Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Salt Lake City, UT

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. Utah State Tax Commission — Sales Tax License

   Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Utah. Utah charges a 4.85% state sales tax; local jurisdictions add additional taxes bringing totals to 6–9%. Register with the Utah State Tax Commission online.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

   Free

   Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

2. Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing — Contractor License

   Handymen performing construction work valued at $7,000 or more (labor and materials, per project) must hold a Utah contractor license from the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) (Utah Code 58-55-305). Work under $7,000 is exempt from contractor licensure, but electrical and plumbing system work must still be done by licensed electrical or plumbing tradespeople regardless of project value. Licensure requires a DOPL-approved 25-30 hour pre-licensure course, applicable exams, general liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage.

   Official government source

   Approximately $226 application fee, plus pre-licensure course and exam costs; verify current fee with DOPL·4–8 weeks

   Approximately $226 application fee, plus pre-licensure course and exam costs; verify current fee with DOPL

   4–8 weeks

1. Salt Lake City Business License Division — Business License

   Salt Lake City requires a business license for businesses operating within city limits (SLC Code Title 5). Apply through the Business Licensing Division; licenses renew annually and must be displayed. Exception: under Utah Code 10-1-203.5, a no-impact home-based business (one whose combined off-site impact does not materially exceed that of the residence alone) cannot be required to obtain a city license or pay a license fee.

   Official government source

   Base license fee plus per-employee/regulatory fees per the Salt Lake City Consolidated Fee Schedule (fees are not published as a flat range; confirm current amounts at slc.gov or 801-535-6644)·1–3 weeks

   Base license fee plus per-employee/regulatory fees per the Salt Lake City Consolidated Fee Schedule (fees are not published as a flat range; confirm current amounts at slc.gov or 801-535-6644)

   1–3 weeks

2. Salt Lake City Building Permit (for regulated work)

   Certain handyman tasks - electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or structural work - require permits from Salt Lake City Building Services and must generally be performed by (or under) appropriately licensed contractors. Note Utah's handyman exemption: minor non-structural work under the state threshold may be done without a contractor license (DOPL handyman exemption registration is $45), but permit-triggering trades still require licensure.

   Official government source

   Varies by project valuation - per the SLC Consolidated Fee Schedule·1–3 weeks

   Varies by project valuation - per the SLC Consolidated Fee Schedule

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Salt Lake City Business License Division
• Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing — Contractor License

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