Tax Preparer Permits & Licenses in Scottsdale, AZ

Employers must file Form A-101 or A-101-EZ quarterly. Even if no tax was withheld, a zero return may be required.

Required for all LLCs. Online filing recommended via eCorp portal.

Must update entity information; file online via eCorp.

Tax preparers providing services may qualify under professional services; verify classification.

Not mandatory but links to other registrations; no license issued.

Publish notice in newspaper within 30 days; renew every 5 years ($10).

Tax preparation services are generally not subject to TPT in Arizona unless bundled with other taxable services. However, some cities may impose privilege taxes on professional services. Verify with local jurisdictions.

Required for all employers in Arizona who withhold state income tax from employee wages. Applies regardless of business structure.

All employers in Arizona must register with DES for unemployment insurance tax. New employers typically start at rate of 2.0%.

Most tax preparation services are exempt from TPT under Arizona statute (Title 42, Chapter 5), but local jurisdictions may impose taxes. Confirm with city/county.

Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and other cities require a local business license or privilege tax registration. Fees and requirements vary. Example: Phoenix Business City License - https://www.phoenix.gov/revenue/business

Arizona does not impose a franchise tax or gross receipts tax on LLCs. LLCs are pass-through entities and do not pay entity-level income tax. This requirement does not apply to standard LLCs.

Required for LLCs with employees or multiple members. Single-member LLCs without employees may use owner’s SSN, but EIN is recommended for privacy and banking.

Assigned automatically upon registration for unemployment tax. Used for both unemployment and state income tax withholding.

Required for all businesses; tax preparers classified under professional services

No general county business license; check specific municipality. Confirmed no requirement for tax preparers.

Tax preparers qualify if <25% of home used, no client visits, no signage

Professional offices (tax prep) allowed in C-1/C-2 zones per Table 602

Freestanding signs limited to 1 per business; wall signs regulated by zone

Tax preparer offices typically exempt unless multi-tenant >12,000 sq ft

Existing office spaces typically have CO; verify with landlord

Professional services category applies to tax preparers

Professional offices allowed in B-1/B-2 zones per Zoning Code Sec. 17.32

All businesses including tax preparation services

Required if alarm connects to public safety answering point

Arizona law (A.R.S. § 23-906) requires all employers with one or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. Sole proprietors and partners may be exempt from covering themselves unless in construction. Tax preparers not in construction are not required to cover themselves unless they elect coverage.

Not legally required by Arizona or the IRS for tax preparers. However, the IRS strongly recommends it. Enrolled Agents are not required to carry E&O insurance, but many third-party e-file providers and financial institutions require it for participation. Considered industry best practice.

As of January 1, 2022, the IRS requires all paid tax return preparers who are not CPAs, attorneys, or Enrolled Agents to obtain a $5,000 bond through the Treasury Department’s Record of Federal Tax Return Preparer (Form 8946). This is part of the IRS e-file requirements. The bond is obtained via a surety company and filed with the IRS. See IRS Rev. Proc. 2021-15.

Not legally required by Arizona law for tax preparers. However, it is strongly recommended to cover risks such as client injury on premises or property damage. Some commercial leases require it. No statutory mandate exists for general liability insurance for this business type.

Arizona law (A.R.S. § 28-4131) requires all motor vehicles registered in Arizona to carry liability insurance meeting minimum limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. Applies if the LLC owns or leases a vehicle used for business (e.g., client meetings, document delivery). Personal auto policies may not cover business use.

This requirement does not apply to tax preparers. The Arizona Registrar of Contractors requires surety bonds for licensed contractors. Tax preparation is not considered a construction trade and is not regulated by AZROC.

Not required by Arizona law unless the business manufactures or distributes tangible goods. Tax preparers who only provide services do not need product liability insurance. If the LLC sells tax forms, books, or software on physical media, this risk may be covered under general liability policy.

Only required if the business holds a liquor license (e.g., hosts client events with alcohol). Tax preparers typically do not serve alcohol and are not subject to this requirement. Regulated under A.R.S. Title 4, Chapter 2.

Required for all LLCs, including single-member LLCs that elect to be treated as corporations or have employees. Tax preparers structured as LLCs must obtain an EIN regardless of whether they have employees, as LLCs are separate entities for tax purposes.

Multi-member LLCs are treated as partnerships for federal tax purposes and must file Form 1065. Single-member LLCs are disregarded entities unless they elect corporate taxation (Form 1120-S). This requirement is based on IRS classification, not industry.

Tax preparers who wish to e-file client returns must become Authorized IRS e-file Providers by submitting Form 8946. This is specific to tax preparation businesses and mandatory for electronic submission of federal returns.

IRS Circular 230 governs the conduct of tax professionals representing clients before the IRS. It applies specifically to tax preparers and includes requirements for due diligence, record retention, and ethical conduct. Violations include understating tax liability or failing to sign returns.

Form 8826 is used to report individuals paid to prepare federal tax returns. This is a specific federal requirement for tax preparation businesses that outsource work.

Tax preparers must retain copies of all federal tax returns prepared for clients for at least three years. This is a specific federal requirement under IRS guidelines for return preparers.

The FTC’s Tax Preparer Protection Rule prohibits deceptive advertising (e.g., guaranteeing refunds, inflating refund amounts) and requires clear disclosure of fees. Applies specifically to tax preparation services. Enforced under the FTC Act and specific rules targeting tax preparers.

All U.S. employers, including LLCs, must complete Form I-9 for each employee. While not specific to tax preparers, it is a federal requirement triggered by hiring. Tax preparers with staff must comply.

OSHA requires employers to provide a safe workplace. For tax preparers, this typically includes ergonomic workstations, emergency procedures, and anti-harassment policies. Most requirements are general but mandatory for employers.

Tax preparers who serve clients in person or online must ensure physical and digital accessibility. This includes accessible office space and compliant websites under ADA Title III. Specific to service-oriented businesses.

Required for LLCs that hire independent contractors for tax preparation services. Specific to businesses in service sectors like tax preparation.

All paid tax preparers must obtain and renew a PTIN annually. This is a federal requirement specific to the tax preparation industry. Business owners and employees preparing returns must each have a PTIN.