, you should file a return monthly and pay taxes on or before the 20th day of each month for all taxes due for the preceding calendar month.

If your tax liability is consistently less than $100 per month, you should file a return quarterly and pay taxes due on or before the last day of the month for all taxes due for the preceding calendar quarter.

If your tax liability is at least $20,000 a month, you should file a return monthly and pay taxes on or before the 20th day of each month for all taxes due for the preceding calendar month and include a prepayment for the next month’s tax liability. Monthly with prepayment returns are required to be filed online.

For additional information refer to the Filing Frequency and Due Dates web page.

When is the sales and use tax return due if the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday?

The return is considered timely filed if you file on the business day following the Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday. Refer to Directive TA-18-1 for further details about timely filing of returns and payments.


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Business Requirements

What is the North Carolina sales and use tax rate?

Refer to the Sales and Use Tax Rates & Other Information web page for information about sales and use tax rates.

Are wholesale merchants required to file a return?

A person who engages exclusively in the business of making wholesale sales is not required to file a return but is required to obtain a certificate of registration before the person engages in business in the State except as noted below. A person who, on two or more occasions within a twelve-month period, either makes taxable sales to users, consumers, or non-registered merchants or makes purchases subject to use tax is not engaged exclusively in the business of making wholesale sales and must begin filing sales and use tax returns. A wholesale merchant who is not required to file a sales and use tax return and who, on only one occasion within a twelve-month period, either makes taxable sales to users, consumers, or non-registered merchants or makes purchases subject to use tax must file a return for that month only and pay the tax due within 20 days after the end of the month in which the sale or purchase was made. A wholesale merchant is required to maintain records that include a bill of sale for each customer that contains the name and address of the purchaser, the date of the purchase, the item purchased, and the price at which the wholesale merchant sold the item. A wholesale merchant must obtain a certificate of exemption or the required data elements to substantiate that it is a wholesale sale to a customer. Failure of a wholesale merchant to keep these records for the sale of an item subjects the wholesale merchant to liability for tax at the rate that applies to the retail sale of the item.

If I have a seasonal business, can I file just for those months that I operate?

A retailer who engages in business for six or fewer months in each year must indicate the months in which they engage in business when registering in order to register as a seasonal filer. A retailer who is registered as a seasonal filer is not required to file a return for an off-season reporting period in which the retailer did not engage in business.

If I am presently registered as a proprietorship or partnership, what do I need to do if I incorporate?

The corporation must apply for a new sales tax number in order to file and pay sales and use tax. The person must also close the obsolete sales tax number for the proprietorship or partnership.

If I purchase an existing business, may I use the sales tax number of the previous owner?

No. A new owner must obtain their own sales tax number.

How do I cancel or inactivate a tax number?

Complete and submit the Out-of-Business Notification, Form NC-BN. You can now complete the form online.

Can a certificate of registration be cancelled for inactivity?

Yes. A certificate of registration issued to a retailer becomes void if, for a period of 18 months, the retailer files no returns or files returns showing no sales. Annually, the Department reviews sales and use tax accounts and cancels the sales and use tax registration numbers of those accounts that have filed returns showing no sales for the past 18 months. If your account is cancelled for this purpose, you will be notified by mail and given an opportunity to reactivate your account.

Do flea market vendors need to obtain a Certificate of Registration?

Yes. Flea market vendors must obtain a Certificate of Registration and it must be posted at their location. Refer to the Specialty Markets or Other Events Overview web page for additional information.

Are any services taxable?

Yes.  Currently, the following services are taxable:

Are lottery ticket sales taxable?

No. Lottery ticket sales are not subject to sales or use tax; however, these sales should be included on Sales and Use Tax Return, Form E-500, Line 1, North Carolina Gross Receipts, along with other sales made during the reporting period. Lottery ticket sales should also be included on Line 3, Receipts Exempt From State Tax.


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Penalties and Assessments

Is there a penalty if my return is late and no tax is owed?

No. Penalty and interest is not due but the return must be filed.

Is there a penalty for late filing of tax returns?

Yes. If tax is due, both a failure to file penalty of 5% per month or fraction thereof with a maximum of 25% and a failure to pay penalty of 5% will be due. Interest is due on the amount of tax due from the date the tax was due until it is paid.

Name Change Information

How do I change my name with the Department?

For information on how to change your name with Department, please review the information on our name change page.

 


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