this might be a silly question but here goes, I am a middle aged man wanting to start a painting business, a career change if you will? but do I need some kind of contractors license to do this? I paint fantastic and pretty good in faux painting. how would I get by without getting sued for being a non contractor. I live in PA if someone knows the laws here.

thank you

ronnieca1955

RickJ

I don't know PA, but might assume it's not much different than here in OH.

Here, a Business License can be purchased from the Clerk of Courts for $25.

It's not required by law to do work, but the benefits of being a "legit" business, registered with the Clerk of Courts, certainly has it's benefits (including being able to be registered with the BBB).

skiberger

If your working in a city, check, they probably make you get a license. I have a small remodeling business in the burb's of Philly an the licenses I carry are local townships I mainly work in.
There no state law saying you have to be lisenced that I'm aware of.
Get liabilty insurance to cover your butt. Its worth the peice of mind.
More than likely you'll be a sole proprietor. You can use your SS# for taxes or you can get a tax ID#. The tax ID you can get over the net is seconds anymore. Good luck