Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Greenville, SC

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. South Carolina Department of Revenue — Retail License

   Every person who engages in business in South Carolina as a retailer must obtain a Retail License from the SC Department of Revenue before making any retail sales subject to sales and use tax, including internet sales and infrequent sales. A separate licence is required for each retail outlet. The licence does not have to be renewed while the same taxpayer keeps operating at the same location, but a new application is required after a change of ownership or after 24 months with no sales.

   Official government source

   $50 per location, non-refundable, and it is a one-time fee rather than an annual charge (S.C. Code Section 12-36-510(A)(1)). The statewide sales and use tax rate is 6%; SCDOR states counties may impose an additional 1% local sales tax where voters approve it, and the applicable local rates are published in forms ST-500 and ST-575.·Not published by SCDOR. Applying through MyDORWAY is the fastest route — confirm current issuance time when you apply.

   $50 per location, non-refundable, and it is a one-time fee rather than an annual charge (S.C. Code Section 12-36-510(A)(1)). The statewide sales and use tax rate is 6%; SCDOR states counties may impose an additional 1% local sales tax where voters approve it, and the applicable local rates are published in forms ST-500 and ST-575.

   Not published by SCDOR. Applying through MyDORWAY is the fastest route — confirm current issuance time when you apply.

2. South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board — General Contractor License

   General contractors performing work with a total construction cost over $10,000 in South Carolina must be licensed by the SC Contractor's Licensing Board at LLR (S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 11, threshold raised from $5,000 effective 19 May 2023). Licensure requires passing a trade examination and a business and law examination, and the license group determines the financial statement and surety requirements.

   Official government source

   $350 initial General and Mechanical Contractor license fee, per LLR's published Contractor's Licensing Board fee schedule. Biennial renewal is $135 if paid by 31 October, with late fees of $100 to $200 added after that. Reinstatement is $350.·Not published by the board. Timing depends on exam scheduling and on review of the required financial statement — confirm current processing time with the Contractor's Licensing Board.

   $350 initial General and Mechanical Contractor license fee, per LLR's published Contractor's Licensing Board fee schedule. Biennial renewal is $135 if paid by 31 October, with late fees of $100 to $200 added after that. Reinstatement is $350.

   Not published by the board. Timing depends on exam scheduling and on review of the required financial statement — confirm current processing time with the Contractor's Licensing Board.

1. City of Greenville Business License

   All businesses conducting business within the City of Greenville must hold a business license, issued by the city's Business License & Revenue Center (Finance Department). The license is renewed annually and must be displayed at the place of business.

   Official government source

   Calculated from gross receipts (projected for a new business) using the city's NAICS rate-class schedule — see the Business License Calculators on the city site. There is no flat annual amount.·Not published by the city. Apply to the Business License & Revenue Center before beginning business and confirm current processing time with that office.

   Calculated from gross receipts (projected for a new business) using the city's NAICS rate-class schedule — see the Business License Calculators on the city site. There is no flat annual amount.

   Not published by the city. Apply to the Business License & Revenue Center before beginning business and confirm current processing time with that office.

2. City of Greenville — Building/Trade Permit (for regulated work)

   Handyman tasks that include electrical, plumbing, gas, mechanical, or structural work require permits from the City of Greenville Building & Permit Center; the city's "Do You Need A Permit?" page lists Building, Electrical, Gas, Mechanical, and Plumbing categories. Greenville County handles permitting only outside city limits. Handymen must not perform work reserved to licensed contractors.

   Official government source

   Permit fees are set by the city's adopted fee schedule and vary with project valuation and scope; the city publishes no flat per-project amount·Not published by the city — confirm current review/inspection turnaround with the Building & Permit Center

   Permit fees are set by the city's adopted fee schedule and vary with project valuation and scope; the city publishes no flat per-project amount

   Not published by the city — confirm current review/inspection turnaround with the Building & Permit Center

Official Sources

• City of Greenville Business License Division
• South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board — General Contractor License

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