Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Paterson, NJ

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. New Jersey Division of Taxation — Sales Tax Certificate of Authority

   Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in New Jersey. New Jersey charges a 6.625% state sales tax. Most services are exempt; retail product sales and certain services are taxable. Register free online via the State of New Jersey Business Registration portal.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate to 3 business days (online)

   Free

   Immediate to 3 business days (online)

2. New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Home Improvement Contractor Registration

   All contractors performing home improvement work in New Jersey (repairs, renovations, installations) must register with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs as a Home Improvement Contractor. Must carry general liability and workers' comp insurance.

   Official government source

   $110 (initial registration)·2–4 weeks

   $110 (initial registration)

   2–4 weeks

1. City of Paterson Health & Human Services — Mercantile License

   Paterson city ordinance requires businesses operating in the city to register and obtain a Mercantile License, administered by the Mercantile Licensing division of the Department of Health & Human Services. A mercantile inspector visits the business as part of the process, which the city describes as a consumer-protection function that also provides technical assistance to businesses. Note that Paterson has no 'Department of Business Administration' — the city's departments are Administration, Community Development, Economic Development, Finance, Health & Human Services, Legal, Municipal Court, Public Safety and Public Works. Businesses in regulated industries need additional permits from the relevant division, such as retail food licensing from the Division of Health or construction permits from UCC Construction/Buildings.

   Official government source

   Paterson does not publish a Mercantile License fee schedule online; the fee is set by city ordinance and varies with the type of business. Contact Mercantile Licensing through City Hall at 973-321-1600 for the amount that applies to you.·Paterson's permitting and licensing system is being moved online. Apply through Mercantile Licensing and allow time for the mercantile inspection before you open.

   Paterson does not publish a Mercantile License fee schedule online; the fee is set by city ordinance and varies with the type of business. Contact Mercantile Licensing through City Hall at 973-321-1600 for the amount that applies to you.

   Paterson's permitting and licensing system is being moved online. Apply through Mercantile Licensing and allow time for the mercantile inspection before you open.

2. City of Paterson UCC Construction/Buildings — Construction Permit (for regulated work)

   Certain handyman tasks — electrical, plumbing, HVAC work, or structural modifications — require a construction permit pulled from the City of Paterson's UCC Construction/Buildings division at 111 Broadway (973-321-1549). Under New Jersey's Uniform Construction Code this is strictly a municipal function, so Passaic County has no permitting role. Paterson's building, electrical, plumbing and fire inspectors are licensed by the NJ Department of Community Affairs and perform the required inspections and final approvals. Do not perform work reserved to a state-licensed trade — electrical contractor, master plumber, or Master HVACR contractor — unless you hold that license yourself.

   Official government source

   Fees vary with the type of permit, the cost of construction, and the size of the addition or alteration; the Construction Official quotes the amount per project (City of Paterson Business Handbook).·3–20 days from filing, depending on how much plan review the work requires (City of Paterson Business Handbook).

   Fees vary with the type of permit, the cost of construction, and the size of the addition or alteration; the Construction Official quotes the amount per project (City of Paterson Business Handbook).

   3–20 days from filing, depending on how much plan review the work requires (City of Paterson Business Handbook).

Official Sources

• City of Paterson Department of Business Administration
• New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — Home Improvement Contractor Registration

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