How Do I Get a Business License for Massage Therapy?

To go into business as a massage therapist you must first be certified and complete all the necessary paperwork before opening your doors. The most important reason for obtaining a business license is to protect you as well as your customers from unsafe and predatory practices. Having a business license can help you establish credit and provides the opportunity to deduct business expenses that you cannot deduct on your personal taxes.

Instructions

• 1

  Contact your state board of massage therapy for licensing. Each state requires anyone operating a massage therapy service or advertising as such to be licensed by the state board of massage therapy. You will need proof of personal insurance as well as your certification before registering with the state's board. There are stiff penalties and fines for not following state guidelines so you want to make sure you comply with them first.

• 2

  Apply for a general business license at your local courthouse. You will need to pay a small fee for the application. You can also choose to use your name or pay another fee for a doing business as (DBA) name. If you would like to expedite the process you can easily register your business online with the IRS. You will not need an (EIN) employer identification number unless you enter into a partnership or hire employees. Again check with state and government for more details of the rules and regulations regarding your business. This will save you any possible problems that could slow down or end your business.

• 3

  Apply for local permits at your local government, city and county. Each area has different requirements. If you are required to have any kind of tax permits, you can obtain those from your city, county clerk or revenue department office. Many jurisdictions require a trader's license or tax certificate to operate your business. A health permit may also be required which you can get from your county health department or city. For a home-based business, some jurisdictions will require you to possess an occupational permit. You can pick this up at your city or county planning development department. A signage permit to erect a sign before you can open your business may be necessary in some jurisdictions. This can also be picked up at your city or county planning development department. If you wish to install a burglar or fire alarm, you can pick up an alarm permit at your city, county police or fire department. This may seem like a lot of permits, but in the long run it is better to have them than to run into complications for not having them when you need them.