Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in Chicago, IL

Complete permit and license guide for starting a bookkeeping in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.

Verified 2026-08-31 6 stops $150–$450 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 Illinois

2 stops

  1. Illinois Business Registration

    Bookkeeping and accounting service businesses structured as an LLC, corporation, LP, or LLP must register with the Illinois Secretary of State (general partnerships do not need state entity registration). Sole proprietors operating under a trade name must file an Assumed Name Certificate with the county clerk (Cook County: $50 flat fee). An LLC is recommended for liability protection.

    Official government source

    $150 (LLC Articles of Organization or Domestic Corporation Articles of Incorporation)Up to 10 business days for standard online filing; 24-hour expedited service available for an additional $100

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

    Bookkeeping and accounting services are generally not subject to sales tax in most states as a professional service. However, if the business sells any tangible goods (e.g., software on physical media, printed reports) or if Illinois specifically taxes business services, a seller's permit or sales tax license may be required. Verify with the Illinois Department of Revenue.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate–1 week (online)

City of Chicago / Cook County

2 stops

  1. Chicago Limited Business License

    Most businesses operating within Chicago must obtain a business license from BACP — for a bookkeeping or accounting service (not a state-licensed CPA firm), this is typically the Limited Business License, a general administrative registration with no specialized local certification beyond it. Issued for a 2-year term; confirm applicability with BACP since purely office-based professional services can fall outside licensable activity categories.

    Official government source

    $500 for a two-year license (effective January 1, 2026)1–2 weeks

  2. Chicago Home Occupation License (Home Based Business)

    Bookkeeping run from a Chicago residence requires a Home Based Business (home occupation) license from BACP, which includes zoning approval confirming the activity is accessory, incidental, and secondary to the residential use. The business owner's home address must appear on the government-issued ID submitted with the application, and the first step must be taken in person at the Small Business Center. Restrictions: no exterior signage, the activity must be conducted entirely within the home (services may be performed off-site), no more than one non-resident employee, and no more than two patrons in the home at once or ten in any 24-hour period. Online bookkeeping businesses typically qualify easily.

    Official government source

    $1,000 license fee (issued for a two-year period)BACP does not publish a turnaround time. The steps are: submit initial business information in person, obtain zoning approval, complete and submit the full application, pay, and receive the license once all requirements are met.

Terminus

Open for business — est. $150–$450 · 1–3 weeks to register business and obtain all required licenses

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