Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in Salt Lake City, UT

Complete permit and license guide for starting a bookkeeping in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah.

Verified 2026-08-27 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 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 Salt Lake City / Salt Lake County

2 stops

  1. Salt Lake City General Business License

    Businesses operating from a commercial location in Salt Lake City must obtain a city business license from the Business Licensing Division, renewed annually. A bookkeeping service needs no specialized local certification beyond this. If you work from home with no client traffic or other off-site impact, Utah Code 10-1-203.5 exempts you from city licensing and fees.

    Official government source

    Base license fee plus per-employee/regulatory fees per the Salt Lake City Consolidated Fee Schedule (fees are not published as a flat range; confirm current amounts at slc.gov or 801-535-6644)1–2 weeks

  2. Salt Lake City Home-Based Business License (only if the business has off-site impact)

    Home-based businesses in Salt Lake City that generate off-site impact beyond normal residential use (client visits, employees, deliveries, signage) need a home-occupation business license through SLC Business Licensing, with zoning conditions attached. Under Utah Code 10-1-203.5, a no-impact home-based business - the typical case for an online bookkeeping practice - is exempt from city licensing and license fees.

    Official government source

    $0 for a no-impact home-based business (state-law exemption); otherwise per the SLC Consolidated 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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