Get an EIN for your North Carolina business
A federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the IRS tax ID your North Carolina business uses for banking, payroll, and tax filing. The IRS issues EINs free · application takes 10 minutes online with immediate issuance for US founders. International founders apply by fax or mail. After your EIN, you also need to register with the North Carolina Department of Revenue via the NC-BR Business Registration.
North Carolinan EIN + state tax accounts at a glance
| Federal EIN cost | $0 (IRS direct) |
|---|---|
| Issuance time | Immediate (online for US founders) |
| North Carolina revenue agency | North Carolina Department of Revenue |
| State tax registration form | NC-BR Business Registration |
| Sales tax permit needed? | Yes · register for sales tax permit. |
| State withholding account? | Yes · register for state withholding account. |
| File.Business service fee | $0 |
How to get an EIN in North Carolina: step by step
- Form your business entity first. Your North Carolinan LLC, corporation, or other entity must exist before applying for an EIN. Form an LLC in North Carolina or form a corporation if needed.
- Pick your responsible party. The IRS requires one individual with substantial control over the entity (typically an owner with at least 25% interest) to be listed on Form SS-4.
- Apply online at irs.gov. US founders with a valid SSN or ITIN get the EIN immediately. The application is free and takes about 10 minutes.
- International founders: apply by fax or mail. Without an SSN or ITIN, the online system will not work. Fax Form SS-4 (typically 4 business days) or mail it (4 to 6 weeks). ITIN vs EIN explained.
- Register with the North Carolina Department of Revenue. Use the NC-BR Business Registration to get your state-level tax accounts in North Carolina.
- Open a business bank account. North Carolina banks commonly used include BB&T (Truist), First Citizens, Wells Fargo, Bank of America.
Skip the paperwork · we get your North Carolinan EIN
We prepare Form SS-4, file with the IRS, and also handle your state-level registration with the North Carolina Department of Revenue. No state-fee markup. International founders supported (we file by fax to get your EIN within a week, faster than mail).
Start my North Carolinan EINNorth Carolina state tax accounts you also need
An IRS EIN is federal-only. To operate in North Carolina, you typically also need:
- State tax ID: Register with North Carolina Department of Revenue using NC-BR Business Registration.
- Sales tax permit: Yes · register for sales tax permit. Sales tax registration overview.
- State withholding account: Yes · register for state withholding account.
- Unemployment insurance account: Required if you have employees in North Carolina.
- Workers compensation insurance: Required if you have employees. Business insurance overview.
North Carolinan EIN FAQ
How much does an EIN cost in North Carolina?
The IRS issues EINs free. Anyone charging you for the EIN itself is upselling. File.Business charges No state-fee markup whether you have us file it or you do it yourself.
How long does the EIN take to receive?
US founders applying online: immediate. International founders applying by fax: typically 4 business days. By mail: 4 to 6 weeks.
Can I get an EIN without an SSN?
Yes. International founders apply with Form SS-4 by fax or mail. The IRS accepts foreign passport details as identification.
Do I need a separate North Carolina state tax ID?
Yes, in most cases. The North Carolina Department of Revenue requires a state-level registration via NC-BR Business Registration for businesses operating in North Carolina.
Can I use my EIN to open a North Carolina business bank account?
Yes, your EIN is required for business banking. North Carolina banks commonly used include BB&T (Truist), First Citizens, Wells Fargo, Bank of America.