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North Carolina Payroll Tax Registration

As an employer in North Carolina, it is crucial to understand the process of payroll tax registration. This involves registering with the North Carolina Department of Revenue (NCDOR) to ensure compliance with state tax laws and obligations related to payroll taxes.

How North Carolina Payroll Registration Works

There are 2 payroll tax setup tasks you may need to complete in North Carolina to get your new hire on payroll for the first time. You can follow the guide below to help you get registered directly with the North Carolina agencies or use Mosey to do it.

Use Mosey to register for payroll tax in North Carolina.

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North Carolina Tax Withholding Setup

If you plan to hire employees in North Carolina, you are required to register with the North Carolina Department of Revenue for an Income Tax Withholding Identification Number.

  1. Register for a Withholding Identification Number

    Use the Online Business Registration tool to register for a Withholding Identification Number with the Department of Revenue. Your Withholding Identification Number is typically issued immediately, otherwise you will get a tracking ID for your registration and your Tax Withholding Number will be mailed to you in up to four weeks. Note: You can also apply for Sales & Use Tax at the same time.

North Carolina Unemployment Insurance Setup

If you have a gross payroll of at least $1,500 in any calendar quarter or have at least one North Carolina worker in 20 different weeks during a calendar year, you are required to pay unemployment insurance tax and must register for an Employer Account with the North Carolina Division of Employment Security.

  1. Apply for Employer Tax Account Number

    Apply for an Employer Tax Account Number with the Department of Employment Security using their online registration. Once approved, you will receive two pieces of mail, one with your seven-digit EAN, and one with your six-digit PIN. You will also receive your Liability Date and Tax Rate Information in mail.

  2. Create Online Account

    Create an online account with the seven-digit EAN and six-digit PIN mailed to you. This allows you to manage your Unemployment Insurance tax information and respond to claims online.

  3. Post Certificate of Coverage

    Post the Certificate of Coverage in your office alongside other labor posters. For remote employees, post the Certificate of Coverage alongside other labor posters on your internal website.

How to register your business in more states

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