Chapter 105.
Taxation.
SUBCHAPTER I. LEVY OF TAXES.
§ 1051. Title and purpose of Subchapter.
The title of this Subchapter shall be "The Revenue Act." The purpose of this Subchapter shall be to raise and provide revenue for the necessary uses and purposes of the government and State of North Carolina during the next biennium and each biennium thereafter, and the provisions of this Subchapter shall be and remain in full force and effect until changed by law. It is the policy of this State that as many State taxes as possible be structured so that they are deductible for federal income tax purposes under the Internal Revenue Code. (1939, c. 158, ss. A, B; 1941, c. 50, s. 1; 1983 (Reg. Sess., 1984), c. 1097, s. 1.)
§ 1051.1. Supremacy of State Constitution.
The State's power of taxation is vested in the General Assembly. Under Article V, Section 2(1), of the North Carolina Constitution, this power cannot be surrendered, suspended, or contracted away. In the exercise of this power, the General Assembly may amend or repeal any provision of this Subchapter in its discretion. No provision of this Subchapter constitutes a contract that the provision will remain in effect in future years, and any representation made to the contrary is of no effect. (2003416, s. 12.)
Article 1.
Inheritance Tax.
§§ 1052 through 10532: Repealed by Session Laws 1998212, s. 29A.2(a), effective January 1, 1999, and applicable to the estates of decedents dying on or after that date.
Article 1A.
Estate Taxes.
§ 10532.1. Definitions.
The following definitions apply in this Article:
(1) Code. – Defined in G.S. 105228.90.
(2) Personal representative. – The person appointed by the clerk of superior court under Chapter 28A of the General Statutes to administer the estate of a decedent or, if no one is appointed under that Chapter, the person required to file a federal estate tax return for the estate of the decedent.
(3) Secretary. – Defined in G.S. 105228.90. (1998212, s. 29A.2(b).)
§ 10532.2. Estate tax imposed in amount equal to federal state death tax credit.
(a) Tax. – An estate tax is imposed on the estate of a decedent when a federal estate tax is imposed on the estate under section 2001 of the Code and any of the following apply:
(1) The decedent was a resident of this State at death.
(2) The decedent was not a resident of this State at death and owned any of the following:
a. Real property or tangible personal property that is located in this State.
b. Intangible personal property that has a tax situs in this State.
(b) Amount. – The amount of the estate tax imposed by this section is the amount of the state death tax credit that, as of December 31, 2001, would have been allowed under section 2011 of the Code against the federal taxable estate. The tax may not exceed the amount of federal estate tax due under the Code. The federal taxable estate and the amount of the federal estate tax due are determined without taking into account the deduction for state death taxes allowed under Section 2058 of the Code and the credits allowed under sections 2011 through 2015 of the Code.
If any property in the estate is located in a state other than North Carolina, the amount of tax payable depends on whether the decedent was a resident of this State at death. If the decedent was a resident of this State at death, the amount of tax due under this section is reduced by the lesser of the amount of the death tax paid the other state or an amount computed by multiplying the credit by a fraction, the numerator of which is the gross value of the estate that has a tax situs in another state and the denominator of which is the value of the decedent's gross estate. If the decedent was not a resident of this State at death, the amount of tax due under this section is an amount computed by multiplying the credit by a fraction, the numerator of which is the gross value of real property that is located in North Carolina plus the gross value of any personal property that has a tax situs in North Carolina and the denominator of which is the value of the decedent's gross estate. For purposes of this section, the gross value of property is its gross value as finally determined in the federal estate tax proceedings. (1998212, s. 29A.2(b); 200287, s. 9; 2002126, ss. 30C.3(a), 30C.3(b); 2003284, ss. 37A.4, 37A.5; 2003416, s. 1; 2004170, ss. 1, 4(a), (b); 2005144, ss. 8.1, 8.2; 2006162, s. 26.)
§ 10532.3. Liability for estate tax.
(a) Primary. – The tax imposed by this Article is payable from the assets of the estate. A person who receives property from an estate is liable for the amount of estate tax attributable to that property.
(b) Personal Representative. – The personal representative of an estate is liable for an estate tax that is not paid within two years after it was due. This liability is limited to the value of the assets of the estate that were under the control of the personal representative. The amount for which the personal representative is liable may be recovered from the personal representative or from the surety on any bond filed by the personal representative under Article 8 of Chapter 28A of the General Statutes.
(c) Clerk of Court. – A clerk of court who allows a personal representative to make a final settlement of an estate without presenting one of the following is liable on the clerk's bond for any estate tax due:
(1) An affirmation by the personal representative certifying that no tax is due on the estate because this Article does not require an estate tax return to be filed for that estate.
(2) A certificate issued by the Secretary stating that the tax liability of the estate has been satisfied. (1998212, s. 29A.2(b).)
§ 10532.4. Payment of estate tax.
(a) Due Date. – The estate tax imposed by this Article is due when an estate tax return is due. An estate tax return is due on the date a federal estate tax return is due.
(b) Filing Return. – An estate tax return must be filed under this Article if a federal estate tax return is required. The return must be filed by the personal representative of the estate on a form provided by the Secretary.
(c) Extension. – An extension of time to file a federal estate tax return is an automatic extension of the time to file an estate tax return under this Article. The Secretary may, in accordance with G.S. 105263, extend the time for paying the estate tax imposed by this Article or for filing an estate tax return.
(d) Obtaining Amount Due. – The personal representative of an estate may sell assets in the estate to obtain money to pay the tax imposed by this Article.
(e) Administration. – Article 9 of this Chapter applies to this Article. (1998212, s. 29A.2(b).)
§ 10532.5. Making installment payments of tax due when federal estate tax is payable in installments.
A personal representative who elects under section 6166 of the Code to make installment payments of federal estate tax may elect to make installment payments of the tax imposed by this Article. An election under this section extends the time for payment of the tax due in accordance with the extension elected under section 6166 of the Code. Payments of tax are due under this section at the same time and in the same proportion to the total amount of tax due as payments of federal estate tax under section 6166 of the Code. Acceleration of payments under section 6166 of the Code accelerates the payments due under this section. (1998212, s. 29A.2(b).)
§ 10532.6. Estate tax is a lien on real property in the estate.
The tax imposed by this Article on an estate is a lien on the real property in the estate and on the proceeds of the sale of the real property in the estate. The lien is extinguished when one of the following occurs:
(1) The personal representative certifies to the clerk of court that no tax is due on the estate because this Article does not require an estate tax return to be filed for that estate.
(2) The Secretary issues a certificate stating that the tax liability of the estate has been satisfied.
(3) For specific real property, when the Secretary issues a tax waiver for that property.
(4) Ten years have elapsed since the date of the decedent's death. (1998212, s. 29A.2(b).)
§ 10532.7. Generationskipping transfer tax.
(a) Tax. – A tax is imposed on a generationskipping transfer that is subject to the tax imposed by Chapter 13 of Subtitle B of the Code when any of the following apply:
(1) The original transferor is a resident of this State at the date of the original transfer.
(2) The original transferor is not a resident of this State at the date of the original transfer and the transfer includes any of the following:
a. Real or tangible personal property that is located in this State.
b. Intangible personal property that has a tax situs in this State.
(b) Amount. – The amount of the tax imposed by this section is the maximum credit for state generationskipping transfer taxes allowed under section 2604 of the Code. If property in the transfer is located in a state other than North Carolina, the amount of tax payable is the North Carolina percentage of the credit.
If the original transferor was a resident of this State at the date of the original transfer, the North Carolina percentage is the net value of the property transferred that does not have a tax situs in another state, divided by the net value of all property transferred. If the original transferor was not a resident of this State at the date of the original transfer, the North Carolina percentage is the net value of real property that is located in North Carolina plus the net value of any personal property that has a tax situs in North Carolina, divided by the net value of all property transferred, unless the original transferor's state of residence uses a different formula to determine that state's percentage. In that circumstance, the North Carolina percentage is the amount determined by the formula used by the original transferor's state of residence.
The net value of property that is located in or has a tax situs in this State is its gross value reduced by any debt secured by that property. The net value of all the property in a transfer is its gross value reduced by any debts secured by the property.
(c) Payment. – The tax imposed by this section is due when a return is due. A return is due the same date as the federal return for payment of the federal generationskipping transfer tax. The tax is payable by the person who is liable for the federal generationskipping transfer tax. (1998212, s. 29A.2(b).)
§ 10532.8. Federal determination that changes the amount of tax payable to the State.
If the federal government corrects or otherwise determines the gross estate tax imposed under section 2001 of the Code or the amount of the maximum state death tax credit allowed an estate under section 2011 of the Code, the personal representative must, within six months after being notified of the correction or final determination by the federal government, file an estate tax return with the Secretary reflecting the correct amount of tax payable under this Article. If the federal government corrects or otherwise determines the amount of the maximum state generationskipping transfer tax credit allowed under section 2604 of the Code, the person who made the transfer must, within six months after being notified of the correction or final determination by the federal government, file a tax return with the Secretary reflecting the correct amount of tax payable under this Article.
The Secretary must assess and collect any additional tax due as provided in Article 9 of this Chapter and must refund any overpayment of tax as provided in Article 9 of this Chapter. A person who fails to report a federal correction or determination in accordance with this section forfeits the right to any refund due by reason of the determination. (1998212, s. 29A.2(b); 1999337, s. 13; 2005435, s. 24; 200618, s. 3.)
Article 2.
Privilege Taxes.
§ 10533. Taxes under this Article.
(a) General. – Taxes in this Article are imposed for the privilege of carrying on the business, exercising the privilege, or doing the act named.
(b) License Taxes. – A license tax imposed by this Article is an annual tax. The tax is due by July 1 of each year. The tax is imposed for the privilege of engaging in a specified activity during the fiscal year that begins on the July 1 due date of the tax. The full amount of a license tax applies to a person who, during a fiscal year, begins to engage in an activity for which this Article requires a license. Before a person engages in an activity for which this Article requires a license, the person must obtain the required license.
(c) Other Taxes. – The taxes imposed by this Article on a percentage basis or another basis are due as specified in this Article.
(d) Repealed by Session Laws 199895, s. 2.
(e) Repealed by Session Laws 1989, c. 584, s. 1.
(f), (g) Repealed by Session Laws 199895, s. 2.
(h) Liability Upon Transfer. – A grantee, transferee, or purchaser of any business or property subject to the State taxes imposed in this Article must make diligent inquiry as to whether the State tax has been paid. If the business or property has been granted, sold, transferred, or conveyed to an innocent purchaser for value and without notice that the vendor owed or is liable for any of the State taxes imposed under this Article, the property, while in the possession of the innocent purchaser, is not subject to any lien for the taxes.
(i), (j) Repealed by Session Laws 199895, s. 2.
(k) Repealed by Session Laws 1987, c. 190. (1939, c. 158, s. 100; 1943, c. 400, s. 2; 1951, c. 643, s. 2; 1953, c. 981, s. 1; 1963, c. 294, s. 3; 1973, c. 476, s. 193; 1977, c. 657, s. 1; 1981, c. 83, ss. 1, 2; 1985, c. 114, s. 10; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 826, ss. 1, 2; c. 934, s. 3; 1987, c. 190; 1989, c. 584, s. 1; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 814, s. 1; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 981, s. 1; 1993, c. 539, s. 688; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 1996, 2nd Ex. Sess., c. 14, ss. 18, 19; 199895, ss. 1, 2.)
§ 10533.1. Definitions.
The following definitions apply in this Article:
(1) City. – Defined in G.S. 105228.90.
(1a) Code. – Defined in G.S. 105228.90.
(2) Repealed by Session Laws 199895, s. 3.
(3) Person. – Defined in G.S. 105228.90.
(4) Secretary. – Defined in G.S. 105228.90. (1991, c. 45, s. 1; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 922, s. 2; 1993, c. 12, s. 3; c. 354, s. 6; 199895, s. 3.)
§ 10534: Repealed by Session Laws 1979, c. 63.
§ 10535: Repealed by Session Laws 1979, c. 72.
§§ 10536 through 10537: Repealed by Session Laws 1996, Second Extra Session, c. 14, s. 17.
§ 10537.1. Dances, athletic events, shows, exhibitions, and other entertainments.
(a) Scope. – A privilege tax is imposed on the gross receipts of a person who is engaged in any of the following:
(1) Giving, offering, or managing a dance or an athletic contest for which an admission fee in excess of fifty cents (50¢) is charged.
(2) Giving, offering, or managing a form of amusement or entertainment that is not taxed by another provision of this Article and for which an admission fee is charged.
(3) Exhibiting a performance, show, or exhibition, such as a circus or dog show, that is not taxed by another provision of this Article.
(b) Rate and Payment. – The rate of the privilege tax is three percent (3%) of the gross receipts from the activities described in subsection (a) of this section. The tax is due when a return is due. A return is due by the 10th day after the end of each month and covers the gross receipts received during the previous month.
(c) Advance Report. – A person who owns or controls a performance, show, or exhibition subject to the tax imposed by this section and who plans to bring the performance to this State from outside the State must file a statement with the Secretary that lists the dates, times, and places of the performance, show, or exhibition. The statement must be filed no less than five days before the first performance, show, or exhibition in this State.
(d) Local Taxes. – Cities may levy a license tax on a person taxed under subdivision (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section; however, the tax may not exceed twentyfive dollars ($25.00). Cities may levy a license tax on a person taxed under subdivision (a)(3) of this section; however, the tax may not exceed twentyfive dollars ($25.00) for each day or part of a day the performance, show, or exhibition is given at each location.
Counties may not levy a license tax on a person taxed under subdivision (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section. Counties may levy a license tax on a person taxed under subdivision (a)(3) to the same extent as a city. (1939, c. 158, ss. 105, 106; 1943, c. 400, s. 2; 1945, c. 708, s. 2; 1947, c. 501, s. 2; 1963, c. 1231; 1967, c. 865; 1973, c. 476, s. 193; c. 476, s. 193; 1977, c. 657, s. 1; 1981, c. 2; c. 83, s. 3; c. 977; 1985, c. 376; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 819, s. 3; 1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 1082, s. 1.1; 1989, c. 584, ss. 5, 6; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 814, s. 2; 1991, c. 45, s. 2; 1996, 2nd Ex. Sess., c. 14, s. 20; 199895, ss. 4, 5; 1999337, s. 14(a); 1999456, s. 26.)
§ 10537.2: Repealed by Session Law 199896, s. 3.
§ 10538: Repealed by Session Laws 1999337, s. 14(b).
§ 10538.1. Motion picture shows.
(a) A privilege tax at the rate of one percent (1%) is imposed on the gross receipts of a person who is engaged in the business of operating a motion picture show for which an admission is charged. The tax is due when a return is due. A return is due by the 10th day after the end of each month and covers the gross receipts received during the previous month. If a person offers an entertainment or amusement that includes both a motion picture taxable under this section and an entertainment or amusement taxable under G.S. 10537.1, the tax in that statute applies to the entire gross receipts and the tax levied in this section does not apply.
(b) Repealed by Session Laws 1999337, s. 15(a). (199895, s. 5.1; 1999337, s. 15(a).)
§ 10539. Repealed by Session Laws 1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 1082, s. 1.)
§ 10540. Amusements – Certain exhibitions, performances, and entertainments exempt from tax.
The following forms of amusement are exempt from the taxes imposed under this Article:
(1) All exhibitions, performances, and entertainments, except as in this Article expressly mentioned as not exempt, produced by local talent exclusively, for the benefit of religious, charitable, benevolent or educational purposes, as long as no compensation is paid to the local talent.
(2) The North Carolina Symphony Society, Incorporated, as specified in G.S. 14010.1.
(3) All exhibits, shows, attractions, and amusements operated by a society or association organized under the provisions of Chapter 106 of the General Statutes where the society or association has obtained a permit from the Secretary to operate without the payment of taxes under this Article.
(4) All outdoor historical dramas, as specified in Article 19C of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes.
(5) All elementary and secondary school athletic contests, dances, and other amusements.
(6) The first one thousand dollars ($1,000) of gross receipts derived from dances and other amusements actually promoted and managed by civic organizations when the entire proceeds of the dances or other amusements are used exclusively for civic and charitable purposes of the organizations and not to defray the expenses of the organization conducting the dance or amusement. The mere sponsorship of a dance or another amusement by a civic or fraternal organization does not exempt the dance or other amusement, because the exemption applies only when the dance or amusement is actually managed and conducted by the civic or fraternal organization.