A question we get asked a lot is "do I need a business license to open my business in Wilson?".  The short answer is "no":  business licenses (also known as "privilege licenses") are not required to open or operate a business anywhere in Wilson County, including inside the city limits.

On May 29, 2014, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory signed into law House Bill 1050 (HB1050), which made several amendments to the state corporate income, sales, and use tax laws.  Among the provisions included in the law was the prohibition of local governments to levy business license taxes (with the exception of alcohol sales and the licensing of taxicab and limousine services).
 
In compliance with this provision, Wilson County and the City of Wilson no longer issue local privilege or business licenses.  All businesses must still comply with federal, state, and local laws, including any zoning or permitting requirements that may apply.  You also may be required to have certain professional credentials in order to operate in a particular field like law, medicine, contracting, cosmetology, etc.
 
For additional guidance, contact your local government planning office.