North Carolina lesson 4 of 6
Get an EIN and open a bank account
Your EIN is the federal number that identifies the LLC to the IRS, to banks and to the North Carolina Department of Revenue once you register with it.
Applying for the EIN
Apply free of charge on the IRS website once the Articles of Organization are approved. If the responsible party has a US social security number or ITIN, the number issues immediately online. Otherwise the application goes in on Form SS-4 by fax or post.
Registering with NCDOR
Separately from the EIN, most LLCs register with the North Carolina Department of Revenue for an account ID number, using the department's online business registration system or Form NC-BR. You need this if you will withhold income tax for employees, collect sales and use tax, or owe certain other state taxes.
Opening the account
Bring the file-stamped Articles of Organization, the EIN confirmation letter, an operating agreement if you have one, and identification for signers and significant owners. Keep every business transaction inside that account, since commingling funds is the fastest way to undermine the liability protection an LLC is meant to provide.
Key takeaways
- The EIN is free and issued by the IRS.
- NCDOR registration is separate from the EIN and needed for withholding or sales tax.
- A dedicated business account keeps the liability shield credible.
Official sources
Or let us file your North Carolina LLC for you
Everything above is yours to use for free. If you would rather hand it over, we prepare and file the Articles of Organization (Form L-01), act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team