Handyman Business 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)

2. Montana Construction Contractor License (Dept. of Labor & Industry)

   Effective January 1, 2026, anyone engaging in business as a construction contractor in Montana must hold a construction contractor license from the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (MCA 37-45-201, enacted by Ch. 644, L. 2025 — replacing the former contractor registration under Title 39, ch. 9). The application requires proof of compliance with workers' compensation laws. Casual/minor jobs under $2,500 aggregate (labor and materials) are exempt (MCA 37-45-104(8)). Handymen doing larger jobs need the license.

   Official government source

   License application fee set by the department (see the DLI construction contractor pages for the current amount; the former registration fee was $70 per 2-year cycle)·2–4 weeks

   License application fee set by the department (see the DLI construction contractor pages for the current amount; the former registration fee was $70 per 2-year cycle)

   2–4 weeks

1. 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

2. Yellowstone County Building Permit (for regulated work)

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

   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·1–3 weeks

   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

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Billings City Clerk
• Montana Contractor Registration Board — Contractor Registration

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