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Franklin, NC Business Registration
Sabrina Scruggs, Tax Collector
(828) 524-2516 ext. 303 or sscruggs@franklinnc.com
Sabrina ScruggsTax Collector | Business Licenses
Welcome to the Town of Franklin's Tax Collector's Office. As the Town's Tax Collector, I am responsible for collecting Property Taxes and Room Occupancy Tax as well as Registration for Businesses including local beer and wine licensing. I also serve as the NC Debt Setoff Coordinator for the Town of Franklin.
Business RegistrationWho Needs to Register?
Per North Carolina State Law, as of July 1, 2015, the Town of Franklin Business Privilege Licenses is no longer required (see HB 1050). Instead, the Town of Franklin has a local Business License Ordinance which requires a Business to register with the Town of Franklin. All businesses inside the Town of Franklin must register and pay an annual $10.00 registration fee. Once registered renewal notices will be sent out in July of each year. Per ordinance, the registration fee is not prorated and is non-refundable.
Forms & InformationDownloads in PDF Format
For questions regarding Business Registration, please call the Town of Franklin at 828-524-1885.
» Application for Permit (PDF)
» Room Occupancy Tax Registration (PDF)
» Room Occupancy Tax Report (PDF)
» Address Change/Out of Business (PDF)
» Business Registration Ordinance (PDF)
Additional Business License Information & FAQ's
ABC Municipal Licenses will still be required. If your new business will serve or sell alcohol, you must obtain a local ABC License from the Town of Franklin after obtaining license from the State of North Carolina ABC Commission. (GS 105-113.77) See schedule below for beer and wine retail licenses.
If you plan to start a new business, please call 828-524-2516 ext. 311 to speak with the Town Planner, Justin Setser to confirm your location is zoned for the business and use is permitted. You may also email Justin at jsetser@franklinnc.com.
We would like to encourage all Business Owners to keep their contact information current. Please contact the Town of Franklin if there is a change in ownership, you are moving locations, or for mailing address changes. If you are moving locations, you will need to complete a new registration form and will be required to pay the registration fee.
If you have any questions, you may contact Sabrina Scruggs at 828-524-1885 or via email at sscruggs@franklinnc.com.
Q. Who needs to register a business in Franklin, North Carolina?
A. Per, North Carolina State Law, as of July 1, 2015, the Town of Franklin Business Privilege Licenses is no longer required (see HB 1050). Instead, the Town of Franklin has a local Business License Ordinance, which requires a Business to register with the Town of Franklin.
All businesses inside the Town of Franklin must register and pay an annual $10.00 registration fee. Once registered renewal notices will be mailed in July of each year and will be due September 1 each year. Per the Town of Franklin Ordinance, the registration fee is not prorated, and is non-refundable.
Q. Do I need a local Business License Registration to conduct business in the Town of Franklin?
A. It shall be unlawful for any person or his agent or servant to engage in, or carry on a business, in the Town of Franklin for which there is required a license, without first having secured a business license registration.
Q. How do I define conducting business?
A. Opening of a place of business or offering to sell, followed by a single sale or the doing of	any act or thing in the furtherance of the business shall be construed to be engaging in or	carrying on the business; and each day that the person, firm or corporation shall engage in or carry on the business as aforesaid, shall be construed to be a separate offense.
Q. How do I apply for a local business license registration?
A. You may apply in person at the Town of Franklin business office located at 95 E. Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734, or click on (add a link to application for permits), complete the application and submit in person at 95 E. Main St. Franklin, NC 28734 or by mail to : Town of Franklin, Attention: Business Registration, P.O. Box 1479, Franklin, NC 28744.
Q. What is the cost of a local business license registration?
A. There is an annual $10.00 registration fee. Once a business is registered, you will be automatically billed annually, starting July 1 of the following year. Registration fee must be paid by September 1 each year. You must contact the Town of Franklin if you close your business or move locations.
§ 110.14 FEES; NO REFUNDS ALLOWED.
Each licensee shall, before a business license may be issued by the town, pay an administrative fee to be set by the Town Manager, but not to exceed Ten Dollars ($10.00). No business license fee shall be refunded, in part or in whole, in any case where the licensee discontinues the business before the end of the period for which the license was issued.
Q. Who do I call if I have questions regarding local business registration?
A. You may call the Town of Franklin and ask for Sabrina Scruggs or the Town Planner Justin Setser. Contact numbers are Sabrina Scruggs 828-524-1885 sscruggs@franklinnc.com, or Justin Setser 828- 524-2516 ext. 311 jsetster@franklinnc.com.
Town of Franklin Beer & Wine Retail Licenses
License & Tax: Any person holding any of the following retail ABC permits for an establishment located in the Town of Franklin must obtain a license from the Town of Franklin for that activity. The annual tax for each license is as stated. (§ 105-113.77. City beer and wine retail licenses)
Tax on Additional License. - The tax stated in subsection (a) is the tax for the first license issued to a person. The tax for each additional license of the same type issued to that person for the same year is one hundred ten percent (110%) of the base license tax, that increase to apply progressively for each additional license. (1985, c. 114, s. 1.)
ABC Permit Taxes
Permit Type
Tax for Corresponding License
On-premises malt beverage $15.00
Off-premises malt beverage $5.00
On-premises Unfortified Wine $15.00
On-premises Fortified Wine $15.00
Off-premises Unfortified Wine $10.00
Off-premises Fortified Wine $10.00
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contactus@franklinnc.com · Phone: 828-524-2516 · Fax: 828-524-4540