FirstBearing

How to Start a Bookkeeping Business

What it takes to legally start a bookkeeping business in the US — licensing, structure, EIN, taxes, insurance, and your first customers. The steps are the same everywhere; the forms and fees depend on your state, so pick yours below for the exact links.

Typical startup cost
$500–$3,000
Licensing
usually local only
Best structure
LLC for most
First customers
referrals + local search

  1. Check the licensing for bookkeeping work

    No license to do bookkeeping. You may not call yourself a CPA or perform audits/attestation without a CPA license, and preparing tax returns for a fee requires an IRS PTIN. This is the part that varies most by state — some require a state license or registration before you can advertise, others leave it to the city or county. Confirm both your state board and your local government before you take a job.

  2. Decide what the business needs to open

    Monthly bookkeeping, reconciliations, and financial reporting for small businesses. The setup areas that usually matter for a bookkeeping business: Business registration + E&O insurance, Software certifications (QuickBooks, Xero), Engagement letters and workpapers, Monthly retainer pricing, Secure document handling. Typical cost to get operational: $500–$3,000.

  3. Pick a structure — sole proprietor or LLC

    You can start as a sole proprietor with no filing, or form an LLC (usually $50–$300 depending on your state) for liability protection. For hands-on trade work where something can go wrong on a customer's property, most owners choose the LLC.

    LLC filing fee and steps by state ↗

  4. Get a free EIN from the IRS

    An Employer Identification Number is free and takes a few minutes online. You need it to open a business bank account and to hire.

    IRS — Apply for an EIN ↗

  5. Register for state taxes and get insurance

    Register with your state's tax agency if you'll collect sales tax, then line up general liability insurance — most contracts and license boards require proof of coverage.

  6. Get your first bookkeeping customers

    Referrals from CPAs (who don't want the monthly work), local business groups, and a niche-focused site. Monthly retainers make this a highly predictable business. Niching by industry (restaurants, contractors, agencies) lets you templatize and raise rates.

    Getting customers for a bookkeeping business ↗

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Frequently asked

How do I start a bookkeeping business?

Check the licenses for bookkeeping work in your state, pick a structure (sole proprietor or LLC), get a free EIN from the IRS, register for state taxes, open a business bank account, get general liability insurance, then set up a Google Business Profile and line up your first jobs. The order and the exact forms depend on your state.

Do I need a license to start a bookkeeping business?

No license to do bookkeeping. You may not call yourself a CPA or perform audits/attestation without a CPA license, and preparing tax returns for a fee requires an IRS PTIN.

How much does it cost to start a bookkeeping business?

Plan for $500–$3,000 to get operational, plus $50–$300 if you form an LLC (varies by state). An EIN is free, and general liability insurance runs a few hundred dollars a year for most solo operators.

How much do bookkeeping businesses make?

It depends on your rates, your utilization, and your area. See the income and pricing breakdown for a bookkeeping business for typical owner take-home and what to charge.

Where do the first bookkeeping customers come from?

Referrals from CPAs (who don't want the monthly work), local business groups, and a niche-focused site.

Official sources

Fees and timelines are commonly-cited figures last reviewed September 2026 and can change — always confirm on the official site. This is educational information, not legal or tax advice.

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AI-generated guidance is for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or investment advice. Disclosures · Trust center