In State Firm Licensing Requirements
The following firms shall obtain a license to practice in this state:
(a) Any firm with an office located in this state performing attest services, as defined in KRS 325.220; and
(b) Any firm with an office in this state that uses the title "CPA" or other phrase or abbreviation in any manner described in KRS 325.410 to suggest it is a certified public accounting firm.
In State Initial Firm Licensing Procedures
Sole Proprietors Application:
CPA Firms Practicing as an LLP, PLLC, PSC, etc. Application:
Licensing or Opening a Branch Office
To register a branch office that is located in Kentucky, include branch locations on the initial application. If a firm opens a branch after initial licensing, download the Firm Change Form (2024) and submit to the Board office.
There is no fee for branch office registrations and it's not required that a CPA be present at this office at all times.
Documents for all firm licenses must be received no later than one week prior to the board meeting date.
Peer Review
Mandatory peer review exists for all firms performing any attest services, which include audits, reviews and all
compilations. See KRS 325.301 http://www.lrc.ky.gov/Statutes/statute.aspx?id=47505 and 201KAR1:160 http://www.lrc.ky.gov/kar/201/001/160.pdf. Every firm that provides one or more of these services must enroll in
the peer review program and provide the Board with proof of enrollment.
The approved peer review program is being administered through the Illinois Society. The contact person is Paul Pierson (312) 517-7610 piersonp@icpas.org.
Peer reviews must be completed every three years. Following completion of your peer review, you are required to
submit a copy of your peer review report and acceptance letter to the Kentucky State Board of Accountancy.
Changes to Firm Licensing Information
The firm manager shall notify the Board on a
Firm Change Form (2024) of any change in the firm's address, ownership, CPA owners/partners who are admitted or leave the firm, etc. or closing of a firm within thirty days of the occurrence.
Firm License Renewals
Firm managers are responsible to insure the firm license is renewed through the
use of an online portal in July of even numbered years. The fee is $100, plus portal fees, if renewed on or before
August 1. If the firm license is not renewed by August 1 the license will expire and the firm shall immediately cease practicing. However the firm license may still be renewed online until September 1 of the renewal year, but the fee will increase to $200, plus portal fees. If not renewed by September 1 the firm must contact the Board office for reinstatement.