Starting a Tax Preparer's Business in Maryland

Tax Preparers provide a vital service to their clients, however you are also businesses yourselves. In addition to providing you with all of the resources you need to fulfill your clients' tax obligations, the Comptroller's Office also understands that you have your own businesses to build and maintain. This section provides the resources that you need as a potential tax preparer to set up your business in Maryland.

Starting a New Business in Maryland

To make it easier to start any new business in Maryland, the Comptroller's Office offers a variety of resources to help new business owners get started.  Visit Starting a New Business in Maryland section for more information, but here are a few quick links to get you started.

• Business Registration Forms
• Business Licenses & State License Bureau
• Business Online Services
• Tax Tips for New Businesses

Federal Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)

In order to legally prepare federal income taxes in Maryland you must apply for, be granted, and annually renew a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the Internal Revenue Service. Find out more at the IRS Web site for Tax Professionals. A state registration is not required to prepare federal individual tax returns.

Maryland State Board of Individual Taxpayers

The State Board of Individual Tax Preparers qualifies and registers persons seeking to function as an individual tax preparer. An individual is required to be registered by the board before providing individual tax preparation services in the State. Information about the board may be found under  Maryland Department of Labor Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.