Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Charleston, WV

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. West Virginia State Tax Department — Business Registration

   Before engaging in business activity in West Virginia every individual or business entity must obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the WV Tax Division (WV Code §11-12-1 et seq.), applied for through the Business for West Virginia portal at business4.wv.gov or on form BUS-APP. A separate certificate is needed for each business name and each location. The certificate is permanent — it does not expire — until the legal name, location or ownership changes, and it must be surrendered when the business stops operating in West Virginia. It also authorises you to collect the 6% state sales tax plus any municipal sales tax of up to 1%.

   Official government source

   $30 one-time Business Registration Certificate fee, per business name and location·1–5 business days when filed online through the Business for West Virginia portal (business4.wv.gov); longer by paper BUS-APP

   $30 one-time Business Registration Certificate fee, per business name and location

   1–5 business days when filed online through the Business for West Virginia portal (business4.wv.gov); longer by paper BUS-APP

2. West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board — Contractor License

   Handymen and contractors performing work in West Virginia must be licensed by the independent West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board (WV Code §30-42, in effect since 2023) once a job reaches $5,000 residential or $25,000 commercial in total labour and materials; below those thresholds only a WV Business Registration Certificate is needed. Licensing requires passing the Pro V trade and business/law exams, a WV Business Registration Tax Number, Secretary of State registration where applicable, workers' compensation and unemployment coverage, general liability insurance and a wage bond status affidavit. Local building permits are still required for each project.

   Official government source

   $90 application/annual license fee (statutory cap $150; no more than $20 for holders of a State Fire Marshal electrician license); $25 late fee if renewed more than 15 days after expiration·4–8 weeks

   $90 application/annual license fee (statutory cap $150; no more than $20 for holders of a State Fire Marshal electrician license); $25 late fee if renewed more than 15 days after expiration

   4–8 weeks

1. City of Charleston Office of the City Collector — Business Registration / General Business License

   Charleston requires businesses within city limits to register with the Office of the City Collector and obtain a General Business License (flat $20 fee), plus pay the city's Business & Occupation (B&O) privilege tax on gross receipts (rate varies by classification) and a City Service Fee of $3/week per employee working within city limits. Renewed annually and displayed at the place of business.

   Official government source

   $20 flat General Business License fee, plus B&O gross-receipts tax and $3/week per employee City Service Fee·1–3 weeks

   $20 flat General Business License fee, plus B&O gross-receipts tax and $3/week per employee City Service Fee

   1–3 weeks

2. City of Charleston Building Permit (for regulated work)

   Handyman tasks that involve electrical, plumbing, HVAC or structural work require a permit from the City of Charleston Building Department, 915 Quarrier St Suite 5 — Kanawha County has no separate building department inside the city. The department issues permits for new construction, remodelling, additions, repairs, roofs, siding, windows, fences, decks, driveways, signs, plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Handymen must not perform work reserved to a licensed contractor: once a job reaches $5,000 residential or $25,000 commercial, a WV Contractor Licensing Board licence is required. All required inspections, including the final, must be obtained.

   Official government source

   Assessed from the city's Schedule of Permit Fees by total job cost, and waived entirely for construction totalling up to $2,500; a Contract Certification is required above $10,000. Starting work without a permit costs a minimum $100 or twice the normal fee, whichever is greater. Permit office (304) 348-6833.·1–3 weeks

   Assessed from the city's Schedule of Permit Fees by total job cost, and waived entirely for construction totalling up to $2,500; a Contract Certification is required above $10,000. Starting work without a permit costs a minimum $100 or twice the normal fee, whichever is greater. Permit office (304) 348-6833.

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Charleston Business License Division
• West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board — Contractor License

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