Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in Provo, UT

Complete permit and license guide for starting a bookkeeping in Provo, Utah County, Utah.

Verified 2026-08-27 6 stops $75–$250 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 Utah

2 stops

  1. Utah Business Registration

    Bookkeeping and accounting businesses structured as an LLC, corporation, or partnership must register with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code (file online at businessregistration.utah.gov). Sole proprietors operating under a trade name must register the DBA with the same state division — Utah DBAs are filed at the state level, not with a county clerk. An LLC is commonly used for liability protection. Registrations renew annually.

    Official government source

    $59 LLC/corporation filing; $22 DBA registration; $18/year annual renewal (FY2026 fee schedule)1–5 business days (online filing)

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

    Bookkeeping and accounting services are professional services and are generally not subject to Utah sales tax. However, if the business sells tangible goods (e.g., software on physical media, printed materials), it must obtain a free Utah sales tax license from the Utah State Tax Commission via Taxpayer Access Point (tap.utah.gov) and collect and remit sales tax on those sales.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate–1 week (online)

City of Provo / Utah County

2 stops

  1. Provo General Business License

    A bookkeeping business at a commercial location in Provo needs a city business license (renewed annually); no specialized local certification applies. A home-based bookkeeping practice instead uses Provo's Home-Based Business Permit - free for a minor home occupation with no customer traffic or employees at the home.

    Official government source

    $125/year base commercial license (0-5 employees); $0 for a minor home-based business permit1–2 weeks

  2. Provo Home-Based Business Permit

    Bookkeeping businesses run from a Provo residence use the city's Home-Based Business Permit. A minor home occupation - no customer foot traffic, no signage, no employees working at the home - is free, as required by Utah law for no-impact home businesses. Home businesses with client visits or other off-site impact (major home occupations) pay a fee per Provo's Consolidated Fee Schedule.

    Official government source

    Free for a minor home occupation; major home occupations per Provo's Consolidated Fee Schedule1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $75–$250 · 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