A painting business can be an excellent full or part-time business. Here are some steps you may have to take to start your own new painting business, along with links to more information. Laws change regularly, so make sure you research thoroughly.
For more on starting a painting business: How to Start a Painting Business
Getting started– The state of Pennsylvania has a website about starting a business in Pennsylvania here: PA Business One Stop Shop
-Painting Business Name Registration.
Find out more about registering a fictitious name here: http://www.dos.pa.gov/BusinessCharities/Business/Resources/Pages/Fictitious-Names.aspx
More on choosing a painting business name here: Painting Business Name Ideas and How To Choose A Business Name
-Business Structure.
Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc. Find out more here: http://www.dos.pa.gov/BusinessCharities/Business/Documents/Business%20Guide.pdf
-Painting Business Registration.
You can register your painting 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 painting business with your new business name.
-Tax Information.
More info about taxes in Pennsylvania here: http://www.revenue.pa.gov/ and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Starting-a-Business
-Get Painting Software
Painting 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. Plus, their expertise means they’re fast when it comes to getting the right bond and liability coverage. Contractors need to win the job and stay protected at an affordable price. 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.
You will need to register as a contractor in Pennsylvania. 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.”
-Health Insurance.
You will need to provide health insurance for any employees you may have.
-Licenses and Certifications.
You may be required to obtain a city license to operate your painting business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not. You also may need to be licensed or certified to perform certain jobs such as lead paint removal.
-Permits, Building Codes, Inspections, and OSHA.
Depending on your area, you may need to apply for permits before commencing certain types of painting jobs. You must be aware of building codes for your particular job, and may be subject to inspections. Depending on how many employees you have, you may need to follow OSHA regulations. http://www.osha.gov