How To Start A Handyman Business In Massachusetts
Here is some information on how to register and start a new handyman business in the state of Massachusetts. You may want to start here: How To Start A Handyman Business. Make sure you research properly as laws are constantly changing.
Getting Started- Massachusetts has a helpful web page for starting a new business here: http://www.mass.gov/hed/business/start-business/new-business-steps.html
-Register your handyman business name.
You may need to register a fictitious name for your business: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-your-business-name
If you need help selecting a name for your handyman business: Choosing a Handyman Business Name and Handyman Business Name Ideas
-Select your business structure.
Determine what business structure you wish to have: Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.: https://www.sba.gov/starting-business/choose-your-business-structure More on Business Entities Here: Handyman Business Structure
-Register your handyman business.
Register your handyman business with the state of Massachusetts Secretary of State’s Office.
-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, hire an accountant.
You may choose to file your own taxes, or decide to hire an accountant. More information about taxes here: https://www.mass.gov/business-taxes and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Starting-a-Business .
-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. 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 with the state of Massachusetts.
Check here about registering as a handyman contractor with the state of Massachusetts: http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/consumer-rights-and-resources/home-improvement-contract/hic-registration/
-Get Health Insurance.
You will be responsible for getting 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. You may also need a license and/or certification to perform certain types of work such as electrical or plumbing.
-Permits.
Depending on the locale, you may need to apply for permits before commencing certain types of handyman jobs.
-Building Code and Inspections.
You must be aware of building codes for your particular job, and may be subject to inspections.