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NAICS 2022 sector USA Verified: Census NAICS 2022 · 2023-03-17
52

NAICS 52 — Finance and Insurance

Finance and Insurance

NAICS 52 is the sector code for finance and insurance establishments in the United States. It forms part of the hierarchical North American Industry Classification System maintained by the Census Bureau.

Official data

Feature Description
Official name North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 2022
Issuing authority U.S. Census Bureau with OMB, Statistics Canada, and INEGI
Tax authority Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Purpose Statistical business classification and federal contracting (SAM.gov, SBA standards)
Used in SAM.gov registration, SBA size determinations, IRS tax classification, SEC EDGAR (via SIC crosswalk)
Active since 2022 (current edition)
Hierarchy level Sector (2-digit)
Source https://www.census.gov/naics/

When do you need NAICS 52?

1 Registering on SAM.gov for federal contracting — enter NAICS 52 as your primary industry code.
2 Checking whether the SBA size standard for finance and insurance applies to your business for set-aside contracts or loans.
3 Classifying your main line of business when applying for grants, contracts, loans, or market research surveys.
4 Comparing this code against legacy NAICS 2017 records or related SIC codes for historical data alignment.

NAICS hierarchy path

Trace the classification from the broadest sector down to this national industry code.

Cross-references & crosswalks

How to register a finance and insurance business in the US

1
Verify NAICS classification

Confirm that Finance and Insurance accurately describes your financial services activity.

2
Register with federal regulator

SEC registration for investment advisers, FINRA for broker-dealers, OCC for national banks.

3
Apply for state-level license

Most financial activities require state securities or banking division licensing in addition to federal registration.

4
Implement AML/KYC compliance program

Anti-money laundering and know-your-customer protocols per Bank Secrecy Act requirements.

5
File FinCEN BOI report

Beneficial Ownership Information for most LLCs and corporations under the Corporate Transparency Act.

US Tax Forms & Registration

Form NameWho Files ItFrequency
Profit or Loss from Business
U.S. Return of Partnership Income
U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return
U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation
Self-Employment Tax
Estimated Tax for Individuals
Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Entity Classification Election
Nonemployee Compensation
Employer's Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return
Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return
Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification

Entity Comparison

$

No federal sales tax in the United States. Sales tax is imposed at state and local levels, ranging from 0% to 10.25%. Economic nexus thresholds (following South Dakota v. Wayfair) require out-of-state sellers to collect sales tax once they exceed a state's revenue or transaction threshold, typically $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions per year.

No state income tax: Alaska (AK), Florida (FL), Nevada (NV), New Hampshire (NH), South Dakota (SD), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Washington (WA), Wyoming (WY)

Who uses this code?

Credit Repair Service

Helps consumers dispute inaccurate credit report items and improve credit scores under FCRA guidelines.

Licenses
  • State credit service organization registration
  • Surety bond (state-dependent)
  • CROA compliance
Tax Forms
  • Schedule C (Form 1040)
  • Schedule SE (Form 1040)
Independent Financial Advisor

Provides fee-based or commission-based financial planning, portfolio management, and retirement advice.

Licenses
  • Series 65 or Series 66
  • State investment adviser registration
  • E&O insurance
Tax Forms
  • Schedule C or 1120-S
  • Schedule SE
  • State franchise tax (if entity)
Insurance Agency Owner

Runs an independent agency selling property, casualty, life, and health insurance policies.

Licenses
  • State insurance producer license
  • Agency license
  • Carrier appointments
  • E&O insurance
Tax Forms
  • Schedule C or 1120-S
  • Form 1099-NEC (agent commissions)
  • State premium tax
Tax Preparation Service

Prepares individual and small business tax returns seasonally or year-round.

Licenses
  • PTIN (IRS Preparer Tax ID)
  • EFIN (for e-filing)
  • State preparer registration
Tax Forms
  • Schedule C (Form 1040)
  • Schedule SE (Form 1040)
  • Form 1040-ES

Who is this code for

Occupations and roles commonly associated with this classification

Also relevant for

Source: O*NET / BLS occupation data · O*NET 30.2 / BLS SOC

Child codes (5)

Frequently asked questions

What is NAICS 52?
NAICS 52 is the North American Industry Classification System code for Finance and Insurance. It classifies this business activity for statistical, regulatory, and government procurement purposes. Federal agencies use NAICS codes to collect and publish data about the US economy, determine SBA size standards, and set aside contracts for small businesses.
What licenses and permits does a Finance and Insurance need?
A Finance and Insurance typically needs a local business license, a federal EIN from the IRS, and industry-specific permits depending on the sector. Check with your city or county clerk for a general business license, your state's professional or industry licensing board for any required occupational licenses, and your state's tax authority for a sales tax permit if you sell taxable goods or services.
How do I register a Finance and Insurance business in the United States?
To register a Finance and Insurance business, first choose your legal structure: sole proprietorship (simplest, uses SSN), LLC (personal liability protection, files with your Secretary of State), or corporation (Form 1120 or 1120-S). Register your business name (DBA) with your county if operating under a trade name. Obtain an EIN from the IRS at irs.gov/ein. Register with your state revenue department for any applicable taxes.
What tax forms does a Finance and Insurance file with the IRS?
Tax forms depend on your entity type. A sole proprietor files Schedule C with Form 1040 and Schedule SE for self-employment tax (15.3%). An LLC taxed as a partnership files Form 1065 with Schedule K-1s. A C-Corporation files Form 1120 (21% flat rate). An S-Corporation files Form 1120-S. All businesses paying employees file Form 940 (FUTA) annually and Form 941 quarterly. Estimated tax payments are made via Form 1040-ES four times per year.
Is Finance and Insurance the right NAICS code for my business?
Your NAICS code should reflect your primary business activity — the one generating the most revenue or value. If Finance and Insurance describes your main line of business, NAICS 52 is likely correct. If you have multiple distinct activities, you may need separate codes for statistical reporting. For federal contracting, your SAM.gov registration should use the code that best matches the work you perform. Review the official NAICS 52 description and exclusions to confirm it fits your operations.
How does a Finance and Insurance register as a tax return preparer with the IRS?
Anyone preparing federal tax returns for compensation must obtain a PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) from the IRS, renewed annually. To e-file returns, you must apply for an EFIN (Electronic Filing Identification Number) and pass a suitability check (tax compliance, criminal background, credit check). CPAs, attorneys, and Enrolled Agents have unlimited representation rights before the IRS. Non-credentialed preparers are limited under IRS Circular 230.
What FINRA or SEC registration does a Finance and Insurance need?
Investment advisers managing under $100 million in assets register with the state securities regulator; those over $100 million register with the SEC via Form ADV through the IARD system. Broker-dealers must register with FINRA and the SEC via Form BD. Registered representatives must pass qualifying FINRA exams (Series 6, 7, etc.). All registrations require a CRD (Central Registration Depository) number and ongoing compliance with recordkeeping and supervision rules.
Does a Finance and Insurance need an NMLS license?
Mortgage loan originators and mortgage companies must hold an NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System) license through their state regulatory agency. Requirements include 20 hours of pre-licensure education (plus additional state-specific hours), passing the SAFE MLO exam, a background check with fingerprints, credit report authorization, and annual continuing education of 8 hours. The NMLS ID is a unique number that follows the originator across employers.
What anti-money laundering (AML) requirements apply to a Finance and Insurance?
Under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), financial institutions including money services businesses (MSBs), broker-dealers, casinos, and investment companies must implement a written AML compliance program with five pillars: internal controls, a designated BSA compliance officer, ongoing employee training, independent testing, and customer due diligence (CDD). MSBs must register with FinCEN within 180 days of starting. CTR (Currency Transaction Report) for cash transactions over $10,000; SAR (Suspicious Activity Report) within 30 days of detection.

Official resources

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