PermitDuePermits for a Salon / Barbershop in Lexington, Kentucky
A salon / barbershop in Lexington, Kentucky needs 15 permits including business registration (secretary of state), cosmetology / barber salon license (kentucky), cosmetology salon license, and more. Each has specific costs, deadlines, and renewal requirements.
We found 15 permits you’ll likely need. Costs, deadlines, and direct .gov links included.
15 permits found
For a Salon / Barbershop in Lexington, KY
Business License
Registration of business entity with Kentucky Secretary of State. LLCs: $40 filing fee. Corporations: $50 filing fee. Annual report due June 30 ($15 for LLCs, $15 for corporations). Required for all LLCs, corporations, and partnerships.
License required for cosmetology and barber establishments in Kentucky. Issued by the Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists or the Kentucky Board of Barbering.
License to operate a cosmetology salon in Kentucky. Issued by Kentucky Board of Cosmetology. First issuance $25, renewal $20. Requires facility inspection. Individual practitioners must hold personal licenses.
Local occupational license required by Kentucky cities and counties. Kentucky imposes a local occupational license tax (net profits tax or payroll tax) at the city and/or county level. No state-level general business license exists.
Many Kentucky cities and counties require an occupational license with tax based on gross receipts or net profits. Louisville Metro charges 1.25% of net profits or 2.2% of gross receipts. Lexington charges 2.25% of wages/net profits. Required in addition to state registrations.
Employment
Registration with the Kentucky Department of Revenue for state income tax withholding and with the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance for unemployment tax.
Registration with Kentucky Office of Employment and Training for unemployment insurance tax. Required for employers with 1+ employees. New employer rate approximately 2.7% on first $11,400 per employee.
Kentucky requires workers' compensation for employers with 1+ employees (one of the strictest thresholds). Competitive-state system with a state fund option. Covers medical and wage-loss benefits.
Kentucky requires workers' compensation insurance for employers with 1 or more employees (one of the strictest thresholds). Very limited exemptions exist (sole proprietors, agricultural workers).
Fire Safety
Inspection and approval by the Kentucky State Fire Marshal or local fire department for commercial establishments.
Signage
Local permit for business signage. Regulated by municipal and county zoning. KYTC regulates outdoor advertising on state highways.
Tax
Registration with the Kentucky Department of Revenue for sales and use tax collection. Required for all businesses making retail sales. Kentucky state sales tax is 6%. Registration is free.
Registration with Kentucky Department of Revenue for sales tax collection. State rate 6%. Required for all businesses selling tangible goods or taxable services.
Registration with Kentucky Department of Revenue for state income tax withholding. Kentucky has a flat 4% income tax rate. Required for all employers with employees working in Kentucky.
Zoning
Certificate from local building department confirming compliance with building, fire, and zoning codes for the intended commercial use.
Don't forget these deadlines
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From $12/monthTotal penalty exposure
$34 – $741
if you skip or miss these permits
Based on published penalty schedules. Your actual fines may differ depending on your city or county.
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Apply for your permits
- Business Registration (Secretary of State)
- Cosmetology / Barber Salon License (Kentucky)
- Cosmetology Salon License
- Kentucky Employer Tax Registration
- Unemployment Insurance Registration
View all 11 permits above
Filing guides
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