Landscaping Business Permit Requirements in Santa Fe, NM

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 Mexico Taxation and Revenue — Gross Receipts Tax Registration

   New Mexico levies a GROSS RECEIPTS TAX (GRT) rather than a conventional sales tax, and it applies to goods AND most services performed in New Mexico. Register (free) with the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department for a Business Tax Identification Number. The state GRT rate is 4.875% (since July 1, 2023); combined state + local rates range from about 5.125% to just over 9% depending on your location code — use the department's official rate map.

   Official government source

   Free (no registration fee)·Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

   Free (no registration fee)

   Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

2. New Mexico Pesticide Applicator License

   If you apply pesticides or herbicides as part of landscaping services in New Mexico, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License from the state department of agriculture.

   Official government source

   $100 commercial applicator license + exam fees ($20 NMDA-administered / $55 third-party)·2–4 weeks

   $100 commercial applicator license + exam fees ($20 NMDA-administered / $55 third-party)

   2–4 weeks

1. City of Santa Fe Planning and Land Use Department — Business License

   Santa Fe requires a business license for anyone conducting business within city limits, administered by the Business Licensing office of the city's Planning and Land Use Department. Applicants first register with the New Mexico Secretary of State (for entities) and obtain state gross receipts tax registration, then apply through the city's online self-service portal; a Certificate of Compliance inspection is part of issuance. Licenses are valid for one year and renewed annually.

   Official government source

   License fee plus a Certificate of Compliance inspection fee; amounts are invoiced by the city — confirm with Business Licensing (505-955-6551)·1–3 weeks

   License fee plus a Certificate of Compliance inspection fee; amounts are invoiced by the city — confirm with Business Licensing (505-955-6551)

   1–3 weeks

2. City of Santa Fe Business License (no local contractor registration)

   Neither the City of Santa Fe nor Santa Fe County requires a separate local contractor registration for landscaping businesses - contractor licensing in New Mexico is handled solely by the state Regulation and Licensing Department's Construction Industries Division. A landscaping business operating in Santa Fe needs the City of Santa Fe business license; landscaping that includes irrigation or sprinkler system installation may require a CID contractor license - confirm the classification with CID.

   Official government source

   $35/year city business license; CID contractor license (if required) is $30 application plus $100/year per classification·1–3 weeks

   $35/year city business license; CID contractor license (if required) is $30 application plus $100/year per classification

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Santa Fe City Clerk
• New Mexico Taxation and Revenue — Gross Receipts Tax Registration

Related Guides