Massage Therapy Permit Requirements in Madison, WI

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. Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services - Massage Therapist License

   Massage therapists in Wisconsin must be licensed by DSPS. You must complete an approved massage therapy program (documented on DSPS Curriculum Form #2962) and pass an approved, nationally administered entry-level competency examination - the MBLEx or NCBTMB certification both qualify; the MBLEx is not uniquely required.

   Official government source

   $75 Massage Therapist or Bodywork Therapist credential fee, renewing biennially on 2/28 of odd-numbered years ($100 with late fee) - DSPS Renewal Dates and Fees.·Not published by DSPS - initial applications are filed at license.wi.gov.

   $75 Massage Therapist or Bodywork Therapist credential fee, renewing biennially on 2/28 of odd-numbered years ($100 with late fee) - DSPS Renewal Dates and Fees.

   Not published by DSPS - initial applications are filed at license.wi.gov.

2. Wisconsin Department of Revenue - Seller's Permit

   Required of every individual, partnership, corporation or other organization with a Wisconsin sales location making retail sales of taxable products or taxable services, with limited exceptions for wholesalers, manufacturers and certain marketplace sellers. The permit is issued through Business Tax Registration, which also covers withholding and use tax accounts. Rates: 5% state; seventy counties add 0.5%; Milwaukee County is 0.9% and the City of Milwaukee adds 2%, both effective January 1, 2024, so the rate inside Milwaukee is 7.9% - the only Wisconsin city with a municipal sales tax.

   Official government source

   $20 one-time Business Tax Registration fee, then $10 to renew every two years - it is not free. The $20 is the same regardless of how many locations need a seller's permit. DOR can additionally require a security deposit of up to $15,000 in some cases, returned after 24 consecutive months of compliance.·Register online through My Tax Account. DOR does not publish a guaranteed processing time - contact [email protected] or 608-266-2776 to check status.

   $20 one-time Business Tax Registration fee, then $10 to renew every two years - it is not free. The $20 is the same regardless of how many locations need a seller's permit. DOR can additionally require a security deposit of up to $15,000 in some cases, returned after 24 consecutive months of compliance.

   Register online through My Tax Account. DOR does not publish a guaranteed processing time - contact [email protected] or 608-266-2776 to check status.

1. City of Madison - No General Business License

   The City of Madison does not have a general/generic business license. Per the city's own guidance: "The City of Madison does not have a generic business license. Most licenses issued by the Clerk's Office are for things that need to be inspected" (e.g. restaurants, pools, hotels). There is no general or blanket business license and no annual renewal or display requirement for most business types. The Clerk's Office licenses only specific regulated activities - alcohol, tobacco and vaping, adult entertainment, secondhand dealers, transportation and tattooing among them. A Certificate of Occupancy from the Building Inspection Division is still required for a commercial space.

   Official government source

   $0 - Madison has no general or blanket business license. Fees apply only to the specific regulated activities the Clerk's Office licenses. If you are taking a commercial space, the Certificate of Occupancy is $10.00 first certificate, $150.00 each additional, or $75.00 for a zoning change of use or occupancy (City of Madison Building Inspection fee schedule).·Not applicable - there is no general city license to apply for.

   $0 - Madison has no general or blanket business license. Fees apply only to the specific regulated activities the Clerk's Office licenses. If you are taking a commercial space, the Certificate of Occupancy is $10.00 first certificate, $150.00 each additional, or $75.00 for a zoning change of use or occupancy (City of Madison Building Inspection fee schedule).

   Not applicable - there is no general city license to apply for.

2. Zoning / Certificate of Occupancy

   A Certificate of Occupancy is required for any commercial space used as a massage therapy practice, issued by the City of Madison Building Inspection Division. Confirm with the Department of Planning, Community and Economic Development that the location is zoned for personal service businesses before you sign a lease; the Zoning counter answers at (608) 266-4551 ext. 3.

   Official government source

   Certificate of Occupancy: $10.00 first certificate, $150.00 each additional; $75.00 per certificate for a zoning change of use or occupancy. Zoning review is $0.03 per sq ft, $25.00 minimum, and any buildout is charged separately at $11.00 per $1,000 of value, $25.00 minimum (City of Madison Building Inspection fee schedule).·Not published - confirm current plan review and inspection lead times with the City of Madison Development Services Center.

   Certificate of Occupancy: $10.00 first certificate, $150.00 each additional; $75.00 per certificate for a zoning change of use or occupancy. Zoning review is $0.03 per sq ft, $25.00 minimum, and any buildout is charged separately at $11.00 per $1,000 of value, $25.00 minimum (City of Madison Building Inspection fee schedule).

   Not published - confirm current plan review and inspection lead times with the City of Madison Development Services Center.

Official Sources

• Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services — Massage Therapist License
• City of Madison Department of Planning and Community and Economic Development

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