Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in Great Falls, MT

Complete permit and license guide for starting a bookkeeping in Great Falls, Cascade 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 Great Falls / Cascade County

2 stops

  1. Great Falls General Business License

    A bookkeeping service in a commercial location within Great Falls city limits needs a Business License (Safety Inspection Certificate) processed by Great Falls Fire Rescue; the fee is based on square footage and the premises receive a safety inspection. A home-based bookkeeping business instead obtains a Home Occupation Certificate from the city's Planning & Community Development (bookkeeping qualifies as a home occupation). Businesses based outside city limits need a Non-Resident Vendor Certificate.

    Official government source

    Commercial location: $300 new / $80 renewal for premises up to 2,000 sq ft (larger premises pay more, up to $895 new). Home-based: Home Occupation Certificate for a nominal fee.1–2 weeks

  2. Great Falls Home Occupation Permit (if home-based)

    Bookkeeping businesses operated from a Great Falls residence must obtain a Home Occupation Certificate from the city's Planning & Community Development. The applicant agrees to zoning standards protecting the neighborhood (location/size limits, employee and vehicle limitations). Bookkeeping qualifies (excluded uses are high-traffic ones such as vehicle repair, barber/hair care, restaurants, animal boarding/grooming, veterinary and medical offices).

    Official government source

    $100 new issuance (or address change); $35 annual renewal1–3 weeks

Terminus

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

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