There are a number of steps to take to start a handyman business in the the state of Pennsylvania. 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 own handyman business, along with links to more information.
For more on starting a handyman business: How to Start a Handyman Business
Getting started- The state of Pennsylvania has a resource about starting a business in Pennsylvania here: PA Business One Stop Shop
-Register your handyman business name.
Find out more about registering a fictitious name here: http://www.dos.pa.gov/BusinessCharities/Business/Resources/Pages/Fictitious-Names.aspx
For help in choosing a name: Handyman Business Name Ideas and How To Choose A Business Name
-Select your business structure.
Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc. Find out more here: http://www.dos.pa.gov/BusinessCharities/Business/Documents/Business%20Guide.pdf
-Register your handyman business.
You can register your handyman business with the state of Pennsylvania here: https://business.pa.gov/register/
-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 your handyman business is small. As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work. More info about taxes here: http://www.revenue.pa.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.
There is a fee to register. The registration lasts two years. You can apply for your registration here: https://hic.attorneygeneral.gov/login.aspx . You will receive a certificate in the mail along with your official Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor number. According the the law, “The registration number must be included in any advertisements, contracts, estimates and proposals that you use in Pennsylvania.”
-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 do business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.
-Other Licenses and Certifications.
You may need to be licensed or certified to perform certain repairs or installations.
-Permits.
Depending on the locale, you may need to apply for permits before commencing certain types of construction-related jobs.
-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
