Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a handyman business in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.

Verified 2026-08-31 3 stops $100–$700 est. 1–4 weeks (for small-job exemption path); 4–8 weeks if state license is needed
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Georgia

1 stop

  1. Georgia Residential-Basic Contractor License (for projects over $2,500)

    Georgia offers a handyman exemption allowing unlicensed work for residential repair and maintenance projects under $2,500 (total contract value including labor and materials). For any residential project exceeding $2,500, a Residential-Basic Contractor license from the Georgia State Licensing Board is required. The license requires: 2 years of hands-on experience in the field, proof of general liability insurance (minimum $300,000), proof of workers' compensation insurance if you have employees, and passing a written examination. License fee is $200 (initial) plus exam fees.

    Official government source

    $200–$400 (license + exam fees)4–8 weeks

City of Atlanta / Fulton County

1 stop

  1. Atlanta Business License (Business Occupation Tax Certificate)

    All businesses operating in Atlanta must obtain a Business License / Occupation Tax Certificate from the City of Atlanta Department of Finance. This applies to home-based handyman businesses as well. The fee is based on the number of employees and gross revenue.

    Official government source

    For tax year 2026: $191 annual registration fee + $50 flat tax + $25 per employee (first employee exempt) + a gross-receipts tax of (gross receipts - $10,000) / $1,000 x the NAICS tax-class rate. The registration fee was $75 for tax year 2025 and prior. Source: Atlanta Municipal Code Sec. 30-62 / Office of Revenue fee page.1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $100–$700 · 1–4 weeks (for small-job exemption path); 4–8 weeks if state license is needed

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Official Sources

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