Accounting / CPA Permits & Licenses in West Jordan, UT

Standard LLCs taxed as pass-through entities (disregarded or partnership) are not subject to franchise tax. Only applies if the LLC is federally classified as a C or S corporation. See Utah Code § 59-7-203.

All businesses operating in Utah must register with the OneStop portal, which automatically forwards data to tax, labor, and unemployment agencies. Includes registration for state taxes and employer obligations if applicable.

Most cities in Utah (e.g., Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden) require a local business license. Fees and requirements vary. For example, Salt Lake City imposes a $150 annual privilege tax on most businesses. See individual city codes.

LLCs with multiple members or those electing corporate taxation must obtain an EIN. Single-member LLCs without employees may use the owner’s SSN, but an EIN is recommended for banking and professionalism.

Utah requires pass-through entities with Utah-source income to register and file Form IT-20 for composite returns or notify owners of Utah filing obligations. See Utah Code § 59-7-202.

Required for all LLCs. Annual renewal report separate (see below).

All LLCs must file annually to maintain good standing.

Prerequisites: 150 semester hours education, 1 year experience, pass CPA exam. Firm permits required for practice (see below). Applies to individuals providing CPA services.

Required for any firm/LLC offering CPA services in Utah. At least one owner must hold active Utah CPA license. Peer review may be required based on firm size/services.

Required only if using a trade name/DBA different from registered LLC name.

Register for sales tax permit (if applicable), withholding tax (if employees), etc. Accounting firms typically exempt from sales tax on services but may need if selling products.

Most professional accounting and CPA services are not subject to Utah sales tax as they are considered non-tangible services. However, if the business sells taxable items (e.g., tax preparation software), registration is required. See Utah Code § 59-12-103.

Required for all employers in Utah. Includes obligation to withhold state income tax from employee wages. Registration is done via the Utah Tax Portal.

All employers must withhold Utah income tax from wages paid to Utah residents and non-residents working in Utah. Filing frequency is assigned by the Tax Commission based on annual withholding volume.

Employers must register with the Utah Unemployment Insurance program. Tax rate varies by experience rating (0.07% to 10.0% for new employers: 2.7%). New employers pay a standard rate for first 5 years.

An LLC providing accounting/CPA services is subject to federal income tax reporting based on its elected or default classification. Most LLCs in this sector are taxed as pass-through entities. CPAs must ensure proper tax elections (e.g., Form 2553 for S-corp) are filed within 75 days of formation if applicable.

Required for all businesses in unincorporated areas. CPA/accounting firms classified under professional services.

Every Utah city (e.g., SLC Title 5 Ch. 5.80; Provo City Code 3.04) requires its own license. Check specific city code for CPA classification.

Restrictions on traffic, signage, employees. E.g., SLC Planning Code 21A.58; must not alter residential character.

CPAs typically allowed in office/professional zones. Verify via zoning map/lookup tool.

Required for any structural changes per International Building Code (IBC) adopted locally.

CPA business owners operating as single-member LLCs must pay self-employment tax on net business income. This is in addition to federal income tax. Required under IRC Sections 1401–1403.

While CPA firms typically have low-risk office environments, federal OSHA requires reporting of any work-related fatality or severe injury (hospitalization, amputation, eye loss) regardless of business type. Applies to all employers with employees in the U.S., including Utah-based LLCs.

CPA firms with physical offices in Utah must comply with ADA Title III, including accessible entrances, restrooms, and workspaces. Digital accessibility (websites, client portals) is increasingly enforced under DOJ guidance. Applies to all businesses serving the public.

Standard accounting/CPA firms do not typically generate regulated hazardous waste. However, if e-waste (old computers, batteries) is disposed of improperly in large quantities, EPA regulations under RCRA may apply. Most small CPA firms are exempt from federal EPA permitting.

CPA firms making public claims (e.g., 'lowest fees,' 'certified tax experts') must ensure all advertising is truthful, non-deceptive, and substantiated. Applies to websites, social media, and promotional materials. Endorsements must reflect honest opinions and disclose material connections. Specific to all service providers under FTC Act §5.

All accounting and CPA firms are financial institutions under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and must comply with the FTC Safeguards Rule. Requires a written information security plan, employee training, access controls, encryption, and annual reporting. Specific to financial service providers like CPAs.

All employers, including Utah-based CPA firms structured as LLCs, must complete Form I-9 for every employee. Applies to both full-time and part-time workers. Copies of documents must be retained for 3 years after hire or 1 year after termination, whichever is later.

CPA firms with employees must comply with federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour), overtime (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours), recordkeeping, and child labor rules. Applies regardless of business size. Specific provisions for professional employees (e.g., CPAs) may allow exemption from overtime under §13(a)(1).

Employers meeting the 50-employee threshold must display the FMLA poster (WH-1420) in a conspicuous location. Most small CPA firms do not meet this threshold, but larger firms or those part of a network may. Specific to employment-covered employers.

Firms auditing public companies must register with the PCAOB under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Most Utah-based CPA firms serving small businesses do not need PCAOB registration. This is a federal licensing requirement specific to public company auditors.

Effective January 1, 2024, all LLCs (including CPA firms) must file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with FinCEN. This is a federal requirement under the Corporate Transparency Act. Exemptions exist for certain large entities, but most small CPA firms do not qualify. Specific to all newly formed or existing LLCs unless exempt.

All Utah LLCs must file an annual report with the Division of Corporations. The report confirms business information such as principal address, registered agent, and management structure. Must be filed online via the Utah Division of Corporations portal.

All businesses providing professional services in Utah, including accounting firms, must maintain a State Business License through DOPL. This is separate from federal or local requirements.

Size, lighting, placement regulated (e.g., SLC Code 21A.26).

Ensures fire alarms, exits, extinguishers per IFC. Annual for high-risk, but low for offices.

Registration reduces false alarm fines. Common for professional offices.

Not applicable to standard CPA office without food handling. Pure office use exempt.

Mandatory for all employers with one or more employees in Utah, including part-time workers. Sole proprietors and LLC members are exempt unless they elect coverage. CPAs with employees must comply.

CPAs must renew their licenses biennially. Renewal requires completion of continuing education (see separate requirement). Renewal is processed through DOPL’s online system.

At least 40 of the 80 hours must be in technical subjects (accounting, auditing, taxation, or financial planning). Ethics requirement must be met through a board-approved provider. Records must be retained for 4 years.

LLCs with more than one member are generally treated as partnerships and must file Form 1065. This is an informational return; income flows through to members’ personal tax returns.

Self-employed individuals, including CPA LLC owners, must make quarterly estimated tax payments using Form 1040-ES. Payments cover income and self-employment tax.

Utah requires estimated tax payments for individuals with income not subject to withholding. Use Form TC-509 for payment.

Accounting services are generally not subject to sales tax in Utah. However, if the business sells taxable items (e.g., tax preparation software), a sales tax license is required. License remains active unless canceled.

Employers must register for Utah withholding tax, withhold state income tax from employee wages, and file periodic returns (Form TC-941). Annual W-2 and 1099 forms must be filed with the state by January 31.

EIN is required for tax reporting. Single-member LLCs without employees may use the owner’s SSN, but most CPA firms obtain an EIN. Ongoing filings include quarterly Form 941 and annual Form 940.

IRS recommends keeping all business tax records for at least 3 years. For CPA firms, client records should be retained per professional standards (typically 7 years). Utah does not specify a longer retention period for state tax records.

CPA license and business license must be displayed in a visible location at the principal place of business. Digital display is not sufficient for physical offices.

Utah requires businesses to report and remit unclaimed property such as abandoned checks, unused credits, or dormant accounts. CPA firms may hold client funds or uncashed refund checks that qualify.

Required postings include Utah Minimum Wage, OSHA Notice, Workers’ Compensation, and Equal Employment Opportunity. Posters must be in English and accessible to employees. Available for download from the Utah Labor Commission website.

Businesses must issue Form 1099-NEC to non-employee service providers by January 31. Electronic filing is required if more than 250 forms are issued.

All licensed CPAs in Utah must certify they have professional liability insurance of at least $100,000 per claim and $300,000 aggregate. This applies regardless of business structure (including LLCs). Requirement is enforced through CPA license renewal process.

Not legally required by Utah state law for accounting firms. However, strongly recommended and often required by commercial landlords or clients. Not a regulatory mandate but a practical necessity.

Utah requires all CPA firms (including LLCs) to file a $50,000 surety bond as part of the firm licensing process. This bond protects clients against fraud or misconduct. Required under Utah Admin. Code R156-2f-301. Sole practitioners must also comply if operating under a firm name.

Required for any business-owned vehicle. Utah mandates minimum liability coverage of $25,000 bodily injury per person, $65,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. Personal auto policies do not cover business use.

Not applicable. Accounting/CPA firms in Utah do not sell physical products, so product liability insurance is not required.

Only applicable if the accounting firm hosts events where alcohol is served and holds a liquor license. Most CPA firms do not require this. Not a standard requirement for accounting services.

All LLCs providing accounting or CPA services in Utah must obtain an EIN if they have employees or elect to be taxed as a corporation. Single-member LLCs with no employees may use the owner’s SSN, but obtaining an EIN is recommended for professionalism and compliance. This is a federal requirement under IRS regulations.