Extensions

An extension of time to file the franchise and income tax return may be granted for six (6) months if the extension application is received timely. Without a valid extension, a return filed after the statutory due date will be delinquent and subject to interest and all applicable penalties provided by law.

Effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2019, a taxpayer that receives an automatic extension of time to file a federal income tax return will be granted an automatic State extension of time to file the corresponding North Carolina franchise and/or income tax return.  To receive an automatic State extension, the taxpayer must certify on the North Carolina tax return that the taxpayer was granted an automatic federal extension. 

A taxpayer who is not granted an automatic extension to file a federal income tax return must file Form CD-419, Application for Extension for Franchise and Corporate Tax, by the statutory due date of the return to receive an extension for North Carolina franchise and/or corporate income tax purposes.  

Payment of franchise and income tax due is not required with the extension. An extension of time may be granted even if the request for extension is not accompanied by a payment of the taxes due. However, the extension of time for filing a franchise tax return or an income tax return does not extend the time for paying the tax due. The penalty for failure to pay the tax when due will be applied to any tax not paid by the statutory due date, pursuant to G.S. 105-236. In addition, interest at the statutory rate established under G.S. 105-241.21 is accrued from the statutory due date to the date the tax is paid.

You can apply for an extension and pay your tax online.

File/Pay Extension.