Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Silver Spring, MD

Complete permit and license guide for starting a handyman business in Silver Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland.

Updated 2026-03-14 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 Maryland

2 stops

  1. Maryland Comptroller — Sales Tax Registration

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Maryland (6% state rate; Maryland has no local sales taxes). Retail product sales are taxable. Some services are also taxable — notably cleaning of a COMMERCIAL or industrial building (janitorial/commercial cleaning) under Md. Tax-General §11-101(m): commercial cleaning businesses must collect 6% on the service itself, while residential cleaning is not taxable. Sales of photographs (portrait/wedding) are taxable as tangible personal property. Registration with the Comptroller of Maryland is free.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via bFile)

  2. Maryland Home Improvement Commission — Home Improvement Contractor License

    Any contractor performing home improvement work in Maryland (including repairs, renovations, and installations in residential properties) must be licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC).

    Official government source

    $281.25 license fee per place of business (2-year term, effective Aug 1, 2024) + $100 Guaranty Fund assessment (original licensees)4–8 weeks

City of Silver Spring / Montgomery County

2 stops

  1. Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services — Business License

    Silver Spring is an unincorporated community in Montgomery County; permits are issued by Montgomery County. 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. Montgomery County Building Permit (for regulated work)

    Certain handyman tasks — including electrical, plumbing, HVAC work, or structural modifications — require permits pulled from the Montgomery County or City of Silver Spring 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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