Tax Preparer Permits & Licenses in Greensboro, NC

Required for all LLCs, including single-member LLCs that elect to be taxed as corporations or have employees. Even if not required, most LLCs obtain an EIN for banking and credibility purposes. Application is free via IRS Form SS-4.

LLCs are pass-through entities unless electing corporate taxation. Multi-member LLCs file Form 1065; single-member LLCs report income on Schedule C of owner’s Form 1040. Tax Preparer LLCs must file annually regardless of revenue.

Tax Preparer LLCs must file Form 8948, "Information Regarding Tax Return Preparer," annually if they prepare federal tax returns for pay. This is separate from business income tax filing. Requirement applies regardless of whether preparer has a valid IRS PTIN.

Required for each individual (including owners) who prepares or assists in preparing federal tax returns for compensation. Must be renewed annually. Fee set by IRS e-Services system. LLC itself does not get a PTIN—individuals do.

Required for all LLCs. Annual report required separately (see below).

Applies to all LLCs. Online filing recommended.

Required if using DBA. Expires after 10 years; renewal $25. Search names at https://www.sosnc.gov/online_services/search/by_title/_Business_Registration

Tax preparers typically do not sell goods/services subject to sales tax, but required if applicable.

Part of combined registration form. Quarterly/annual filing required if applicable.

Register online via Employer Portal. Rates vary (0.06% to 9.0% of wages).

Tax preparation services are generally not subject to North Carolina sales tax. However, if the LLC sells software, tax forms, or other tangible goods, a sales tax permit may be required. See NCGS § 105-164.3(14) for exclusions.

Required for all employers in North Carolina to withhold state income tax from employee wages. Registration is completed via Form NC-1, available through NCDOR's ONESOURCE system.

Employers must register with DES to pay unemployment insurance taxes under N.C. General Statute § 96-10. Registration is done online via the DES Employer Portal.

All LLCs classified as corporations for tax purposes or with nexus in NC must register. Franchise tax applies annually at $150 minimum plus $1.50 per $1,000 of net worth over $1 million. LLCs taxed as partnerships or sole proprietorships are generally not subject to franchise tax but must still file if they have income from NC sources.

Even single-member LLCs may need an EIN for banking or tax reporting. Obtained online via IRS Form SS-4.

Required for all LLCs registered in North Carolina. Must be filed with the Secretary of State. Not a tax registration but a key ongoing obligation tied to business status.

Many cities and counties in NC require a local business privilege license or occupational tax. Examples: Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro. Fees and requirements vary. Check with city/county finance department.

Required for tax preparers who prepare or assist in preparing U.S. federal or North Carolina income tax returns for compensation. May require a $10,000 surety bond and proof of continuing education. Registration is separate from sales/use or withholding tax.

Required for all businesses including tax preparers; apply online via Mecklenburg County Tax Collector

Tax preparer classified as professional office use; home occupation permit required if home-based (max 25% floor area)

Freestanding signs limited to 32 sq ft in commercial zones

IRS Circular 230 governs practice before the IRS. Tax Preparers must avoid willful tax understatement, negligence, or misconduct. Applies to all compensated federal tax preparation activities. Violations can result in loss of PTIN and legal penalties.

FTC enforces truth-in-advertising rules. Tax preparers must not misrepresent fees, refund amounts, or eligibility for credits. Must disclose all material terms clearly. Prohibited from charging contingent fees on Form 1040 returns (unless exceptions apply). Applies under FTC Act §5.

Required for all U.S. employers. Tax Preparer LLC must complete Form I-9 for each employee to verify identity and work authorization. Must retain for 3 years after hire or 1 year after employment ends, whichever is later.

Applies minimum wage, overtime (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours/week), and recordkeeping requirements. Tax Preparer employees (e.g., preparers, clerks) are typically non-exempt unless meeting specific exemption criteria (e.g., licensed CPA). Employers must display FLSA poster.

Requires eligible employees to be granted up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying reasons. Tax Preparer LLC must post notice and maintain records. Does not apply to small firms with fewer than 50 employees meeting the threshold.

Requires tax preparation offices to be accessible to people with disabilities. Includes physical access (ramps, door widths) and communication access (auxiliary aids). Applies to places of public accommodation. Online services must also be accessible under evolving DOJ guidance.

All employers with employees must display OSHA Form 3000 (Job Safety and Health Protection Poster). Tax Preparer offices are low-hazard but still subject to general duty clause. No routine inspections unless complaint filed.

No EPA environmental regulations apply to Tax Preparer businesses, as they do not handle hazardous materials, generate industrial waste, or emit pollutants. This requirement is not applicable.

Tax preparer offices typically low hazard; extinguishers required

False alarm ordinance strictly enforced

Wake County requires state-level registration only; zoning compliance still needed

Professional services like tax prep allowed; no client visits, 1 non-resident employee max

Tax preparers report prior year revenue; minimum $100 fee

Includes life safety and egress inspection

Effective 2023 fee schedule; online application required

Required even for office lease spaces

Required for all employers with three or more employees in North Carolina, including LLC members who receive wages. Sole proprietors without employees are exempt. Enforced under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 97-94.

Not legally mandated by North Carolina or the IRS. However, it is strongly recommended for tax preparers to protect against claims of negligence or errors. The IRS does not require E&O insurance for non-credentialed preparers.

Not legally mandated by North Carolina or the IRS. However, it is strongly recommended for tax preparers to protect against claims of negligence or errors. The IRS does not require E&O insurance for non-credentialed preparers.

Required for any individual or business that prepares U.S. federal tax returns for compensation. Must be renewed each year.

Required in most incorporated cities and towns in North Carolina. Home-based businesses may have additional zoning rules.

All tax preparers who file 10 or more individual returns must e-file. The e-file application must be renewed annually. Requires a PTIN and completion of IRS requirements.

All paid tax preparers must have a current PTIN. Renewal required each year regardless of whether the preparer is actively working. Fee subject to change; check IRS website annually.

Many North Carolina counties and municipalities require a local business license. Requirements vary; examples include Guilford County, Charlotte, and Raleigh. Contact local clerk for specifics.

IRS recommends keeping records of tax returns and supporting documents for at least 3 years. Some states and professional standards suggest 7 years. Includes copies of returns, W-2s, 1099s, and client consents.

Required posters include the NC Minimum Wage poster, OSHA Right to Know, Equal Employment Opportunity, and Federal Labor Law Poster. Available for free download from NCDOL and DOL websites.

No federal industry-specific licenses (e.g., FDA, ATF, FCC, DOT) are required for a Tax Preparer business. This type of service is not regulated by these agencies.

Required for all LLCs operating in NC, even if organized elsewhere. Must be renewed annually.

Must obtain a state sales tax permit if any taxable services are provided; must register for withholding and franchise tax. Annual franchise tax filing required by April 15.

LLCs must file an annual report and pay the franchise tax regardless of revenue.

Check the specific city or county where the office is located for licensing requirements.

All North Carolina LLCs must file an annual report with the Secretary of State. The report confirms or updates the company's principal address, registered agent, and management structure. Filing is required every year regardless of activity level.

Voluntary program for non-credentialed preparers. Completing the program grants a Record of Completion, allowing participation in IRS e-file. CE must be from IRS-approved providers.

Most tax preparation services are not subject to sales tax in NC unless tangible goods are sold. If applicable, registration with NCDOR is required. Filing frequency is assigned by NCDOR based on expected liability.

LLC with employees must file Form 941 (quarterly), Form 940 (FUTA), and Form W-2/W-3 or 1099-NEC. EIN is required but does not expire; ongoing tax returns are due based on employment or payment activity.

A registered agent must be designated and physically located in North Carolina. No annual renewal, but changes must be filed promptly. Failure to maintain one jeopardizes good standing.

LLCs must report changes in principal address, registered agent, or management structure within 60 days. Failure to update may result in penalties or loss of liability protection.

Employers must register with NCDOR and file Form NC-5 (Withholding Tax Return) based on assigned frequency. New employers typically start with monthly filing.

Some North Carolina counties impose an annual occupational tax on businesses operating within their jurisdiction. Wake County requires registration with the Register of Deeds. Confirm local requirements.