Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in Virginia Beach, VA

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. Virginia Business Registration

   Bookkeeping and accounting service businesses operating in Virginia must register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (or equivalent) if structured as an LLC, corporation, or partnership. Sole proprietors operating under a trade name must file a Certificate of Assumed or Fictitious Name with the SCC Clerk's Office (the sole statewide filing office since 2020 - not a county/circuit court clerk). An LLC is strongly recommended for liability protection.

   Official government source

   $100 (LLC Articles of Organization filing fee); $10 (fictitious name/trade name registration)·1–5 business days (online filing)

   $100 (LLC Articles of Organization filing fee); $10 (fictitious name/trade name registration)

   1–5 business days (online filing)

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

   Bookkeeping and accounting services are generally not subject to Virginia sales tax as professional services. However, if the business sells tangible goods (e.g., software on physical media, printed reports), a sales tax registration is required. Verify your obligations with the Virginia Department of Taxation.

   Official government source

   Free — Virginia Tax charges no fee to register for a Sales Tax Certificate of Registration·Immediate–1 week (online)

   Free — Virginia Tax charges no fee to register for a Sales Tax Certificate of Registration

   Immediate–1 week (online)

1. Virginia Beach General Business License

   All businesses operating within Virginia Beach must obtain a general business license (also called a business tax certificate or occupational license) from the city. For a bookkeeping or accounting service, this is a straightforward administrative registration. No specialized local certification is required beyond the standard business license. Must be renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $25/year (≤$25,000), $40/year (≤$100,000), $50/year (≤$200,000) flat tiered fee; above $200,000, taxed at $0.36–$0.58 per $100 of gross receipts depending on whether the Commissioner classifies bookkeeping as General Services or Professional Services.·1–2 weeks

   $25/year (≤$25,000), $40/year (≤$100,000), $50/year (≤$200,000) flat tiered fee; above $200,000, taxed at $0.36–$0.58 per $100 of gross receipts depending on whether the Commissioner classifies bookkeeping as General Services or Professional Services.

   1–2 weeks

2. Virginia Beach Zoning Compliance for Home-Based Business (if home-based)

   Bookkeeping businesses operated from a residence in Virginia Beach must comply with the City Zoning Ordinance's home-occupation standards (no client foot traffic, no exterior signage, limited storage of business materials). Virginia Beach does not issue a separate "Home Occupation Permit" — compliance is confirmed through the Commissioner of the Revenue's business-license application. Online bookkeeping businesses typically qualify easily; check unusual setups with Zoning Administration (757-385-8074).

   Official government source

   No separate permit fee — covered by the business-license application·Handled as part of the business-license application

   No separate permit fee — covered by the business-license application

   Handled as part of the business-license application

Official Sources

• Virginia Beach Business Licensing
• IRS PTIN Requirements for Tax Return Preparers
• IRS EIN Application

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