Tutoring Business Permit Requirements in Paterson, NJ

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

Verified 2026-08-31 4 stops $100–$400 est. 1–3 weeks to obtain all registrations
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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

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of New Jersey

1 stop

  1. New Jersey Division of Taxation — Sales Tax Certificate of Authority

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in New Jersey. New Jersey charges a 6.625% state sales tax. Most services are exempt; retail product sales and certain services are taxable. Register free online via the State of New Jersey Business Registration portal.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate to 3 business days (online)

City of Paterson / Passaic County

2 stops

  1. City of Paterson Health & Human Services — Mercantile License

    Paterson city ordinance requires businesses operating in the city to register and obtain a Mercantile License, administered by the Mercantile Licensing division of the Department of Health & Human Services. A mercantile inspector visits the business as part of the process, which the city describes as a consumer-protection function that also provides technical assistance to businesses. Note that Paterson has no 'Department of Business Administration' — the city's departments are Administration, Community Development, Economic Development, Finance, Health & Human Services, Legal, Municipal Court, Public Safety and Public Works. Businesses in regulated industries need additional permits from the relevant division, such as retail food licensing from the Division of Health or construction permits from UCC Construction/Buildings.

    Official government source

    Paterson does not publish a Mercantile License fee schedule online; the fee is set by city ordinance and varies with the type of business. Contact Mercantile Licensing through City Hall at 973-321-1600 for the amount that applies to you.Paterson's permitting and licensing system is being moved online. Apply through Mercantile Licensing and allow time for the mercantile inspection before you open.

  2. Trade Name / Alternate Name Registration

    If you tutor as a sole proprietor or general partnership under a name other than your own legal name, file a Certificate of Trade Name with the Passaic County Clerk at 401 Grand Street, Paterson (973-881-4000). If you have formed an LLC or a corporation, you instead register an alternate name with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services in the Department of the Treasury. New Jersey has no Secretary of State role in business name filings, so disregard guidance that sends you there. Banks generally want the recorded certificate before they will open an account in the business name.

    Official government source

    $50 to file a Certificate of Trade Name with the Passaic County Clerk, plus $3 per certified copy. An LLC or corporation pays a separate state filing fee for an alternate name registration through the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.The county clerk records the certificate when you file it, over the counter or by mail; state alternate-name registrations for an LLC or corporation are submitted online.

Terminus

Open for business — est. $100–$400 · 1–3 weeks to obtain all registrations

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