How to Start a Handyman Business In Illinois
Here is some information on how to start a handyman business in Illinois. More on starting a handyman business here. Make sure you research the laws in your area before getting started.
Getting started- The state of Illinois has a website about starting a business in Illinois here: https://dceo.illinois.gov/smallbizassistance/beginhere/stepbystepguide.html
-Register your handyman business name.
You need to register your business name with your county clerk’s office.
If you need help selecting a name for your handyman business: Choosing a Handyman Business Name
-Choose your business structure.
Decide what structure you want for your handyman business– Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc. Find out more here: https://dceo.illinois.gov/smallbizassistance/beginhere/stepbystepguide.html
-Register your handyman business with Illinois.
You can register your handyman business with the state of Illinois here: https://www.illinois.gov/business.html
-Open a Business Account with your Bank.
You will need to open a separate checking 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: http://tax.illinois.gov/ and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Starting-a-Business
-Get Business Software
Business software will streamline your 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. Learn more >
More about liability insurance here: Contractor Liability Insurance
-Worker’s Compensation.
You will need Worker’s Compensation if you have any employees. Find out more>
-Register as a Contractor in Illinois.
Check with your local municipality to see if you need to register as a licensed contractor in the state of Illinois.
-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.
-See if you need City License.
You may be required to obtain a license to do business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.
-Don’t forget about Permits.
You may need to apply for permits before commencing certain types of handyman-related jobs, depending on your location.
-Building Code and Inspections.
You must be aware of building codes for your particular job, 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
