The privilege license tax is a tax levied on the privilege of conducting a particular trade or business. If you are a professional that is licensed by a board, you most likely should be paying state privilege license tax every year (for example, accounts, attorneys, general contractors, realtors). There are some exceptions to this requirement, like professionals working for the government or non-practicing physicians, to name a couple.
However, there are some surprising professions on this list; most notably, photographers. A list of applicable professions can be found here: https://files.nc.gov/ncdor/documents/files/instructions_b202a_application_for_state_privilege_license_2-18_web_v3_final_3.pdf And the license application can be found here: https://files.nc.gov/ncdor/documents/files/webfill_version_b202a_application_for_state_privilege_license.pdf The license is issued to the individual and not the business. While the individual can go ahead and form his/her business, the license should be applied for before beginning business. It is unlawful to engage in business without obtaining a required privilege license. The penalty for failure to obtain a license is the greater of five dollars ($5) or five percent (5%) of the amount prescribed for the license per month or fraction thereof from the time the amount is due until the amount is paid, up to a maximum not to exceed twenty-five percent (25%). The privilege license tax is annual and is due by July 1 of each year. The penalty for failure to pay any tax when due is ten percent (10%) of the tax due. Because the license is issued to the individual and not the business, if an individual is engaged in more than one business, he/she will have to obtain a privilege license for each business. If you are a licensed psychologist who has a photography business on the side, you must obtain two privilege licenses and pay two taxes, for example. The license must be displayed conspicuously at the location of the licensed business, trade, or profession. If you have questions about the privilege tax, please give us a call!
8 Comments
Kelly Jesson
5/27/2020 08:36:24 am
Bob, we don't know why the tax (other than it's another way to regulate professional services and/or collect money). The tax is not applicable to ALL business owners. A list to applicable professions can be found here: https://files.nc.gov/ncdor/documents/files/b202a_6-4-18_instructions_web_draft_v4_final_1.pdf
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Travis
6/25/2020 12:41:51 pm
Does this tax have to be paid the year that you receive the license?
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Kelly Jesson
7/5/2020 09:27:43 am
Travis, the instructions can be found here: https://files.nc.gov/ncdor/documents/files/b202a_6-4-18_instructions_web_draft_v4_final_1.pdf
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Julia
7/1/2020 12:26:33 pm
If my profession is on the list but I work for a company. Do I as an individual need to pay the tax? I am an engineer. Does everyone in my engineering firm have to pay the tax? Or does the corporation only need to pay the tax?
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Kelly Jesson
7/5/2020 09:24:51 am
Julia, the instructions can be found here: https://files.nc.gov/ncdor/documents/files/b202a_6-4-18_instructions_web_draft_v4_final_1.pdf
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Greg Landeros
1/31/2022 04:45:03 pm
Hi, It appears they require your state privilege license to be displayed clearly somewhere at your business. I am new to NC and just learned about this privilege license. I am a photographer, I plan to work from home and do not have a studio nor will I have clients come to me. I will be on location only doing portraits. The state website was a bit vague about that.
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Kelly Jesson
2/10/2022 05:00:23 pm
Thank you for your comment. Feel free to contact our office at 704-444-0594.
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