Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Bismarck, ND

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. North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner — Sales and Use Tax Permit

   Required for any business selling taxable goods or services in North Dakota. The state sales tax rate is 5% for most retail sales, and cities and counties may levy additional local sales and use taxes that vary by location — check the Tax Commissioner’s local tax rate listings for your address. Apply for the permit in ND TAP, the state’s Taxpayer Access Point.

   Official government source

   Free·Apply through ND TAP at least 30 days before you open for business, as the Tax Commissioner advises.

   Free

   Apply through ND TAP at least 30 days before you open for business, as the Tax Commissioner advises.

2. North Dakota Secretary of State — Contractor's License

   Anyone performing construction work in North Dakota on a job whose cost, value or price exceeds $4,000 must hold a Contractor’s License issued by the North Dakota Secretary of State under NDCC ch. 43-07. This is a state license, not a local one; classes are set by the maximum contract size. Local building permits are still required for individual jobs, and some cities (Fargo, Grand Forks) add their own trade licenses on top.

   Official government source

   Initial license by class: D (up to $100,000/job) $100, C (up to $300,000) $225, B (up to $500,000) $300, A (over $500,000) $450. Renewal, due by March 1 each year: $30, $45, $60 and $90 respectively.·2–4 weeks

   Initial license by class: D (up to $100,000/job) $100, C (up to $300,000) $225, B (up to $500,000) $300, A (over $500,000) $450. Renewal, due by March 1 each year: $30, $45, $60 and $90 respectively.

   2–4 weeks

1. No General Business License in Bismarck

   The City of Bismarck states plainly that it does not presently have a general business license. Certain occupations do require a license or permit specific to that use — building permits, food service, gaming, liquor sales, excavation and concrete work, taxi operations, and Fire Department permits among them — and the State of North Dakota licenses some occupations separately. Check whether your specific activity is regulated rather than assuming a general license applies. There is no City Clerk business license.

   Official government source

   No fee — Bismarck issues no general business license. Activity-specific permits carry their own fees.·Not applicable

   No fee — Bismarck issues no general business license. Activity-specific permits carry their own fees.

   Not applicable

2. City of Bismarck Building, Electrical, Plumbing or Mechanical Permit

   Handyman work involving electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or structural changes requires a permit from the City of Bismarck Community Development Department's Building Inspections Division; Burleigh County Building/Planning/Zoning permits work outside the city limits. Licensed-trade work must be performed by someone holding the appropriate state license.

   Official government source

   Electrical permits are a flat $25 and home occupation permits $25. Plumbing and mechanical permits are $40 for jobs up to $2,000, then $40 plus $1.65 per additional $1,000 of job cost. Commercial building permits start at $40 plus a 20% review fee.·1–3 weeks

   Electrical permits are a flat $25 and home occupation permits $25. Plumbing and mechanical permits are $40 for jobs up to $2,000, then $40 plus $1.65 per additional $1,000 of job cost. Commercial building permits start at $40 plus a 20% review fee.

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Bismarck City Clerk
• North Dakota Secretary of State — Contractor Registration

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