Nail Salon 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 Nail Technician License (per technician)

   Each nail technician must hold a valid Wisconsin Manicurist License from DSPS. It requires completion of a nail technology program of at least 300 training hours and passing a state board exam. Manicuring Establishments and Manicuring Schools are separately credentialed.

   Official government source

   $11 Manicurist credential fee, renewing 3/31 of odd-numbered years ($36 with late fee) - DSPS Renewal Dates and Fees.·Not published by DSPS - initial applications are filed at license.wi.gov.

   $11 Manicurist credential fee, renewing 3/31 of odd-numbered years ($36 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. Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services - Manicuring Establishment License

   Nail salons in Wisconsin are licensed by DSPS as a Manicuring Establishment - a distinct category from the general Cosmetology Establishment license, which covers a full-service salon. An inspection is required before the license is issued, and the credential renews biennially on March 31 of odd-numbered years. Each nail technician also holds an individual Manicurist credential.

   Official government source

   $11 Manicuring Establishment credential fee, renewing biennially on 3/31 of odd-numbered years ($36 with late fee). A Cosmetology Establishment license, if the salon offers full cosmetology services, is also $11 on the same cycle - DSPS Renewal Dates and Fees.·Not published by DSPS - initial applications are filed at license.wi.gov.

   $11 Manicuring Establishment credential fee, renewing biennially on 3/31 of odd-numbered years ($36 with late fee). A Cosmetology Establishment license, if the salon offers full cosmetology services, is also $11 on the same cycle - DSPS Renewal Dates and Fees.

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

2. 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.

Official Sources

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

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