New business owners should submit the appropriate business registration application to obtain an account ID number. The account ID number is required to file and pay with NCDOR.
Depending on tax type, the registration application can be submitted electronically or by mail. Review the information below to choose the submission option that best fits your business.
Online Business Registration
The following tax types can be registered using the online business registration application:
- Withholding
- Sales and Use (excluding tax on Spirituous Liquor, Aviation Gasoline and Jet Fuel, and Piped Natural Gas)
- Motor Vehicle Lease and Subscription Tax
For all other tax types, you must submit the appropriate paper registration application.
You will need the following information to submit your business registration application:
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), and North Carolina Secretary of State Number (SOS), if applicable.
- Your business name, address, phone number.
- Business Partner or Responsible Person Information, if applicable (name, title, SSN, address).
- Details about your business (begin date, type of business, etc.).
Refer to this business registration list for detailed information to help you prepare to register.
Register Your Business Electronically
Frequently Asked Questions
The Online Business Registration system allows you to electronically register for an account ID number instead of submitting the paper Form NC-BR. Anyone seeking to register a business for the indicated tax types can use the Online Business Registration system to establish an account ID number(s). Using this system allows us to process your business registration application more accurately and efficiently. For most applicants, the account ID number will be issued instantly. The account ID number is needed in order to file and pay with NCDOR.
Watch How to Register a Business
You will be prompted through a series of interview screens that will require you to provide information to complete the application. You will be provided a confirmation page that you should print and save for your records that will contain either a tracking or confirmation number.
There is no fee to use the Department’s online business registration system.
Once your application is submitted online, it is not necessary to mail in a paper copy of the application form. We will contact you if additional information is required.
Once you submit your completed application, the system will provide you with a confirmation page. If the system is able to complete the registration process, a confirmation number and the issued account ID number will display on the page along with the name of your business. A notice that includes your account ID number will also be mailed to you within five business days.
If the system is unable to complete the registration process at the time of submission, a tracking number will display on the page. Your account ID number will be issued within ten business days and a notice that includes your account ID number will be mailed to you.
You should retain the confirmation or tracking number for your records until you receive your account ID number information by mail. These numbers will be helpful if you contact the Department with questions about your business registration application.
Safety measures are in place to protect your information. No one can read your tax information while it is being electronically submitted. The website and your data are secured with SSL (Secure Socket Layer) with at least 128-bit encryption.
You may contact Taxpayer Assistance at 1-877-308-9103, Option 1 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).
A business registration list is available with detailed information regarding what is needed to help you prepare to register. Additional questions may be directed to 1-877-252-3052. Select the "Other Inquires" option, then the appropriate tax type.