Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in Wilmington, DE

Complete permit and license guide for starting a bookkeeping in Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware.

Verified 2026-09-07 5 stops $75–$250 est. 1–3 weeks to register business and obtain all required licenses
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

2 stops

  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

    FreeImmediate (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

    FreeImmediate (online at IRS.gov)

State of Delaware

1 stop

  1. Delaware Business Registration (Division of Corporations)

    Bookkeeping and accounting service businesses operating in Delaware must register with the Delaware Division of Corporations if structured as an LLC, corporation, or limited partnership. Sole proprietors using a trade name must register it with the Delaware Division of Revenue through Delaware One Stop — as of February 2, 2026 the Division of Revenue administers the statewide trade name (DBA) registry and filings are no longer made with the county Superior Court Prothonotary. An LLC is strongly recommended for liability protection. Every business also needs a Delaware business license from the Division of Revenue.

    Official government source

    $110 for an LLC Certificate of Formation; $109 minimum for a Certificate of Incorporation (rises with authorised shares); plus $25 for a trade name registration if you use one1–7 business days online; 24-hour and same-day expedited service available for an extra fee

City of Wilmington / New Castle County

2 stops

  1. City of Wilmington Business License (Department of Finance, Wage/Business License Division)

    All businesses operating within Wilmington must hold a City of Wilmington business license in addition to their State of Delaware business license. Applications go to the Department of Finance's Wage/Business License Division (302-576-2415) at 800 N. French Street, with a copy of the current State of Delaware business license attached. For a bookkeeping or accounting service this is a straightforward administrative registration — no specialised local certification applies. Employers also pay a head tax of $15 per month for each employee above five. Renewed annually.

    Official government source

    $200/year under Tax Preparation (code 4031) or Miscellaneous Non-Professional Service (code 4035); $300/year under Accountants (code 5000) if you practise as a licensed accountant — fee schedule effective 1/1/20241–3 weeks

  2. Wilmington Home Occupation Zoning Compliance (if home-based)

    A bookkeeping business run from a residence in Wilmington must comply with the home-occupation provisions of the City's zoning code, enforced by the Department of Licenses and Inspections — there is no separately priced Home Occupation Permit. The Zoning Manager will confirm verbally at no charge whether the use is allowed at the address, or L&I will issue a written zoning certification stating the zoning designation, whether the proposed use is permitted, and any outstanding violations. Standard restrictions apply: no client foot traffic, no exterior signage, and limited storage of business materials. An online or paperwork-only bookkeeping practice normally qualifies. A City of Wilmington business licence (Department of Finance) and a Delaware Division of Revenue state business licence are required regardless.

    Official government source

    $25 for a written zoning certification from L&I; verbal confirmation from the Zoning Manager is free — per the City's published Development Review Process fee list1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $75–$250 · 1–3 weeks to register business and obtain all required licenses

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