Accounting / CPA Permits & Licenses in Columbia, MO

Required for all LLC formation in Missouri. Annual report also required (see separate entry).

All LLCs must file annually to maintain good standing, even if no changes.

Prerequisites: 150 semester hours education, pass CPA exam, 1 year supervised experience. Firm may require peer review.

Majority ownership by Missouri-licensed CPAs; peer review required for attest firms.

Registers for 5 years; renewable. Not required if using exact LLC name.

Most accounting firms do not collect sales tax but may need withholding if employees.

Accounting/CPA services are generally not subject to Missouri sales tax as they are non-tangible professional services. However, if the LLC sells taxable items (e.g., tax preparation software, printed materials), a sales tax permit may be required. Most CPA firms do not collect sales tax on core services.

Required for all Missouri employers to withhold state income tax from employee wages. Applies regardless of business type.

All employers in Missouri must register with the Division of Employment Security. New employers pay a standard tax rate of 3.3% on first $7,000 of each employee's wages annually until experience rating is established.

Missouri does not impose a franchise tax on LLCs. Instead, LLCs must file an annual report with the Secretary of State. This is a registration renewal, not a tax based on income or capital. The fee is required for all LLCs registered in Missouri.

Single-member LLCs without employees may use the owner’s SSN, but obtaining an EIN is recommended for professionalism and banking. All multi-member LLCs must have an EIN.

A single-member LLC is disregarded for federal tax purposes and reports income on Schedule C of the owner’s Form 1040. A multi-member LLC is taxed as a partnership and must file Form 1065. If the LLC elects corporate status, it files Form 1120. CPA firms must comply with IRS requirements for reporting client income and deductions.

CPA business owners operating as sole proprietors or single-member LLCs must pay self-employment tax on net earnings. This is in addition to federal income tax.

Accounting firms with employees must comply with OSHA’s general duty clause and maintain a safe workplace. Most requirements are minimal for office environments (e.g., emergency exits, accessible walkways). Required to post OSHA Form 300A if 10+ employees.

LLCs are pass-through entities; profits/losses flow to owners' personal tax returns. Missouri requires individuals to report and pay tax on their share of LLC income. This is not a business-level income tax but a personal obligation of the owner(s).

Many Missouri cities and counties require a local business license or privilege tax. For example, St. Louis City requires a Business Registration Certificate. Accounting/CPA firms are not exempt. Fees and requirements vary significantly by location. Check with city/county treasurer or finance department.

Required for all businesses including professional services like CPA; LLCs register under business name

Confirms zoning allows professional office use; home-based may need separate review

Many St. Louis County municipalities (e.g., Clayton requires separate license per Ordinance 4751); check specific city

Required for all businesses including accounting firms; zoning verification required

Professional services classified under general business license; no special CPA requirements

Office use typically permitted in commercial/office zones (C-1, O-1 districts)

Common restrictions: no client visits, <25% home used, no employees; specific ordinance varies (e.g., Columbia Code Sec. 29-22)

Required for leasehold improvements exceeding minor cosmetic work

Must comply with local sign code (size, lighting, setback requirements)

CPA offices typically low hazard but require annual inspection in most cities

Required for all employers with one or more employees in Missouri, including LLCs. Sole proprietors and partners are exempt unless they opt in. CPAs are classified under "Office Workers" (Code 8810) for premium calculation.

While not statutorily required by Missouri law, the Missouri Board of Accountancy enforces AICPA Code of Conduct, which strongly recommends E&O coverage. Firms performing attest services may be required to carry it under peer review or client agreements. Not carrying it increases personal liability risk.

Not legally required by Missouri for accounting businesses. However, strongly recommended to protect against third-party bodily injury or property damage claims (e.g., client slips in office). Often required by commercial leases.

A $50,000 surety bond is required for all applicants seeking CPA licensure in Missouri unless exempt as a sole proprietor meeting specific criteria. The bond protects the public from fraudulent or unethical practices. Bond must be issued by a surety company licensed in Missouri.

Required for all vehicles registered to the LLC. Minimum liability coverage: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $10,000 property damage (25/50/10). Applies regardless of business type.

CPA firms must ensure physical access (if operating from an office open to public) and digital accessibility (websites, client portals) comply with ADA standards. DOJ has clarified that websites are covered under Title III.

CPA firms must ensure all advertising (websites, social media, brochures) is truthful and not misleading. Claims such as “highest return” or “guaranteed audit protection” may violate FTC Act §5. Endorsements must reflect honest opinions and disclose material connections.

Effective January 2023, the updated Safeguards Rule requires CPA firms to implement a written information security program (WISP), designate a qualified individual, conduct risk assessments, encrypt data, and train staff. Applies regardless of firm size.

All employers, including CPA firm LLCs, must complete Form I-9 for each employee to verify identity and work authorization. Must retain for 3 years after hire or 1 year after employment ends.

CPA firms must comply with federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour), overtime (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours/week), and recordkeeping requirements. Professional exemptions may apply to licensed CPAs.

Requires eligible employees (12 months, 1,250 hours) to receive up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave annually for qualifying family/medical reasons. Most small CPA firms do not meet threshold.

Not required for accounting/CPA firms, as they do not manufacture or sell physical products. This insurance is irrelevant unless the business sells tangible goods.

Only applicable if the CPA firm hosts events where alcohol is served and holds a liquor license. Not relevant for standard accounting practices.

Self-employed individuals, including CPA firm owners, must make quarterly estimated tax payments if they expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal taxes. Payments cover income and self-employment taxes.

Missouri requires quarterly estimated tax payments for individuals who expect to owe $200 or more in state income tax. Applies to sole proprietors, partners, and S-corp shareholders in the LLC if they have Missouri-source income.

Employers must file Form 941 each quarter to report federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare taxes withheld from employees. Deposits must be made electronically via EFTPS.

Form 940 is due annually by January 31. Reports federal unemployment tax. Most small employers qualify for credit reducing FUTA rate to 0.6%.

Employers must file quarterly wage reports and pay unemployment insurance tax. New employers are assigned a standard rate; experienced-rated thereafter. Registration required upon hiring first employee.

Employers must display OSHA Form 2203 (Job Safety and Health Protection) in a visible location. Available for free download from OSHA website. Applies to nearly all workplaces with employees.

Employers in Missouri must display the Missouri Workers' Compensation Notice (Form 5000) and other labor law posters. Available from the Missouri Department of Labor. Required in all workplaces with employees.

Most CPA services are exempt from Missouri sales tax. However, if the business sells taxable items (e.g., tax preparation software), a sales tax license is required. Returns are filed monthly, quarterly, or annually based on volume.

Many Missouri cities (e.g., St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield) require a local business license. Requirements and fees vary. Accountants should check with their city clerk. Renewal typically annual.

IRS recommends keeping business tax records for at least 3 years. Employment tax records must be kept for at least 4 years. Missouri Board of Accountancy requires CPE records to be retained for 4 years. Best practice: keep all financial and client records for 7 years.

Missouri law requires that active CPA licenses be displayed in the office where services are rendered. Digital display may be acceptable if accessible to public. Applies to all locations where CPA services are provided.

While not mandated by the Missouri Board of Accountancy, most CPA firms carry professional liability insurance. Required by many clients and insurers.

CPAs and accounting firms must disclose certain tax shelter transactions under IRC § 6111 and maintain lists of advisees under § 6112. Failure to comply can result in significant penalties and disciplinary action.

Governs standards of practice for CPAs, enrolled agents, and attorneys. Requires due diligence, prohibits frivolous positions, and mandates disclosure of reportable transactions. Applies even if firm is an LLC.

Required to maintain good standing with the state. Failure to file can prevent legal standing, banking, and licensing compliance. Must be filed online via SOS website.

All LLCs formed or registered in Missouri must file an Annual Report each year by April 15. There is no fee for LLCs, but failure to file can lead to dissolution. This requirement applies to all LLCs, including professional accounting firms.

CPA licenses in Missouri are renewed every two years on odd-numbered years by December 31. The renewal requires completion of 80 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) per renewal cycle. Firms must ensure all licensed CPAs maintain active status if offering CPA services.

Missouri CPAs must complete 80 hours of CPE every two years, including at least 4 hours in ethics. At least 20 hours must be in technical subjects (e.g., accounting, auditing, taxation). Self-study is allowed up to 50% of the requirement. Records must be retained for 4 years.

Required for tax reporting purposes. While obtaining the FEIN is one-time, ongoing tax compliance (e.g., payroll deposits, 941 filings) depends on it. Not required solely for LLC formation unless tax obligations exist.

Employers must register for Missouri withholding tax, withhold state income tax from employee wages, and file periodic returns (Form MO-941). Frequency (monthly/quarterly) depends on the amount withheld. Annual reconciliation (Form MO-W3) due by January 31.