Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Great Falls, 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 Great Falls — Business License / Safety Inspection Certificate (Great Falls Fire Rescue)

   Great Falls requires a Business License (Safety Inspection Certificate) for each commercial business located within city limits, processed by Great Falls Fire Rescue under Title 5 of the City Code (406-727-8070). The fee is based on the square footage of the premises, and the process includes a fire/safety inspection. Home-based businesses instead obtain a Home Occupation Certificate, and businesses located outside city limits that work in the city need a Non-Resident Vendor Certificate. Renewals are due by the end of the calendar year.

   Official government source

   New issuance: $300 (up to 2,000 sq ft) to $895 (over 100,000 sq ft) by square-footage tier; renewal $80–$640/year (2025 fee schedule)·1–3 weeks

   New issuance: $300 (up to 2,000 sq ft) to $895 (over 100,000 sq ft) by square-footage tier; renewal $80–$640/year (2025 fee schedule)

   1–3 weeks

2. Cascade County Building Permit (for regulated work)

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

   Official government source

   Permit fees are project-based; contact Great Falls Planning & Community Development / Building (406-455-8430) for current amounts·1–3 weeks

   Permit fees are project-based; contact Great Falls Planning & Community Development / Building (406-455-8430) for current amounts

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Great Falls City Clerk
• Montana Contractor Registration Board — Contractor Registration

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