Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Missoula, 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 Missoula — Business License (Community Planning, Development & Innovation)

   Most businesses operating in Missoula must obtain a city business license through the Community Planning, Development & Innovation (CPDI) department, applied for via the city's online Permit and License Portal. State-licensed professionals (e.g., physicians, attorneys, real estate agents, insurance professionals, nail technicians) are exempt. General business licenses expire May 31 each year regardless of issue date and must be renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $60 per full-time-equivalent employee for a commercial location (minimum $240) or $40/FTE home-based (minimum $160); renewal $27/FTE (minimum $108) — CY2026 fee schedule, Resolution 8887·1–3 weeks

   $60 per full-time-equivalent employee for a commercial location (minimum $240) or $40/FTE home-based (minimum $160); renewal $27/FTE (minimum $108) — CY2026 fee schedule, Resolution 8887

   1–3 weeks

2. Missoula County Building Permit (for regulated work)

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

   Official government source

   Permit fees are valuation-based; use the city's Estimate Permit Fees tool (ci.missoula.mt.us/2966) or contact the Building Division·1–3 weeks

   Permit fees are valuation-based; use the city's Estimate Permit Fees tool (ci.missoula.mt.us/2966) or contact the Building Division

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

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

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