Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in Evansville, IN

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. Indiana Business Registration (Secretary of State) and County DBA Recording

   A bookkeeping or accounting business structured as an LLC, corporation, or partnership registers with the Indiana Secretary of State through the INBiz portal. A sole proprietor or general partnership operating under a trade name instead records a Certificate of Assumed Business Name with the County Recorder in the county where the business is located — not with the Secretary of State and not with a county clerk. Recording fees are set locally under IC 36-2-7-10 and differ by county, so check your own county recorder's fee schedule. An LLC is worth considering for liability protection.

   Official government source

   Secretary of State entity filing fees are published on the INBiz portal. County DBA recording fees are local and vary: $35 in Marion County, $25 in Allen County, $25 in Vanderburgh County — there is no statewide flat fee.·Online INBiz entity filings are processed by the Secretary of State; no fixed turnaround is published. County recorders typically record an assumed-name certificate at the counter while you wait, or by mail.

   Secretary of State entity filing fees are published on the INBiz portal. County DBA recording fees are local and vary: $35 in Marion County, $25 in Allen County, $25 in Vanderburgh County — there is no statewide flat fee.

   Online INBiz entity filings are processed by the Secretary of State; no fixed turnaround is published. County recorders typically record an assumed-name certificate at the counter while you wait, or by mail.

2. Indiana Department of Revenue — Registered Retail Merchant Certificate (Sales Tax)

   Indiana imposes sales tax on tangible personal property, not on professional services, so bookkeeping and accounting fees are not taxable. You need a Registered Retail Merchant Certificate (RRMC) only if you sell tangible goods at retail. You still owe 7% use tax on taxable items purchased without Indiana tax paid. Register through INBiz using the BT-1 business tax application.

   Official government source

   $25 registration fee per business location; renews automatically every two years at no charge·Immediate to 1 week (online via INBiz)

   $25 registration fee per business location; renews automatically every two years at no charge

   Immediate to 1 week (online via INBiz)

1. No General Business License in Evansville

   Evansville does not require a general business license or business tax certificate for bookkeeping/accounting services. The city's licensing list covers only specific regulated activities and does not include this profession. No specialized local certification applies.

   Official government source

   Not applicable·Not applicable

   Not applicable

   Not applicable

2. Evansville-Vanderburgh County Area Plan Commission — Home Occupation Permit

   A bookkeeping business run from a residence in Evansville needs a Home Occupation permit from the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Area Plan Commission, which confirms the activity is compatible with residential zoning. The Area Plan Commission — not the City Clerk — administers zoning and Improvement Location Permits for both the city and the county. Standard restrictions in most Indiana municipalities include no client foot traffic, no exterior signage, and limited storage of business materials; an online-only bookkeeping business typically qualifies easily.

   Official government source

   $100 (Home Occupation permit, Area Plan Commission services fee schedule effective January 1, 2026). A Change of Business permit, if one applies instead, is also $100.·Not published for home occupations. Improvement Location Permit applications generally go through the Area Plan Commission's weekly review cycle — submissions by Monday 4:00 p.m. are reviewed the following Monday — so confirm timing with the Area Plan Commission office.

   $100 (Home Occupation permit, Area Plan Commission services fee schedule effective January 1, 2026). A Change of Business permit, if one applies instead, is also $100.

   Not published for home occupations. Improvement Location Permit applications generally go through the Area Plan Commission's weekly review cycle — submissions by Monday 4:00 p.m. are reviewed the following Monday — so confirm timing with the Area Plan Commission office.

Official Sources

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

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