Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Austin, TX

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Free from the IRS — apply online and receive your EIN immediately upon approval; the IRS never charges for an EIN (avoid third-party sites that do). Federally required if you hire employees or operate as a corporation or partnership (including a multi-member LLC); a single-member LLC with no employees and no excise-tax liability may use the owner's SSN instead, though most banks ask for an EIN to open a business bank account.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Texas — No State Handyman License Required (Under Threshold)

   Texas does not require a state license for general handyman, repair, or maintenance work at any project size. However, electrical work requires a TDLR electrician license, plumbing requires a TSBPE (plumbing board) license, and HVAC requires a TDLR ACR contractor license, regardless of project size. Texas also has no state general contractor license; check local city/county permitting and registration requirements for larger renovation projects.

   Official government source

   N/A·N/A

   N/A

   N/A

2. Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit

   Handymen who sell materials as part of their work may need a Texas Sales Tax Permit. Labor for residential repair is generally not taxable in Texas, but selling materials is. Apply free through the Texas Comptroller.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. Austin Development Services - Contractor Registration (for permitted work)

   General and trade contractors must register with Austin Development Services' Building and Trade Contractor Services before beginning construction on work that requires a permit. A handyman performing only minor repairs and maintenance that do not require permits does not need city registration. Texas does not license general contractors or handymen at the state level; electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work must be done by state-licensed tradespeople.

   Official government source

   No registration fee published - confirm with Austin DSD·1–2 weeks

   No registration fee published - confirm with Austin DSD

   1–2 weeks

2. Travis County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

   Required if operating under a business name other than your legal personal name. Filed with the Travis County Clerk. Valid up to 10 years.

   Official government source

   $23 for one owner (plus $0.50 per additional owner; add $2 per acknowledgment if signed in the Clerk's office)·Same day to 1 week

   $23 for one owner (plus $0.50 per additional owner; add $2 per acknowledgment if signed in the Clerk's office)

   Same day to 1 week

Official Sources

• City of Austin — Development Services Department
• Travis County Clerk — DBA Filings
• Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
• Texas Comptroller — Sales Tax Permits

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