Bookkeeping Permit Requirements in Madison, WI

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. Wisconsin Business Registration

   Bookkeeping and accounting businesses operating in Wisconsin as an LLC, corporation or partnership register with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). Wisconsin's DBA filing under Wis. Stat. 134.17 is narrow: it applies only when a business operates under a corporate-sounding name in order to obtain credit, and it is recorded with the county Register of Deeds - not with the state or a county clerk, and not as a general requirement for every trade name. An LLC is commonly chosen for liability protection.

   Official government source

   DFI filing fees: limited liability company $130 online / $170 by paper; business corporation $100; limited partnership $70; nonstock corporation $35. Annual report thereafter $25 online ($40 by paper) for an LLC or business corporation.·DFI does not publish a guaranteed standard turnaround; paid expedited service is available at $100 (next business day), $250 (four hours, in person) or $500 (one hour, in person).

   DFI filing fees: limited liability company $130 online / $170 by paper; business corporation $100; limited partnership $70; nonstock corporation $35. Annual report thereafter $25 online ($40 by paper) for an LLC or business corporation.

   DFI does not publish a guaranteed standard turnaround; paid expedited service is available at $100 (next business day), $250 (four hours, in person) or $500 (one hour, in person).

2. Wisconsin Seller's Permit / Business Tax Registration (rarely needed for bookkeeping)

   Bookkeeping and accounting are not on Wisconsin's list of taxable services in DOR Publication 201, so your fees are not taxable and you generally need no seller's permit. The obligation that does apply runs the other way: Pub. 201 treats the accounting service provider as the final consumer of the paper, forms, reports and binders it hands to clients, so you owe sales or use tax on those purchases yourself. Register for a seller's permit only if you separately make retail sales of taxable goods, prewritten computer software, or taxable digital goods.

   Official government source

   $20 one-time Business Tax Registration (BTR) fee if you do need to register, then $10 to renew every two years. The $20 is the same regardless of how many locations need a seller's permit.·Register online through My Tax Account. DOR does not publish a guaranteed processing time - contact [email protected] or 608-266-2776 to check status.

   $20 one-time Business Tax Registration (BTR) fee if you do need to register, then $10 to renew every two years. The $20 is the same regardless of how many locations need a seller's permit.

   Register online through My Tax Account. DOR does not publish a guaranteed processing time - contact [email protected] or 608-266-2776 to check status.

1. City of Madison - No General Business License

   The City of Madison does not have a general/generic business license. Per the city's own guidance: "The City of Madison does not have a generic business license. Most licenses issued by the Clerk's Office are for things that need to be inspected" (e.g. restaurants, pools, hotels). There is no business tax certificate or occupational license either, and no annual renewal. A bookkeeping or accounting practice needs no city license. If you work from home, Madison issues no home occupation permit - you simply have to meet the zoning code's home occupation standards.

   Official government source

   $0 - no such license exists.·Not applicable - there is no city license to apply for.

   $0 - no such license exists.

   Not applicable - there is no city license to apply for.

2. Madison - Home Business Zoning Compliance (no separate home occupation permit)

   Madison does not issue a standalone 'Home Occupation Permit' or 'Home Business Zoning Approval.' The City's own guidance for new businesses is: 'If you are looking at opening a home business, make sure Zoning allows it.' A bookkeeping business run from a Madison residence should confirm with City Zoning staff that the use is allowed in that zoning district; an online bookkeeping practice with no client foot traffic, no exterior signage and limited storage normally fits residential zoning without difficulty.

   Official government source

   No standalone home occupation permit fee is published because no such permit is issued. Zoning questions: (608) 266-4551 ext. 3 or [email protected].·Not applicable - no separate permit is issued; the Zoning Counter is open by appointment.

   No standalone home occupation permit fee is published because no such permit is issued. Zoning questions: (608) 266-4551 ext. 3 or [email protected].

   Not applicable - no separate permit is issued; the Zoning Counter is open by appointment.

Official Sources

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

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