Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in Columbus, OH

Complete permit and license guide for starting a bookkeeping in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.

Verified 2026-08-31 6 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 Ohio

2 stops

  1. Ohio Business Registration

    Bookkeeping and accounting service businesses operating in Ohio must register with the Ohio Secretary of State if structured as an LLC, corporation, or partnership. Sole proprietors operating under a trade name must file a Trade Name/Fictitious Name registration with the Ohio Secretary of State (not the county). An LLC is strongly recommended for liability protection.

    Official government source

    $99 (LLC Articles of Organization or corporation Articles of Incorporation, minimum); $39 for trade name registration1–5 business days (online filing)

  2. Ohio Sales/Use Tax Registration (if applicable)

    Bookkeeping and accounting services are generally not subject to sales tax in most states as a professional service. However, if the business sells any tangible goods (e.g., software on physical media, printed reports) or if Ohio specifically taxes business services, a seller's permit or sales tax license may be required. Verify with the Ohio Department of Revenue.

    Official government source

    $50 (vendor's license fee, if a license is needed)Immediate–1 week (online)

City of Columbus / Franklin County

2 stops

  1. Columbus General Business License

    Columbus has no general business license. The city's License Section (Dept. of Public Safety) issues licenses only for specific categories — mobile food vending, itinerant/roadway vending, vehicle-for-hire, massage establishments, short-term rentals, and similar — none of which cover this business. Bookkeeping businesses register their entity with the Ohio Secretary of State (if LLC/corp) and register for Columbus income tax withholding if hiring employees, but no city business license applies.

    Official government source

    N/A — no general business license existsN/A

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

    Bookkeeping businesses operated from a residence in Columbus are subject to the city's zoning provisions for home occupations, which confirm the activity is compatible with residential zoning (typical limits: no client foot traffic, no exterior signage, limited storage of business materials). Confirm the process and any fee that applies to your address with Columbus Building and Zoning Services (614-645-7433).

    Official government source

    No separate home-occupation permit fee appears in the City's 2026 Combined Development Related Fee Schedule; confirm the process for your address with Columbus Building and Zoning Services (614-645-7433).1–3 weeks

Terminus

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

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