Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Louisville, KY

Complete permit and license guide for starting a handyman business in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky.

Updated 2026-03-15 5 stops $200–$800 est. 2–6 weeks to obtain all registrations
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Kentucky

2 stops

  1. Kentucky Department of Revenue — Sales and Use Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or certain services in Kentucky. Kentucky charges a flat 6% state sales tax with no local sales taxes (most transactions). Certain services including telecommunications, digital products, and some repair services are also taxable. Register online with the Kentucky Department of Revenue.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via Kentucky One Stop Business Portal)

  2. Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction — Contractor Registration

    Contractors performing residential construction in Kentucky must be registered with the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction. Commercial contractors may be subject to additional licensing requirements by local jurisdictions.

    Official government source

    $100–$250 (initial)2–4 weeks

City of Louisville / Jefferson County

2 stops

  1. Louisville Metro Revenue Commission — Business License

    Louisville (Louisville Metro / Jefferson County) requires an Occupational License for all businesses. The Revenue Commission processes license applications and collections. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks

  2. Jefferson County Building Permit (for regulated work)

    Certain handyman tasks — including electrical, plumbing, HVAC work, or structural modifications — require permits pulled from the Jefferson County or City of Louisville building department. Handymen should not perform licensed contractor work without the appropriate state license.

    Official government source

    $50–$500 per project depending on scope1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$800 · 2–6 weeks to obtain all registrations

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Official Sources

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