Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in Silver Spring, MD

Complete permit and license guide for starting a bookkeeping in Silver Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland.

Verified 2026-09-02 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 Silver Spring / Montgomery County

2 stops

  1. No Local General Business License Required

    Silver Spring is an unincorporated community in Montgomery County with no city government, so there is no city business license, business tax certificate, or occupational license. Neither Maryland nor Montgomery County requires a general business license, and bookkeeping or accounting services are not among the specific activities licensed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. No local business license is required to operate.

    Official government source

    $0 — no general business license existsNot applicable

  2. Montgomery County Home Occupation Rules (if home-based)

    Bookkeeping businesses run from a residence in Silver Spring fall under Montgomery County zoning, not a city planning department. A no-impact home occupation — no non-resident employees, no more than 5 customer vehicle visits per week, and no retail sales — is permitted by right with no registration; online bookkeeping businesses typically qualify. Registration with the county Department of Permitting Services is required only with a non-resident employee or more customer visits (up to 20 weekly).

    Official government source

    $0 for a no-impact home occupation; $522.36 DPS home occupation zoning permit fee if registration is required (FY27 schedule)No approval needed for no-impact; DPS registration decided within about 10 days

Terminus

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

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