NCLeland · Brunswick County

Starting a Business in Leland, NC: Local Checklist

A plain-English checklist for launching a small business in Leland, North Carolina: the Brunswick County Register of Deeds, Town of Leland zoning and home occupations, the January 31 business listing and local help.

Serving Leland, Wilmington and all of North Carolina, remotely and by appointment.

Quick start: do the statewide steps first (LLC, assumed name, NCDOR registration). They're on our Starting a Business in NC page. Then use the Leland and Brunswick County steps below.

Leland and Brunswick County steps

Local offices change forms and fees. Use the official links and call the office if anything is unclear.

1. Assumed business name (DBA) at the Brunswick County Register of Deeds

If you'll operate under a name other than your legal name, record an assumed business name certificate with the Brunswick County Register of Deeds in Bolivia. The fee is $26 for the first 15 pages ($4 for each page after that), plus $25 if the document doesn't meet NC recording standards. You can mail it (payable to BCROD, with a self-addressed stamped envelope) or file in person; in-person payment is cash or money order only. Search the county and state assumed name records first.

Official link: Brunswick County: assumed name / DBA

2. Zoning and home occupations (Town of Leland)

Inside town limits, Leland's Planning & Zoning staff review uses and home businesses, and applications go through the town's online planning and zoning portal. The town's Planning Fee Schedule (effective September 1, 2025) lists $50 for a Home Occupation review and $80 for commercial alterations, a change of occupancy or an upfit review. Moving into a commercial space without construction still takes a Change of Occupancy application and inspections before a certificate of occupancy is issued. Some addresses near Leland are outside town limits; there, Brunswick County or another town handles zoning, so check the town limits map first. Town Hall: 910-371-0148.

Official link: Town of Leland: Planning & Zoning · Planning Fee Schedule (PDF) · Permitting FAQ

3. Business license? Not required

The Town of Leland says that since July 1, 2015, local governments can't levy a privilege license tax, so the town doesn't require a business or privilege license, and no business license is needed to perform work in Leland. Brunswick County says it doesn't require privilege licenses either. Some trades still need a state license (for example, general, electrical or plumbing contractors).

Official link: Town of Leland FAQ · Brunswick County: assumed name page (privilege licenses)

4. Business personal property listing (Brunswick County, due January 31)

Brunswick County requires businesses to list all personal property used in the business (machinery, equipment, furniture, cash registers and similar) by January 31. A 10% penalty applies if it isn't listed on time. You can ask for an extension, but the request must reach the Tax Office by January 31. Tax Office: 910-253-2829.

Official link: Brunswick County: individual & business personal property

5. Sales tax rate: 6.75% in Brunswick County

If you sell taxable goods or services, register with NCDOR (no fee) and collect the combined 6.75% rate: 4.75% state plus 2% local. Across the river in New Hanover County it's 7%, so the rate depends on where the sale is sourced.

Official link: NCDOR: current sales and use tax rates · NCDOR: business registration

6. Local help (free or low-cost)

Related free tools

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a business license in Leland, NC?

No. The Town of Leland says it doesn't require a business or privilege license, because NC local governments lost the authority to levy a privilege license tax on July 1, 2015. You may still need zoning approval, a state occupational license for your trade, and NCDOR registration if you sell taxable items.

How much is a home occupation permit in Leland?

The Town of Leland's Planning Fee Schedule, effective September 1, 2025, lists $50 for a Home Occupation review. Applications go through the town's online planning and zoning portal; ask Planning & Zoning what your zone allows before you start.

Where do I file a DBA for a Leland business?

With the Brunswick County Register of Deeds in Bolivia. The fee is $26 for the first 15 pages. You can mail it or file in person (cash or money order only in person).

When is the Brunswick County business personal property listing due?

January 31. A 10% penalty applies to property that isn't listed on time. Extension requests must reach the Brunswick County Tax Office by January 31.

What is the sales tax rate in Leland, NC?

6.75% in Brunswick County: the 4.75% state rate plus 2% local, per NCDOR's county rate table.

Can Enhance Finance help me start a business in Leland?

Yes, remotely. Andrew Nocera works with North Carolina clients by phone and video, by appointment, on the state filings, tax registrations and bookkeeping setup. Services are priced by quote.

Sources (Checked November 2026)

For general education only. Not tax, legal or investment advice, and not a promise of any result. Tax rules, fees and due dates change, so confirm with the IRS (irs.gov), the NC Department of Revenue (ncdor.gov), the NC Secretary of State (sosnc.gov) or your county and town before you act, and ask a tax professional about your own situation.

Starting a business in Leland? Talk it through with Andrew on a short call.

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Or call (475) 242-7941. Services are priced by quote.

Andrew Nocera, Tax Preparer & Small-Business Finance Consultant, Enhance Finance. Serving Leland, Wilmington and all of North Carolina, remotely and by appointment.