Accounting / CPA Permits & Licenses in Winston Salem, NC

LLCs taxed as partnerships are exempt from franchise tax.

The license must be displayed at the principal place of business.

80 CPE hours required every two years, with at least 20 hours each year and 4 hours of ethics.

Electronic filing via DES’s e-Services portal is mandatory for most employers.

Professional service firms (including CPA firms) may be subject to a supplemental professional services fee.

Required for all businesses; professional services like CPA classified under "Other Services

Verify zoning district allows "professional office" use; home occupation permit required for residences (max 25% floor area)

No client visits allowed; CPA qualifies if no signage/traffic generation

Wall signs limited to 1.5 sq ft per linear ft of building frontage

CPA offices typically need electrical for computers/lighting only

Office spaces <5,000 sq ft typically Business Occupancy Group B

Employers must also post the NC Unemployment Insurance Notice in the workplace.

Required for all LLCs. Expedited filing available for additional $100. Effective upon filing.

Required for all LLCs to maintain good standing. Late fee $25 if filed after deadline.

Prerequisites: 150 semester hours education, pass Uniform CPA Exam, 1 year experience. Required for individuals signing reports, offering attest services, or using CPA title. Firm permits separate (see below).

Required for any firm (including LLCs) offering CPA services in NC. All owners must be CPAs in good standing; peer review required for attest firms.

Applies to LLCs using trade names/DBAs. Search required prior to filing. Applies only if not using exact registered LLC name.

Accounting/CPA services generally exempt from gross receipts tax per NCGS 105-164.4(118a). Confirm with DOR if offering taxable services. Registration via NCDOR online portal.

Professional services such as CPA consulting are generally exempt, but sales of taxable tangible personal property (e.g., software on a disc) require registration.

If the LLC elects to be taxed as a corporation, it must file Form CD‑405 annually. If taxed as a partnership, file Form D‑403 instead.

All businesses regardless of type; online application

Neighborhood Business (NB) zoning common for professional offices

Maximum 32 sq ft for freestanding signs in most districts

No license needed for home-based without public access

Professional offices permitted in most commercial zones by right

Required for "business services" classification including accounting

Local fire marshal enforces 2018 NC Fire Code; annual inspection for some

False alarms over 5/year result in permit revocation

All LLCs with employees, or that file any federal tax return, must obtain an EIN.

Single‑member LLCs are taxed as sole proprietorships; report income on Schedule C attached to Form 1040.

If the LLC is taxed as a partnership, the filing deadline is the same but the form is D‑403.

After registration, employers must file withholding returns monthly or quarterly depending on liability.

Electronic filing is required for most employers.

North Carolina does not have a statewide general business license, but most cities/counties require an annual license for professional services.

Employers must register for withholding tax and file quarterly returns (Form NC-5).

Employers must file UI reports electronically via the DES employer portal.

Employers must use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).

LLC taxed as a corporation files Form 1120; if taxed as a partnership, file Form 1065.

LLC taxed as a corporation uses Form CD‑405; LLC taxed as a partnership files CD‑401.

Includes books, invoices, payroll records, and tax returns.

Required posters include Minimum Wage, OSHA, Family & Medical Leave, etc.

Small offices with ≤10 employees may be exempt; verify exemption status annually.

Most professional office spaces are subject to a fire safety inspection; confirm with local fire marshal.

If the office space was previously permitted, a renewal may be required; otherwise not applicable.

Multi‑member LLCs are taxed as partnerships and must file Form 1065 and provide Schedule K‑1 to each member.

Accounting firms that employ staff or contract out work must remit payroll taxes and issue required information returns.

Even office‑based accounting firms must maintain OSHA injury/illness logs if the employee threshold is met.

CPA firms must ensure office facilities and client‑facing websites are accessible and provide reasonable accommodations for clients with disabilities.

CPA firms must ensure all advertising (including fee disclosures, performance claims, and testimonials) is truthful, not deceptive, and substantiated.

Accounting firms must pay at least the federal minimum wage, overtime for >40 hrs/week, and maintain accurate time records.

Most small CPA firms will be below the threshold; however, if the firm grows to 50+ employees, FMLA obligations arise.

All CPA firms that hire staff must complete Form I‑9 for each employee.

All CPAs who prepare or assist in preparing federal tax returns for compensation must hold a valid PTIN.

If the CPA firm does not audit public companies, this requirement does not apply.

Typical accounting offices rarely generate hazardous waste; this requirement is generally not applicable.

Most small CPA firms without foreign accounts are exempt.

All North Carolina LLCs must file an annual report with the Secretary of State. The filing can be completed online.

CPAs must renew their individual licenses every two years. Renewal is done through the NC Board of CPA website.