Question

[Iceman]

Does a person need a business license to do services? Ex mowing, snow removal, sewer jobs. Business would have a name. Thanks

 

[KDM]

No!! If you plan to claim any tax stuff, earn over a certain amount ( I forget how much), or create a long term business then yes.

 

[tikkalover]

Don't forget liability insurance.

 

[Achucker]

Contact the Secretary of states office to find out whay you need

 

[eyexer]

as long as you don't operate under a name other than your birth name you don't need one. you won't need a contractors license if your jobs are under $2500.

 

[Iceman]

So ex. John Smith mowing service?

 

[espringers]

I don't think there is any requirement they you get one unless your specific profession requires it. I could be wrong though. From a liability perspective, it's wise to just file LLC articles of incorporation with the SOS though. It's only 1 or 2 pages and cheap.

 

[BRK]

There is no requirement but you can file paperwork with the secretary of state to reserve a trade name in the state.

 

[BrokenBackJack]

I thought if a job was over $4,000 you would need a license but you guys know me and my memory so i very well could be wrong again.

 

[espringers]

i am not sure what the question is i guess. i am 99% certain you don't have to register with the SOS unless you choose to form an LLC or register a trade name. i know plenty of people who run businesses and have never done either. however, i guess that doesn't mean it isn't required and nobody cares.

on the other hand, plenty of municipalities require you to get a business license for various reasons. however, i think its only for certain types of businesses and its dependent on the town. i can tell you this... have no business license in my town for any of the 3 "businesses" i operate and nobody has ever said a thing. however, i do have an LLC and trade name registered with the SOS for each. but, that wasn't always the case. again... nobody ever said a thing.

one caveat would be if you have employees or are likely to have to issue 1099s to anyone. then i think you would want an Employee Identification Number. that requires registering with the state and the feds.

 

[johnr]

You are going to want to get a general liability insurance policy. When something goes wrong it's the best money you ever spent.

 

[BRK]

You are going to want to get a general liability insurance policy. When something goes wrong it's the best money you ever spent.

If you are doing big projects absolutely. It only takes one unhappy customer to ruin your business financially.

 

[BrokenBackJack]

You are going to want to get a general liability insurance policy. When something goes wrong it's the best money you ever spent.

Absolutely this ^^^^^^ :;:thumbsup Way to think of this JR but in your business you would!
Always someone out there that wants to sue.