Landscaping Business Permit Requirements in Hartford, CT

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Connecticut Department of Revenue Services — Sales Tax Permit

   Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Connecticut. Connecticut charges a 6.35% state sales tax and taxes certain services (broader base than many states). Register with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services via myconneCT; a $100 registration fee applies.

   Official government source

   $100 (registration fee)·Immediate (online via myconneCT)

   $100 (registration fee)

   Immediate (online via myconneCT)

2. Connecticut Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification (CT DEEP)

   Applying pesticides or herbicides commercially as part of landscaping services in Connecticut requires certification from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection - not the Department of Agriculture. Applicators certify by category after passing DEEP's exam; a commercial supervisory certification is what lets a business direct pesticide use, while operators work under a supervisor. Certification is renewed every five years.

   Official government source

   $200 exam fee payable to DEEP plus a $29 proctoring fee for online testing; $80 renewal every five years·After paying the proctoring fee you have 60 days to sit the exam; scores are entered and the certificate emailed within 4-10 days of the exam

   $200 exam fee payable to DEEP plus a $29 proctoring fee for online testing; $80 renewal every five years

   After paying the proctoring fee you have 60 days to sit the exam; scores are entered and the certificate emailed within 4-10 days of the exam

1. No general Hartford business license (category-specific licenses only)

   Hartford does not require a general business license. The Licenses & Inspections Division licenses only specific regulated categories - food establishments, mobile vendors, laundromats, amusement devices, parking lots and similar activities. Service businesses such as plumbing, salons, tutoring, pet sitting or photography are not licensed by the city, though they may need a state license, zoning approval, or a certificate of occupancy for commercial space.

   Official government source

   No fee - Hartford issues no general business license·Not applicable

   No fee - Hartford issues no general business license

   Not applicable

2. Connecticut Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) Registration - CT DCP

   Routine landscape maintenance - mowing, pruning, cleanups - does not require registration in Connecticut. Landscaping that makes a permanent change to a residential property, such as installing irrigation or hardscaping, requires the contractor to register as a Home Improvement Contractor with the Department of Consumer Protection; the registration does not apply to commercial property. Registration requires general liability insurance of at least $20,000. There is no Hartford County contractor registration - Connecticut has no county government.

   Official government source

   $220 initial registration; $220 annual renewal·All registrations expire on March 31 regardless of when they are issued

   $220 initial registration; $220 annual renewal

   All registrations expire on March 31 regardless of when they are issued

Official Sources

• City of Hartford Licenses and Inspections Division
• Connecticut Department of Revenue Services — Sales Tax Permit

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