Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in Juneau, AK

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS, obtained instantly online. Sole proprietors without employees may use their SSN, but an EIN is recommended for privacy and professional credibility.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

2. IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)

   Required for any paid preparer who prepares or assists in preparing federal tax returns for clients. If your bookkeeping practice includes any federal tax return preparation, you must obtain and renew your PTIN annually. Bookkeeping-only services (no tax return preparation) do not require a PTIN.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online at IRS.gov)

   Free

   Immediate (online at IRS.gov)

1. Alaska Entity Registration — DCCED Corporations Section

   Alaska has no Secretary of State and no counties, so all entity filings go to the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (CBPL) in DCCED. A bookkeeping or accounting business organized as an LLC files Articles of Organization (form 08-0484) and a corporation files Articles of Incorporation (form 08-0400), online or by PDF. A sole proprietor or partnership operating under a trade name instead files a Business Name Registration with CBPL. This entity filing is separate from — and in addition to — the $50/year Alaska Business License every business must hold.

   Official government source

   $250 to file Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (corporation); $350 to register a foreign LLC. A biennial report is $100 for domestic entities ($200 foreign). A sole-proprietor Business Name (DBA) Registration is $25 for five years.·1–5 business days for online filings; hardcopy filings take longer

   $250 to file Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (corporation); $350 to register a foreign LLC. A biennial report is $100 for domestic entities ($200 foreign). A sole-proprietor Business Name (DBA) Registration is $25 for five years.

   1–5 business days for online filings; hardcopy filings take longer

1. City and Borough of Juneau — Sales Tax Registration

   All businesses operating within Juneau must register with the Finance Department Sales Tax Office (CBJ has no separate 'general business license,' 'business tax certificate,' or 'occupational license'). Bookkeeping/accounting services register before rendering services; 5% local sales tax applies to most services.

   Official government source

   $0 to register; 5% sales tax collected·Before first sale

   $0 to register; 5% sales tax collected

   Before first sale

2. City and Borough of Juneau — Home Occupation (staff zoning approval)

   CBJ Code 49.80 defines a home occupation as an accessory use of a dwelling with no employees, using no more than 25% of net floor area or 500 square feet (whichever is less), with no exterior change beyond one sign of one square foot or less and no excess traffic or parking. The Table of Permissible Uses (49.25.300, row 1.700) allows home occupations in every zoning district by staff-level department approval issued with a building permit — there is no standalone home occupation permit or application. A home-based bookkeeping business easily meets these standards, since it generates no client foot traffic and needs no signage.

   Official government source

   No fee — CBJ Code 49.85.100(1)(B) charges nothing for staff review when a building permit is required·Reviewed at staff level with any associated building permit; no separate application

   No fee — CBJ Code 49.85.100(1)(B) charges nothing for staff review when a building permit is required

   Reviewed at staff level with any associated building permit; no separate application

Official Sources

• Juneau Business Licensing
• IRS PTIN Requirements for Tax Return Preparers
• IRS EIN Application

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