Every person, firm, or corporation engaging in a business, trade, or profession must obtain an annual license or permit.
Comment: Privilege Licenses for many types of small business begin at $50.00 per year. The privilege licenses increase for certain larger businesses. Annual licenses run from July 1st to June 30th of the following year.
These annual licenses are similar, but not identical, to the above State Privilege Licenses. They are levied on certain, but not all, businesses, trades, occupations, or franchises.
Comment: The City of Hickory (and other municipalities, but not all) require an annual city privilege license for certain types of businesses starting as low as $2.50 per year. The license fee increases for larger businesses.
The purpose of the office of the Secretary of State is to provide a one-stop system for identifying, acquiring, and maintaining the licenses and permits necessary to conduct business in North Carolina. The office also acts as a referral service to direct businesses to other resources for assistance.
Comment: The office offers a free publication entitled Business Notes which describes various types of business licensing requirements and provides other business information.