PermitDuePermits for a Contractor in Louisville, Kentucky
A contractor in Louisville, Kentucky needs 13 permits including business registration (secretary of state), kentucky contractor license, kentucky occupational license, and more. Each has specific costs, deadlines, and renewal requirements.
We found 13 permits you’ll likely need. Costs, deadlines, and direct .gov links included.
13 permits found
For a Contractor in Louisville, 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.
Kentucky does not require a state-level general contractor license. However, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors must be licensed by the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction. Many cities and counties require local contractor registration.
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).
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
$28 – $696
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)
- Kentucky Contractor License
- Kentucky Employer Tax Registration
- Unemployment Insurance Registration
- Workers' Compensation Insurance
View all 9 permits above
Filing guides
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