Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in Missoula, MT

Complete permit and license guide for starting a bookkeeping in Missoula, Missoula 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 Missoula / Missoula County

2 stops

  1. Missoula General Business License

    Most businesses operating within Missoula must obtain a General Business License from the city's Community Planning, Development & Innovation department via the online Permit and License Portal. A home-based or online bookkeeping service qualifies for the home-based rate. General business licenses expire May 31 each year and must be renewed annually.

    Official government source

    $60 per FTE for a commercial location (minimum $240) or $40/FTE home-based (minimum $160); renewal $27/FTE (minimum $108) — CY2026 fee schedule1–2 weeks

  2. Missoula Home-Based General Business License (zoning home-occupation standards apply)

    A bookkeeping business run from a Missoula residence licenses as a home-based General Business License through Community Planning, Development & Innovation ($40 per FTE, minimum $160 new; renewal $27/FTE, minimum $108) and must comply with the zoning code's home-occupation standards (limits on traffic, signage, and outside evidence of the business). There is no separate home-occupation permit fee.

    Official government source

    $40 per FTE (minimum $160) new home-based business license; renewal $27/FTE (minimum $108) — CY2026 fee schedule1–3 weeks

Terminus

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

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