Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in West Valley City, UT

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

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (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

   Free·Immediate (online at IRS.gov)

   Free

   Immediate (online at IRS.gov)

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)

   $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

   Free·Immediate–1 week (online)

   Free

   Immediate–1 week (online)

1. West Valley City General Business License

   Bookkeeping businesses at a commercial location in West Valley City need a Commercial Business License; home-based bookkeepers need a WVC Home Business License unless exempt (home businesses grossing under $2,000/year may sign an affidavit instead, and Utah Code 10-1-203.5 bars license fees for no-impact home businesses). No specialized local certification applies. Renewed annually.

   Official government source

   Set by the West Valley City Consolidated Fee Schedule (the schedule is not reliably accessible online - confirm current amounts with WVC Business Licensing, 801-963-3345 / wvc-ut.gov)·1–2 weeks

   Set by the West Valley City Consolidated Fee Schedule (the schedule is not reliably accessible online - confirm current amounts with WVC Business Licensing, 801-963-3345 / wvc-ut.gov)

   1–2 weeks

2. West Valley City Home Business License

   A bookkeeping business run from a West Valley City residence uses the city's Home Business License (issued through Business Licensing) - this covers businesses whose only address is the home, including consultants who work at client sites. Home businesses grossing under $2,000/year may sign an exemption affidavit instead, and under Utah Code 10-1-203.5 a no-impact home-based business cannot be charged a license fee.

   Official government source

   Per the WVC Consolidated Fee Schedule; $0 where the under-$2,000 affidavit or the state no-impact exemption applies·1–3 weeks

   Per the WVC Consolidated Fee Schedule; $0 where the under-$2,000 affidavit or the state no-impact exemption applies

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• West Valley City Business Licensing
• IRS PTIN Requirements for Tax Return Preparers
• IRS EIN Application

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