Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in Billings, MT

Complete permit and license guide for starting a bookkeeping in Billings, Yellowstone County, Montana.

Verified 2026-08-27 5 stops $75–$250 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 Montana

1 stop

  1. Montana Business Registration

    Bookkeeping and accounting businesses structured as an LLC, corporation, or partnership must register with the Montana Secretary of State (online via sosmt.gov). Sole proprietors operating under a business name file an assumed business name registration with the Secretary of State. An LLC is commonly used for liability protection.

    Official government source

    $35 LLC Articles of Organization (online); $20 assumed business name1–5 business days (online filing)

City of Billings / Yellowstone County

2 stops

  1. Billings General Business License

    All businesses operating within Billings must obtain a general business license (also called a business tax certificate or occupational license) from the city. For a bookkeeping or accounting service, this is a straightforward administrative registration. No specialized local certification is required beyond the standard business license. Must be renewed annually.

    Official government source

    Varies by business classification (annual business-license tax). The city does not publish its fee schedule online — contact City of Billings Finance, 406-657-8433, for current amounts.1–2 weeks

  2. Billings Home Occupation Permit (if home-based)

    Billings regulates home-based businesses through the standard city business license plus the zoning ordinance: home occupations must comply with residential-zoning limits on traffic, signage, and storage, but the city does not publish a separate home occupation permit. A home-based bookkeeping business obtains the regular city business license.

    Official government source

    No separate home-occupation fee published — the city business license (annual business tax) covers home-based businesses1–3 weeks

Terminus

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

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