Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA

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. Georgia Business Registration

   Bookkeeping and accounting businesses organized as an LLC, corporation, or partnership must register with the Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division. In Georgia there is no state-level DBA. A sole proprietor or partnership using a trade name registers it with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the business is located and publishes notice in the county legal organ. An LLC is recommended for liability protection.

   Official government source

   $110 to file Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (corporation) - a $100 filing fee plus a $10 service charge, the same online or on paper - effective September 6, 2025. Every LLC and corporation then owes a $60 annual registration, due April 1 each year. Source: Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division Filing Fees Schedule.·7-10 business days for online filings; about 15 business days for paper filings. Optional expedited review costs $120 (two business days), $275 (same day), or $1,200 (one hour) on top of the filing fee.

   $110 to file Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (corporation) - a $100 filing fee plus a $10 service charge, the same online or on paper - effective September 6, 2025. Every LLC and corporation then owes a $60 annual registration, due April 1 each year. Source: Georgia Secretary of State Corporations Division Filing Fees Schedule.

   7-10 business days for online filings; about 15 business days for paper filings. Optional expedited review costs $120 (two business days), $275 (same day), or $1,200 (one hour) on top of the filing fee.

2. Georgia Sales/Use Tax Registration (if applicable)

   Georgia taxes retail sales of tangible personal property plus a short enumerated list of services - accommodations, in-state transportation of individuals, sales of admissions, and charges for participation in games and amusement activities (O.C.G.A. 48-8-2(31), 48-8-30(f)(1)) - together with specified digital products since January 1, 2024. Bookkeeping and accounting are not on that list, so those fees are not taxable. Register only if you sell tangible goods; note that as a service provider you owe sales or use tax on the supplies you consume (O.C.G.A. 48-8-63).

   Official government source

   Free. Georgia charges no fee to register for a sales and use tax number through the Georgia Tax Center.·Register online at the Georgia Tax Center; the Department of Revenue emails the tax account number within about 15 minutes of submission.

   Free. Georgia charges no fee to register for a sales and use tax number through the Georgia Tax Center.

   Register online at the Georgia Tax Center; the Department of Revenue emails the tax account number within about 15 minutes of submission.

1. Atlanta General Business License

   All businesses operating within Atlanta must obtain a general business license (also called a business tax certificate or occupational license) from the city. For a bookkeeping or accounting service, this is a straightforward administrative registration. No specialized local certification is required beyond the standard business license. Must be renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $191 annual registration fee for tax year 2026 ($75 for tax year 2025 and prior), plus a flat $50 tax on the first $10,000 of gross receipts, plus a gross-receipts tax at the NAICS-based tax-class rate (e.g. 1.88 per $1,000 for tax class 5 in 2026), plus $25 per employee (first employee exempt)·1–2 weeks

   $191 annual registration fee for tax year 2026 ($75 for tax year 2025 and prior), plus a flat $50 tax on the first $10,000 of gross receipts, plus a gross-receipts tax at the NAICS-based tax-class rate (e.g. 1.88 per $1,000 for tax class 5 in 2026), plus $25 per employee (first employee exempt)

   1–2 weeks

2. Atlanta Home Occupation Permit (if home-based)

   Bookkeeping businesses operated from a residence in Atlanta are subject to zoning compliance review (no client foot traffic, no exterior signage, limited storage) as part of the standard Occupational Tax Certificate application through the Office of Revenue — Atlanta does not appear to issue a separate standalone 'Home Occupation Permit.' Confirm zoning specifics with City Planning's Office of Zoning Development. Online bookkeeping businesses typically qualify easily.

   Official government source

   Included in the standard Occupational Tax Certificate fee — not a separate $0-$75 charge.·1–3 weeks

   Included in the standard Occupational Tax Certificate fee — not a separate $0-$75 charge.

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

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

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