Electrical Contractor Permit Requirements in Billings, MT

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. Montana — No Sales Tax

   Montana has no state or local sales tax. Businesses do not need a sales tax permit. However, businesses must register with the Montana Department of Revenue for applicable business taxes (e.g., withholding, corporate income tax if applicable).

   Official government source

   Free (business registration)·Immediate (online via TransAction Portal)

   Free (business registration)

   Immediate (online via TransAction Portal)

1. Montana State Electrical Board — Electrical Contractor License

   Electrical contracting businesses in Montana must hold an Electrical Contractor license from the Montana State Electrical Board. A Montana-licensed Journeyman or Master electrician must be listed as the responsible electrician, and the business must show workers' compensation compliance and unemployment insurance coverage (or an independent contractor exemption). Individual electricians are licensed separately (exam required for journeyman/master).

   Official government source

   $210 application fee ($300 for an Unlimited Electrical Contractor)·4–8 weeks

   $210 application fee ($300 for an Unlimited Electrical Contractor)

   4–8 weeks

2. City of Billings — Business License (Finance Department)

   Billings requires a business license for any business activity conducted within the city — including home-based businesses and businesses located outside city limits that do business in Billings. The license documents payment of the city's annual business tax and is administered by the Finance Department. It is valid for one year from the month of issuance and must be renewed annually; a separate license is required for each business type and each location.

   Official government source

   Varies by business classification (annual business-license tax; some categories add employee-count and health fees). The city does not publish its Business Tax Fee Schedule online — contact City of Billings Finance, 406-657-8433, for current amounts.·1–3 weeks

   Varies by business classification (annual business-license tax; some categories add employee-count and health fees). The city does not publish its Business Tax Fee Schedule online — contact City of Billings Finance, 406-657-8433, for current amounts.

   1–3 weeks

3. Yellowstone County / Billings Electrical Permit (per project)

   An electrical permit must be obtained from the local building department for each electrical project. A final inspection is required upon completion.

   Official government source

   Fees are project- and valuation-based per the City of Billings Building Division fee schedule; contact the Building Division (406-657-8270 area) or see the permit forms page for current amounts·1–5 business days

   Fees are project- and valuation-based per the City of Billings Building Division fee schedule; contact the Building Division (406-657-8270 area) or see the permit forms page for current amounts

   1–5 business days

Official Sources

• Montana State Electrical Board — Electrical Contractor License
• City of Billings City Clerk

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