Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a tax preparer in Anchorage, AK. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
Alaska LLC Articles of Organization Filing
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development - Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing Division
Required Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Required for all LLC formation in Alaska. Biennial report due by January 2 of even-numbered years.
Alaska LLC Biennial Report
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development - Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
Required Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Required for all active Alaska LLCs regardless of business type.
Assumed Name (DBA) Registration
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED) - Corporations Section
May Apply Fee: $25.00-$25.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Applies only if using a trade name/DBA different from the registered LLC name.
Alaska Business License
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development - Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
Required Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Required for ALL businesses operating in Alaska, including tax preparers. Endorsements may apply for specific activities.
Department of Labor – Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Compliance
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Wage and Hour Division
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job‑protected leave for qualifying reasons.
IRS Information Returns – Form 1099 (Independent Contractors, Miscellaneous Payments)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: annual
Type: filing
Tax preparers often issue 1099‑NEC for non‑employee compensation; must also file Form 1096 if filing paper 1099s.
EPA Environmental Regulations – Not Applicable to Standard Tax Preparation Offices
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Required Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Only applicable if the business engages in activities that generate hazardous waste, emissions, or uses regulated chemicals, which is uncommon for a standard tax‑preparer office.
Alaska LLC Annual Report
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development - Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing Division
Required Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: annual
Type: registration
All Alaska LLCs must file an annual report and pay the fee to remain in good standing.
Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) Registration
Internal Revenue Service (state coordination via IRS)
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Required for tax preparers who e-file federal returns. IRS suitability check includes tax compliance review. Alaska has no state equivalent.
Alaska Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) Requirement
Internal Revenue Service
May Apply Fee: $30.99-$30.99
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
Mandatory federal requirement for all paid tax preparers. Applies to owners/employees of the LLC.
Alaska Corporate Income Tax Registration (for LLC taxed as a corporation)
Alaska Department of Revenue – Tax Division
May Apply Renewal: annual
Type: registration
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Alaska Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax Registration
Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development – Unemployment Insurance Division
May Apply Fee: $46500.00-$46500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration
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Alaska State Sales Tax Permit (State Level)
Alaska Department of Revenue – Tax Division
Required Renewal: one time
Type: registration
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Local Sales Tax Registration (if selling taxable goods in a municipality)
Municipality of Anchorage – Finance Department (example)
May Apply Renewal: annual
Type: registration
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Anchorage Business License Tax (annual renewal)
Municipality of Anchorage – Department of Finance
May Apply Renewal: annual
Type: registration
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Fairbanks North Star Borough Business License (Annual)
Fairbanks North Star Borough – Finance Department
May Apply Renewal: annual
Type: registration
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Alaska State Franchise or Gross Receipts Tax
Alaska Department of Revenue – Tax Division
Required Renewal: one time
Type: registration
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Alaska State Withholding Tax (State Income Tax) – Not Applicable
Alaska Department of Revenue – Withholding Tax Division
Required Renewal: one time
Type: registration
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Anchorage Municipal Business License
Municipality of Anchorage
May Apply Fee: $75.00-$75.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Required for all businesses including tax preparers; apply online or in person
Anchorage Zoning Compliance (Business Use Approval)
Municipality of Anchorage Planning Department
May Apply Fee: $150.00-$150.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Tax preparer qualifies as professional service; home occupation permit embedded in process if applicable
Anchorage Home Occupation Permit
Municipality of Anchorage Planning Department
May Apply Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Allowed for low-impact professional services like tax prep; limits on traffic/clients signage
Anchorage Sign Permit
Municipality of Anchorage Building Safety Division
May Apply Fee: $125.00-$125.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Freestanding/wall signs require review for size/location per zoning code 21.11
Anchorage Building Permit (Interior Modifications)
Municipality of Anchorage Building Safety
May Apply Fee: $10.00-$10.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Required for structural/mechanical changes; tax preparer office typically minimal
Anchorage Fire Inspection/Certificate of Occupancy
Municipality of Anchorage Fire Department
May Apply Fee: $100.00-$300.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Business occupancy (B-1) classification for tax office; annual reinspection may apply
Fairbanks North Star Borough Business License
Fairbanks North Star Borough
May Apply Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Simple flat fee for all businesses including professional services
Fairbanks Zoning Compliance (Conditional Use Permit if needed)
Fairbanks North Star Borough Planning
May Apply Fee: $250.00-$250.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Professional offices generally permitted; verify specific parcel zoning
Juneau Assembly Occupational License
City and Borough of Juneau
May Apply Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Tax preparer" specifically listed under occupational categories
Matanuska-Susitna Borough Business License
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
May Apply Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license
Most populated borough outside municipalities; applies borough-wide
Workers' Compensation Insurance
Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development – Workers' Compensation Division
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Owners who are the only employee may elect coverage for benefits but are not required.
City Business License (Anchorage)
Municipality of Anchorage – Department of Finance, Business Licensing
Required Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license
All businesses operating within Anchorage city limits must maintain a municipal business license. Other Alaska municipalities have similar requirements.
Home Occupation Permit (Anchorage) – if operating from a residence
Municipality of Anchorage – Planning Department
May Apply Fee: $25.00-$25.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Required for any home‑based business that serves the public or has client visits.
Alaska Unemployment Insurance (UI) Quarterly Tax Reporting
Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development – Unemployment Insurance Division
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: filing
Employers must register for UI, file quarterly wage reports, and remit contributions.
General Liability Insurance
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development – Business Licensing
Required Fee: $400.00-$400.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
State law does not require general liability insurance for tax preparers, but many clients request proof of coverage.
Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions) Insurance
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development – Business Licensing
May Apply Fee: $500.00-$500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Alaska does not mandate E&O for non‑CPA tax preparers, but many professional associations and client contracts require it.
Surety Bond (Tax Preparer Bond)
Alaska Department of Revenue – Taxpayer Services
Required Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Unlike several other states, Alaska has no statutory bond requirement for individuals or entities that prepare state tax returns for compensation.
Commercial Auto Liability Insurance
Alaska Department of Administration – Division of Motor Vehicles
May Apply Fee: $50000.00-$50000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Alaska minimum liability limits: $50,000 bodily injury per person, $100,000 bodily injury per accident, $25,000 property damage.
Product Liability Insurance
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development – Business Licensing
Required Fee: $1000.00-$1000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Only relevant if the business sells tangible products; tax preparers typically provide only services.
Liquor Liability Insurance
Alaska Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
Required Fee: $500.00-$500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Required only for entities that hold a liquor license; tax preparers do not.
Obtain Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Required Renewal: one time
Type: registration
All U.S. businesses, including LLCs, must have an EIN for federal tax reporting.
Federal Income Tax Filing – LLC taxed as Partnership (multi‑member)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: annual
Type: filing
File Form 1065 and provide Schedule K‑1 to each member.
Federal Income Tax Filing – LLC taxed as Disregarded Entity (single‑member)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: annual
Type: filing
Report business income/expenses on Schedule C attached to the owner’s Form 1040.
Federal Employment Taxes (Social Security, Medicare, Federal Unemployment)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply Fee: $7000.00-$7000.00
Renewal: varies
Type: filing
Obtain EIN first; register for electronic filing (e‑file) for timely deposits.
OSHA General Industry Workplace Safety
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Even office‑based tax preparers must maintain a safe work environment (ergonomics, emergency exits, etc.).
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title III – Public Accommodations
U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division
Required Renewal: one time
Type: permit
A tax‑preparer office is a public accommodation and must be accessible to individuals with disabilities (e.g., wheelchair‑accessible entrance, accessible restroom, auxiliary aids).
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Advertising and Consumer Protection
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Required Fee: $200.00-$200.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Tax preparers must avoid misleading claims (e.g., guaranteed refunds) and must disclose any affiliations or compensation.
FTC Guidance – Tax Preparer Advertising
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Required Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Specific rules include prohibitions on false statements about qualifications, fees, or refund guarantees.
Department of Labor – Fair Labor Standards Act (Wage & Hour)
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Wage and Hour Division
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Includes minimum wage, overtime, recordkeeping, and child labor rules.
Department of Labor – Form I‑9 Employment Eligibility Verification
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) under DOL
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Must retain I‑9 forms for three years after hire or one year after termination, whichever is later.
Alaska Workers’ Compensation Coverage & Annual Premium Payment
Alaska Workers’ Compensation Board (AWCB)
May Apply Fee: $150.00-$150.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate
Coverage must be obtained before any employee begins work. Employers must also post the Workers’ Compensation notice at the worksite.
Federal Estimated Tax Payments (Quarterly)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: filing
LLCs taxed as partnerships must make estimated payments for the partners’ share; single‑member LLCs follow Schedule C rules.
Federal Annual Income Tax Return (Entity‑Specific)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: filing
LLC taxed as partnership files Form 1065; if electing corporate tax treatment, file Form 1120.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License Renewal (if applicable)
Alaska Board of Public Accountancy (BPA)
May Apply Fee: $150.00-$150.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license
Renewal requires proof of required continuing education (see CE requirement).
CPA Continuing Education (CE) Requirement (if applicable)
Alaska Board of Public Accountancy (BPA)
May Apply Fee: $30.00-$30.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit
CE can be satisfied through approved courses, webinars, or conferences.
Federal Labor Law Posters (if employing staff)
U.S. Department of Labor – Wage and Hour Division
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Includes Minimum Wage, Equal Pay, Family & Medical Leave, etc.
Alaska State Labor Law Posters (if employing staff)
Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development – Wage & Hour Division
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Includes Alaska Minimum Wage, Alaska Workers’ Compensation, Unemployment Insurance, and Anti‑Discrimination posters.
Record‑Keeping Retention (Federal & State)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Required Renewal: one time
Type: permit
Alaska UI and Workers’ Compensation also require payroll records for 3 years.
Periodic Reporting to Alaska Department of Labor – Payroll Summary (if covered by Workers’ Comp)
Alaska Workers’ Compensation Board (AWCB)
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: filing
Report total covered payroll and any changes in employment.
Periodic Reporting to Alaska Department of Labor – UI Wage Report (Quarterly)
Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development – Unemployment Insurance Division
May Apply Renewal: one time
Type: filing
Electronic filing via the UI Online portal is required.
Periodic Reporting to IRS – Information Returns (Form 1099‑NEC, 1099‑INT, etc.)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: filing
Must also file Form 1096 if filing paper 1099s.
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