Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in Paterson, NJ

Complete permit and license guide for starting a bookkeeping in Paterson, Passaic County, New Jersey.

Verified 2026-08-31 6 stops $150–$450 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 New Jersey

2 stops

  1. New Jersey Business Registration

    Bookkeeping and accounting service businesses formed as a corporation, LLC, LP or LLP must file a Certificate of Formation/Authorization with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, then file the tax/employer registration form NJ-REG. Sole proprietors and general partnerships file only NJ-REG; a sole proprietor using a trade name registers it with the county clerk, not the State. An LLC is commonly chosen for liability protection.

    Official government source

    $100 Certificate of Formation for all for-profit entities and foreign non-profit corporations; $50 for domestic non-profit corporations; Form NJ-REG is freeFiled, paid and submitted online in one session; the Division publishes no processing time

  2. New Jersey Sales/Use Tax Registration (if applicable)

    New Jersey taxes only the services specifically enumerated in the Sales and Use Tax Act, and bookkeeping and accounting are not among them, so the service itself is not taxable. Every business must still file the Business Registration Application (Form NJ-REG) with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. If you also sell taxable tangible goods, indicate that on NJ-REG and the Division issues a New Jersey Certificate of Authority (Form CA-1) authorizing you to collect the 6.625% state sales tax; New Jersey has no additional local sales tax.

    Official government source

    FreeFile Form NJ-REG at least 15 business days before starting business (Publication ANJ-6)

City of Paterson / Passaic County

2 stops

  1. Paterson Mercantile License

    All businesses operating within Paterson, including bookkeeping and accounting services, must register and obtain a Mercantile License under City Ordinance. It is administered by the City's Department of Health & Human Services, Mercantile Licensing division (125 Ellison St., 973-321-1242), and a city inspector verifies compliance. No specialized local certification is required beyond this license. Renewed annually.

    Official government source

    Set by City Ordinance and varies by business category — confirm the current fee with Paterson Mercantile Licensing (973-321-1242).Licensing includes an inspection; confirm current processing time with Mercantile Licensing.

  2. Paterson Zoning: Home Office / Home Business (if home-based)

    Paterson has no 'Home Occupation Permit.' Its Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 500) treats a home-based bookkeeping practice as a HOME OFFICE under Sec. 500-3.6.D.10 — a permitted accessory use in residential districts requiring NO zoning approval from the City, provided the work is office-only, done solely by full-time residents, confined to one room without a separate entrance, with no non-resident employees, clients or business visitors, no exterior sign or change in appearance, and only ordinary parcel deliveries. If clients do visit, it becomes a HOME BUSINESS under Sec. 500-5.34, permitted subject to conditions: max one non-resident employee, no more than 35% of floor area or 500 sq ft (whichever is less), single floor, one sign only, no on-premises sale or delivery of goods, and no more than two visitors per hour.

    Official government source

    $0 (no separate home-occupation permit or fee; home office requires no zoning approval)1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $150–$450 · 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