Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in New Orleans, LA

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. Louisiana Secretary of State Business Registration

   A bookkeeping or accounting service organized as an LLC, corporation or partnership must file its formation documents with the Louisiana Secretary of State's Commercial Division, most easily through the geauxBIZ portal. A sole proprietor who operates under any name other than the owner's own legal name registers a trade name with the Secretary of State — Louisiana has no parish-clerk DBA filing. Note that public accountancy itself is separately regulated: bookkeeping is unrestricted, but holding out as a CPA or issuing audit or review reports requires a license from the Louisiana State Board of CPAs.

   Official government source

   $100 for LLC Articles of Organization, $75 for corporation Articles of Incorporation, $100 for a partnership registration, and $75 for a Trade Name/Trademark/Service Mark registration (rising to $95 on October 1, 2026 under Act 921 of 2026). A name reservation is $25. Credit card filings add a $5 statutory convenience fee; optional expedite is $30, or $50 for priority while-you-wait service.·The Secretary of State publishes no processing time for standard filings. Expedited processing (documents handled within 24 hours) is available for $30, or $50 for priority service. Check name availability before filing (225-925-4704).

   $100 for LLC Articles of Organization, $75 for corporation Articles of Incorporation, $100 for a partnership registration, and $75 for a Trade Name/Trademark/Service Mark registration (rising to $95 on October 1, 2026 under Act 921 of 2026). A name reservation is $25. Credit card filings add a $5 statutory convenience fee; optional expedite is $30, or $50 for priority while-you-wait service.

   The Secretary of State publishes no processing time for standard filings. Expedited processing (documents handled within 24 hours) is available for $30, or $50 for priority service. Check name availability before filing (225-925-4704).

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

   Bookkeeping and accounting services are not among Louisiana's enumerated taxable services, so a sales tax account is generally not required for the service itself. You must register as a dealer with the Louisiana Department of Revenue if you sell, lease or rent tangible personal property or digital products in the state (R.S. 47:301(4)) — for example retail software or printed products.

   Official government source

   The Louisiana Department of Revenue publishes no fee for opening a sales tax account; register through LaTAP or geauxBIZ and confirm at registration.·Not published by LDR; register before your first taxable sale and confirm account activation timing through LaTAP.

   The Louisiana Department of Revenue publishes no fee for opening a sales tax account; register through LaTAP or geauxBIZ and confirm at registration.

   Not published by LDR; register before your first taxable sale and confirm account activation timing through LaTAP.

1. New Orleans Occupational License

   All businesses operating within New Orleans must obtain a general Occupational License (business tax certificate) from the city's Bureau of Revenue (Department of Finance) — not a 'City Clerk's Office.' A Certificate of Occupancy for the proposed use is a prerequisite. For a bookkeeping or accounting service this is a straightforward administrative registration; no specialized local certification is required. Must be renewed annually.

   Official government source

   Accounting and bookkeeping fall under the city's Table 6 flat-fee category ('all other business not otherwise specified'): 0.1% of annual gross receipts, with a $50 minimum and a $2,000 maximum.·Not published by the city. Apply through the One Stop App; a temporary Occupational License is generated automatically on approval, and the Amended Return Form must be completed within the first 40 days of operation.

   Accounting and bookkeeping fall under the city's Table 6 flat-fee category ('all other business not otherwise specified'): 0.1% of annual gross receipts, with a $50 minimum and a $2,000 maximum.

   Not published by the city. Apply through the One Stop App; a temporary Occupational License is generated automatically on approval, and the Amended Return Form must be completed within the first 40 days of operation.

2. New Orleans Certificate of Occupancy (Home Business)

   Bookkeeping businesses operated from a residence in New Orleans require a Certificate of Occupancy (Home Business) from the Department of Safety and Permits, confirming the business activity is compatible with residential zoning. Applicants must submit an Acknowledgment of Limitations on Home Occupations; standard restrictions include no client foot traffic, no exterior signage and limited storage of business materials.

   Official government source

   $190 flat fee.·Not published by the city for the home business Certificate of Occupancy. (The comparable Certificate of Occupancy (No Work) is issued same day in some situations, or 2-3 days if an inspection is required.)

   $190 flat fee.

   Not published by the city for the home business Certificate of Occupancy. (The comparable Certificate of Occupancy (No Work) is issued same day in some situations, or 2-3 days if an inspection is required.)

Official Sources

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

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