Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in Minneapolis, MN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a bookkeeping in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota.

Verified 2026-09-03 6 stops $75–$250 est. 1–3 weeks to register business and obtain all required licenses
Get my personalized route — $14.99

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 Minnesota

2 stops

  1. Minnesota Business Registration

    Bookkeeping and accounting service businesses operating in Minnesota must register with the Minnesota Secretary of State if structured as an LLC, corporation or partnership. Sole proprietors operating under a trade name must file a Certificate of Assumed Name with the Secretary of State and publish it in a qualified legal newspaper. An LLC is strongly recommended for liability protection.

    Official government source

    LLC Articles of Organization or corporate Articles of Incorporation: $155 online or in person, $135 by mail. Certificate of Assumed Name: $50 online or in person, $30 by mail. Annual renewal is free.Immediate when filed online or in person; roughly 4-7 business days by mail

  2. Minnesota Sales/Use Tax Registration (retail sales only)

    Bookkeeping and accounting services are not taxable in Minnesota — they are not on the Department of Revenue's enumerated list of taxable services. A bookkeeping business owes no sales tax on its service fees. If it also sells tangible goods, such as software on physical media or printed materials, those retail sales are taxable and the business must register with the Minnesota Department of Revenue for a Minnesota Tax ID and sales tax account.

    Official government source

    Free — Minnesota charges no fee to register for a sales and use tax accountRegister online through Department of Revenue e-Services before making taxable retail sales; the department then assigns a filing schedule

City of Minneapolis / Hennepin County

2 stops

  1. Minneapolis Business License — Not Required for Bookkeeping

    Minneapolis does not have a general business license, business tax certificate, or occupational license requirement. Bookkeeping and accounting services are not among the city's specific licensed business categories, so no city license is required. Home-based bookkeepers should check the city's home occupation zoning provisions.

    Official government source

    Not applicableNot applicable

  2. Minneapolis Home Occupation Zoning Compliance (if home-based)

    Bookkeeping businesses operated from a Minneapolis residence must comply with the zoning code's home occupation standards (no client foot traffic, no exterior signage, limited storage of business materials). Most compliant home occupations, including online bookkeeping, operate by right without applying for a separate permit; contact CPED zoning if you're unsure whether your specific setup qualifies.

    Official government source

    Typically no fee for a compliant home occupation; confirm with CPED if review is neededNot applicable if operating by right; confirm with CPED if review is needed

Terminus

Open for business — est. $75–$250 · 1–3 weeks to register business and obtain all required licenses

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides