Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in Boise, ID

Complete permit and license guide for starting a bookkeeping in Boise, Ada County, Idaho.

Verified 2026-09-06 6 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 Idaho

2 stops

  1. Idaho Secretary of State — Business Registration

    A bookkeeping or accounting business structured as an LLC, corporation, or partnership registers with the Idaho Secretary of State through the SOSBiz portal. A sole proprietor trading under a name other than their own legal name files a Certificate of Assumed Business Name instead. Idaho has no county-level DBA filing — assumed business names are registered only with the Secretary of State, whether you are a sole proprietor or an entity trading under a different name. An LLC is worth considering for liability protection, though it does not substitute for professional liability coverage.

    Official government source

    $100 online for an LLC Certificate of Organization ($120 by paper, including the $20 manual processing fee); $25 online for a Certificate of Assumed Business Name ($45 by paper).Online filings through SOSBiz are effective immediately; mailed paper filings take longer.

  2. Idaho Seller's Permit (only if you sell taxable goods)

    Idaho taxes tangible personal property and a short list of specifically enumerated services; bookkeeping and accounting labor is not on that list, so the service fees you bill are not taxable. You only need a seller's permit if you sell tangible goods alongside the service — software on physical media, printed reports or binders sold as products, or resold supplies. If all you sell is professional service, no permit is required. Registering for a seller's permit through the Tax Commission's Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) is free — there is no application fee. Note the agency is the Idaho State Tax Commission; Idaho has no 'Department of Revenue'.

    Official government source

    $0 — Idaho charges no fee for a seller's permitRegistration through TAP is completed online, typically the same day.

City of Boise / Ada County

2 stops

  1. No Boise General Business License Required

    Boise does not require a general business license, business tax certificate, or occupational license. The City Clerk licenses only specific activities: animal licenses and non-commercial kennels, food and alcohol beverage licenses, security services, vehicle and transportation businesses, special events and film permits, and a short 'Other' list (auction, fireworks, going-out-of-business, massage establishments, news racks, pawn/precious metals, tree service, and vendor/solicitor licenses). Bookkeeping and accounting services fall under none of these and need no city license.

    Official government source

    $0 — no general business license existsN/A — nothing to apply for

  2. Boise Home Occupation Permit

    A bookkeeping business run from a Boise residence needs a Home Occupation approval from Boise Planning & Development Services — it is an administrative Planning Division application priced alongside zoning certificates. The zoning standards for home occupations limit client foot traffic, prohibit exterior signage, and cap the share of the dwelling used for the business. An online-only bookkeeping practice with no client visits normally qualifies without difficulty.

    Official government source

    $110.25 (Planning Division administrative application fee, same line as a zoning certificate)Administrative staff review — typically a couple of weeks from a complete application.

Terminus

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

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