Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in Annapolis, MD

Complete permit and license guide for starting a bookkeeping in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

Verified 2026-08-28 7 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 Maryland

3 stops

  1. Maryland Business Registration

    Register with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) via Maryland Business Express if structured as an LLC, corporation, or partnership (LLC Articles of Organization: $100). Sole proprietors operating under a trade name file a Trade Name registration with SDAT ($25) — Maryland has no county-clerk DBA filing. All Maryland LLCs and corporations must also file an SDAT Annual Report each year ($300, due April 15; $100 late penalty).

    Official government source

    $100 LLC Articles of Organization; $25 trade name; + $300/year SDAT Annual Report1–5 business days (online filing)

  2. Maryland Board of Individual Tax Preparers — Tax Preparer Registration (if applicable)

    Maryland requires paid individual tax preparers to register with the Maryland Board of Individual Tax Preparers (Maryland Department of Labor — not the Comptroller). Registration is $100 and valid for 2 years; renewal requires 16 hours of continuing professional education. Bookkeeping-only services that do not prepare income tax returns are not covered.

    Official government source

    $100 per 2-year registration2–4 weeks (application and background check)

  3. Maryland Sales/Use Tax Registration (if applicable)

    Bookkeeping and accounting services are not subject to Maryland sales tax as professional services. However, if the business sells tangible goods, Maryland's 6% sales and use tax applies and registration with the Comptroller of Maryland is required (free). Verify obligations with the Comptroller of Maryland.

    Official government source

    Free–$25Immediate–1 week (online)

City of Annapolis / Anne Arundel County

2 stops

  1. Annapolis — No General Business License Required

    Neither the City of Annapolis nor the State of Maryland requires a general business license for a bookkeeping or accounting service. Annapolis licenses only specific activities (peddlers/mobile vendors, bed-and-breakfasts, rental housing, trade contractors) through the City Clerk and Licenses & Permits Division. Businesses selling goods need a Maryland trader's license from the Anne Arundel County Clerk of the Circuit Court, and opening a commercial space in Annapolis requires a Certificate of Use from Planning and Zoning.

    Official government source

    $0 — no general business license exists; activity-specific licenses, if applicable, have their own feesNot applicable

  2. Annapolis Home Occupation Use Permit (if home-based)

    Bookkeeping businesses operated from a residence in Annapolis require a Use Permit for Home Occupation from the city's Department of Planning and Zoning (applied for through the Citizen Self Service portal). This confirms the business activity is compatible with residential zoning; typical home-occupation standards limit client traffic, signage, and storage — confirm current standards and fees with Planning and Zoning (410-260-2200).

    Official government source

    Fees vary — confirm with Annapolis Planning and Zoning1–3 weeks

Terminus

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

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