Accounting / CPA Permits & Licenses in Lakewood, NJ

Required for all LLCs; file Public Records Filing for New Jersey Business Name with $50 fee if applicable

Required for all domestic LLCs to reserve and publish business name; replaces Certificate of Incorporation/Formation requirements updated 2022

Only if LLC is foreign-qualified; annual report required thereafter ($75 fee)

Required for ALL businesses for tax purposes (CBT, sales tax, withholding); includes EIN verification

Prerequisites: 150 semester hours education, 1 year experience, pass CPA exam (NASBA Uniform CPA Exam). Firm licensure separate if offering attest services.

All owners must be licensed CPAs; peer review required for firms with attest clients. Non-attest accounting firms may not need registration.

File if using DBA/trade name; publication in newspaper may be required in some counties (additional ~$100-300 cost)

Required for all active LLCs; filed online

Accounting/CPA services are generally not subject to sales tax in New Jersey as they are considered non-taxable professional services. However, if the LLC sells taxable items (e.g., tax preparation software), registration is required. Most CPA firms do not need this permit unless they sell taxable products.

All businesses operating in New Jersey must register with the Division of Taxation via the NJ-REG form. This includes LLCs providing accounting/CPA services. This registration establishes liability for state income tax, including the filing of Form CBT-100 for the CBT (Corporation Business Tax) or Form PCT for the Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTE).

Required for all employers in New Jersey. The business must register using Form NJ-REG and withhold state income tax from employee wages. Even single-member LLCs with employees must comply. CPAs with no employees are exempt from this requirement.

All employers in New Jersey must register with the NJ Department of Labor. The business will be assigned a UI tax rate based on experience rating. New employers pay the standard rate of 3.4% on the first $1,000 of each employee's wages (as of 2024).

LLCs taxed as pass-through entities may elect the PTE tax (6% in 2023, 5.9% in 2024) to provide owners with a federal deduction under IRC §199A. If not electing PTE, the LLC may be subject to CBT if structured as a corporation. Most multi-member LLCs default to partnership taxation and may not owe CBT unless they elect corporate treatment. Single-member LLCs are disregarded entities and report income on the owner's NJ return.

New Jersey repealed the Annual Franchise Tax for most entities effective January 1, 2018. It was replaced by the Corporation Business Tax (CBT). LLCs are not subject to franchise tax unless they are registered as a special type of entity (e.g., professional service corporation), which is not typical for CPA firms structured as LLCs.

Some New Jersey municipalities impose a local business privilege tax or gross receipts tax. For example, Newark imposes a 2.5% tax on gross receipts for certain professions. Accounting firms should verify requirements with the local clerk. Most towns do not impose such taxes.

All LLCs, including single-member LLCs, are required to obtain an EIN if they have employees or file certain tax returns (e.g., employment, excise, or alcohol/tobacco/firearms). Even if not required, most accounting firms obtain an EIN for banking and professional purposes. This is mandatory for a CPA firm structured as an LLC.

A multi-member LLC is taxed as a partnership and must file Form 1065. A single-member LLC is disregarded and reports income on Schedule C of the owner’s Form 1040. CPA firms must comply based on their structure. This is a standard federal tax obligation for LLCs.

Required if the accounting firm hires staff. CPAs must withhold federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare from employee wages and file quarterly returns. Applies to all employers, including professional service firms.

All employers with employees must comply with OSHA’s general duty clause and maintain a safe workplace. For a CPA firm, this includes ergonomic workstations, emergency exits, and injury reporting. Most requirements are low burden for office-based firms. Covered under OSHA Act of 1970.

All businesses serving the public must comply with ADA Title III, including CPA firms. This includes physical access to offices (if clients visit) and digital accessibility (e.g., website for client portals). While CPA firms may have limited foot traffic, they are still considered public accommodations.

EPA regulations do not apply to standard accounting or CPA practices, which do not involve hazardous waste, air emissions, or regulated chemicals. This requirement is not applicable unless the firm engages in non-core industrial activities.

CPA firms must avoid deceptive advertising (e.g., false claims about credentials, guarantees of tax savings). Must comply with FTC Act Section 5. Applies to websites, brochures, and social media. Specific to professional services, including prohibitions on misleading claims about CPA licensure or audit results.

All employers, including CPA firms, must complete Form I-9 for each employee to verify identity and work authorization. E-Verify is not mandatory unless federal contractor. Administered by USCIS under DHS.

CPA firms must comply with FLSA if they have employees. This includes minimum wage, overtime (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours), and proper classification of exempt vs. non-exempt employees. CPAs often employ staff during tax season who may be entitled to overtime.

All LLCs must obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, regardless of employee status. Single-member LLCs without employees may use the owner's SSN, but an EIN is required if the LLC has employees, files employment taxes, or elects corporate taxation. Required for opening a business bank account.

Accounting firms typically do not make tax-exempt purchases. However, if the firm purchases software or equipment for resale or taxable services, it may need to issue resale certificates. Not required for standard office supplies or services used internally.

Mercer County requires registration for businesses; specific municipalities enforce local licenses. Confirm with local township clerk.

Required for all businesses including professional offices like CPA. Zoning approval prerequisite.

No general business license but mandatory registration with township. CPA firms classified as professional services.

Most NJ municipalities restrict home offices to low-impact professional services. No client visits, signage, or employees typically allowed.

Verify property zoned for professional office use (e.g., O-1 Office Zone). Site plan review may be required.

Enforced through local Uniform Construction Code officials. No permit needed for cosmetic changes.

Must comply with local sign ordinance (size, lighting, setback requirements). Freestanding signs often prohibited in office zones.

Required under NJ Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70). Small CPA offices (<75 occupants) may only need basic inspection.

False alarm fees escalate: 1st free, 2nd $100, 3rd $250, 4th+ $500. Knox box may be required.

Verifies building code compliance for new tenants. Smoke detectors, egress, accessibility inspected.

Mandatory for all employers in New Jersey with at least one employee. Sole proprietors without employees are exempt unless they work in construction. CPAs typically not in construction, so exemption likely applies if no employees.

Not mandated by New Jersey state law for LLCs or CPAs, but strongly recommended. Some contracts or clients may require proof of E&O coverage. The NJ Board of Accountancy does not currently require E&O as a condition of licensure or registration.

Not required by state law for accounting businesses. However, landlords or commercial leases may require it. Does not cover professional errors—separate E&O policy needed for that.

New Jersey does not require a surety bond for CPA firms or accounting businesses as a condition of licensure or registration. The NJ Board of Accountancy does not list bonding as a requirement for individual CPAs or CPA firms.

Required if the business owns or registers any vehicle in New Jersey. Applies to vans, trucks, or cars used for business. Personal auto policies do not cover commercial use.

FMLA applies only if the CPA firm meets the employee threshold. Requires eligible employees to be granted up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying reasons. Most small CPA firms may not meet the threshold, but larger firms do.

While not a business license, all individuals preparing federal tax returns for compensation must obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the IRS. CPAs are exempt from the Annual Filing Season Program but must still have a PTIN. This is a federal requirement specific to tax preparation services.

CPAs must follow Treasury Department regulations in Circular 230 when giving tax advice or representing clients before the IRS. Includes requirements for due diligence, avoidance of frivolous positions, and recordkeeping. Applies specifically to federal tax practitioners.

LLCs that are pass-through entities must report foreign financial assets on Form 8938 if the total value exceeds certain thresholds. While not common for most CPA firms, it applies if the firm or its owners hold foreign accounts. Specific to tax and accounting professionals who may advise on or hold such assets.

All LLCs registered in New Jersey must file an Annual Report each year. The report confirms or updates business information such as principal office address, registered agent, and management structure. Filing is done online via the NJ Business Records Filing system.

CPA firms typically do not collect sales tax on professional services, but if they sell taxable products (e.g., tax preparation software to clients), registration and compliance may be required. No annual renewal; license remains active unless canceled.

All licensed CPAs in New Jersey must renew their license biennially. Renewal is tied to continuing education compliance (see below). Firms must ensure all practicing CPAs maintain active status.

Licensees must complete 80 hours of CPE every two years, with at least 4 hours in professional ethics. CPE must be from approved sponsors. Records must be retained for five years but are not submitted unless audited.

Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages and file periodic returns (Form NJ-927). No renewal required, but ongoing compliance with quarterly and annual filings is mandatory.

Employers must file an annual reconciliation of wages and taxes withheld using Form NJ-927. This is due annually regardless of whether taxes were withheld during the year.

Not required for accounting/CPA businesses, as they do not manufacture or sell physical products. This insurance is relevant only if the business sells tangible goods.

Only required if the business holds a liquor license and serves alcohol. Not applicable to accounting/CPA firms unless operating a venue that serves alcohol.

An EIN is a one-time registration. However, businesses must use it annually for federal tax filings including Form 941 (quarterly), Form 940 (annually), and Forms 1099-NEC/1096 (annually).

Employers must file Form 941 each quarter to report federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare taxes withheld from employees.

Form 940 reports FUTA tax, which funds state unemployment programs. Even if no tax is due, a return may still be required.

Employers must file quarterly UI tax reports (Form UC-2) and pay unemployment insurance taxes. New employers are assigned a standard rate until experience rating applies.

Employers must display current labor law posters in a conspicuous location accessible to employees. Includes Minimum Wage, OSHA, Family Leave, and Equal Employment Opportunity notices. Posters must be updated as laws change.

CPA firms are generally exempt if they have 10 or fewer employees. Employers with 11+ employees must maintain logs of work-related injuries and illnesses. Form 300A must be posted annually.

LLCs are pass-through entities by default, but if they elect corporate taxation or meet size thresholds, they may be subject to the CBT or alternative minimum assessment of $150/year. No annual renewal, but annual filing required if liable.

Self-employed partners in an LLC must make quarterly estimated tax payments for federal income and self-employment taxes using Form 1040-ES.

Owners of an LLC taxed as a pass-through must make quarterly estimated payments using Form NJ-1040ES.

A foreign LLC must obtain a Certificate of Authority to legally operate in New Jersey. This is a one-time requirement with no annual renewal, but the annual report still applies.

New Jersey does not mandate E&O insurance for CPAs, but most firms carry it. Some clients or contracts may require proof of coverage. Not a government-mandated requirement.

Businesses must retain federal and state tax records, including income, deductions, and credits, for at least six years from the due date of the return. CPA firms should maintain client records per professional standards (typically 7 years).