17 N.C. Admin Code 05F .0601 - Procedures for Filing a Franchise Tax Return

(a)  The provisions of this Rule apply unless the Secretary authorizes a combined group to file a combined franchise tax return under G.S. 105-122. Each corporation that is doing business in this State pursuant to G.S. 105-114(b)(3) shall file a separate North Carolina franchise tax return and pay any franchise tax due. Any corporation that is included in a combined income tax return but that is not doing business in this State pursuant to G.S. 105-114(b)(3) is not subject to North Carolina franchise tax.

(b)  The principal member shall file its franchise tax return on the combined group's CD-405.

(c)  All other members' separate returns shall include zero dollars ($0) on the "Net Taxable Income" and "NC Net Income Tax" lines on the CD-405 and include a statement with the return that:

(1)           Indicates its income is included in the combined income tax return filed by the principal member; and

(2)           Identifies the name and Federal Employer Identification Number of the principal member.

(d)  If the corporation filing a franchise tax return is a multistate taxpayer, then it shall calculate an apportionment factor to be used in calculating its capital stock base using its separate entity property, payroll, and sales before intercompany eliminations. Schedule O of the CD-405 must reflect the entity's apportionment factor for franchise tax purposes.