Handyman Business Permit Requirements in Huntington, 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 Huntington Finance Department — General Business License

   Huntington requires a General Business License for businesses operating within city limits. The Finance Department processes applications; a copy of the WV Business Registration Certificate is required. The license must be renewed annually (July 1-June 30) and displayed at your place of business. A Business & Occupation gross-receipts tax and a $5/week/employee City Service Fee apply separately.

   Official government source

   $20 flat annual fee, plus B&O gross-receipts tax and $5/week/employee City Service Fee·1–3 weeks

   $20 flat annual fee, plus B&O gross-receipts tax and $5/week/employee City Service Fee

   1–3 weeks

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

   Handyman tasks involving electrical, plumbing, HVAC or structural modifications require a permit from the City of Huntington Inspections & Permits Division. Cabell County's building permits cover new development and substantial improvements outside the municipalities, so work inside Huntington goes to the city. Handymen must not perform work reserved to a licensed contractor: once a job reaches $5,000 residential or $25,000 commercial in total labour and materials, a WV Contractor Licensing Board licence is required, and contractors registering with the city must supply that licence plus liability insurance naming the City as certificate holder.

   Official government source

   $20 application fee per building permit plus a permit fee from the city's published table, set by total project cost (labor and materials): $0 under $500, $20 at $500–$1,100, $50.50 at $5,000, $80.50 at $10,000, $140.50 at $20,000, $283 at $50,000, $433 at $100,000, then $2.50 more per additional $1,000·1–3 weeks

   $20 application fee per building permit plus a permit fee from the city's published table, set by total project cost (labor and materials): $0 under $500, $20 at $500–$1,100, $50.50 at $5,000, $80.50 at $10,000, $140.50 at $20,000, $283 at $50,000, $433 at $100,000, then $2.50 more per additional $1,000

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Huntington City Clerk
• West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board — Contractor License

Related Guides