When starting a handyman company in the state of Rhode Island you will need to complete a few important steps in order to become a legal business. You may want to start here: How To Start A Handyman Business. You must do your own thorough research, as laws change regularly. Here are some steps you may have to take (not necessarily in order) to start your handyman business, along with links to more information.
Getting started- Rhode Island has a few links about how to start a business here: http://sos.ri.gov/divisions/Business-Portal/Start-Or-Qualify-A-Business and https://www.ri.gov/SOS/quickstart/wizard/business_types/wizard/4d5de299d38b76b0a32a883e0e1dbf91ed0c5a39/822272d7cc25d537c7d8409f08c0a532c777db2e
-Register your handyman business name.
You can register your assumed name with your local government office. Find out more about choosing a name here: http://sos.ri.gov/divisions/Business-Portal/Start-Or-Qualify-A-Business/Name-Availability
If you need help selecting a name for your handyman business: Choosing a Business Name and Handyman Business Name Ideas
-Select your business structure.
Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc. Find out more here: http://sos.ri.gov/assets/downloads/documents/business-structure-chart.pdf
-Register your handyman business.
You can register your business with the state of Rhode Island here: https://www.ri.gov/taxation/BAR/
-Open a Business Checking Account.
You will need to open a separate bank account for your handyman business with your new business name.
-Find out about taxes and hire an accountant.
You may want to file your own taxes if you are a small company. As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work. More info about taxes here: Rhode Island Division Of Taxation and IRS.gov
-Register as a Contractor.
You may need to register with the State of Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board. Find out more here: http://www.crb.ri.gov/
-Get Business Software.
Business software will streamline your handyman business before you even start, giving you visibility and control over all your leads, sales, jobs, and tasks from a single program to get your company on the fast track toward growth.
You’ll also be able to create estimates, place material orders, automate the boring (but necessary) stuff, empowering you and your team to finish jobs on time and on budget. Try JobNimbus for Free!
-Get Business Software.
Business software will streamline your handyman business before you even start, giving you visibility and control over all your leads, sales, jobs, and tasks from a single program to get your company on the fast track toward growth.
You’ll also be able to create estimates, place material orders, automate the boring (but necessary) stuff, empowering you and your team to finish jobs on time and on budget. Try JobNimbus for Free!
-Get Liability Insurance.
We work with ContractorsLiability.com because they’re the one-stop-shop for General Liability insurance and are able to get online quotes in all 50 states. Get A Quote >
-Worker’s Compensation.
You will need Worker’s Compensation if you have any employees. Get A Quote >
-Get Health Insurance.
Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance. If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.
-City License.
You may be required to obtain a license to operate your handyman business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.
-Permits.
Depending on the locale, you may need to apply for permits before commencing certain types of handyman-related jobs.
-Building Code and Inspections.
You must be aware of building codes for particular jobs, and may be subject to inspections.
-OSHA.
Depending on how many employees you have, you may need to follow OSHA regulations. http://www.osha.gov
