
You are not required to have a license to work as a handyman in Tennessee. However, you can only take on projects under $3,000 (including labor and materials). If you want to perform jobs that cost more than $3,000 or anything that involves electrical, HVAC, or plumbing work, a home improvement contractor license is required.
Does a Handyman Need a License in Tennessee?
No, a handyman doesn’t need a license in Tennessee. However, you can only perform general construction, carpentry, painting, and residential maintenance projects under $3,000 (including labor and materials).
If you want to perform electrical, HVAC, or plumbing work or take on jobs between $3,000 and $25,000, you should apply for a home improvement contractor license. A general contractor license is required for jobs over $25,000.
What Can a Handyman Legally Do in Tennessee?
As a handyman in Tennessee, you can legally take on projects like:
- Basic carpentry, furniture assembly, fixing doors and windows, or mounting a TV on a wall
- Patching holes or cracks in walls
- Setting up smart home devices
- Painting
- Hanging pictures
- Cleaning gutters
- Pressure washing driveways, sidewalks, and siding
You can’t take on projects worth more than $3,000 or anything that involves electrical wiring, HVAC, or plumbing. Tasks you can’t perform:
- Repairing or replacing a roof
- Building a deck
- Wiring or rewiring a room
- Paving asphalt
- Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom
- Installing plumbing systems
- Replacing electrical panels
- Modifying structural elements like load-bearing walls
- Installing HVAC systems
Penalties for Exceeding Handyman Work Limits
Performing projects over $3,000 or those involving electrical, HVAC, or plumbing work is a Class A misdemeanor under state law. It can lead to fines of up to $2,500, one year of jail time, or both.
The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors can impose penalties of up to $5,000 per offense.
If a homeowner files a complaint for any damage caused by performing unlicensed work, you would be personally responsible.
You can advertise your handyman services in Tennessee, but make sure to specify that you aren’t a licensed contractor. Also, don’t list any services related to electrical, HVAC, or plumbing.
Registering Your Business
If you start your business as a sole proprietor, you don’t have to register it. However, if it’s under a different name than your legal name, you should register a Doing Business As (DBA) name. You should register your business with the state if you set it up as an LLC.
Application process for DBA:
- Choose a business name by searching for its availability on the Tennessee Secretary of State website.
- File a Business Tax Registration Application with the county clerk where your business is located. Here’s a list of county clerks provided by the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
- File DBA with the county clerk. For example, if you’re in Knox County, you can file DBA online on the Knox County website. Some county clerks only have the option to pick up the form in person.
- You can also send it through mail by completing the Application for Business Tax License form. Here’s the mailing address:
Knox County Clerk’s Office Business Tax Division PO Box 1566 Knoxville, TN 37901 |
- Pay a fee of $15, which is the same if you file online or by mail.
Application process for LLC:
- Choose a business name by checking its availability on the Tennessee Secretary of State website.
- Appoint a registered agent to receive legal documents and notices.
- File articles of organization online through the online portal. You can also mail the Form SS-4270 to this address:
Secretary of State, Business Services Division ATTN: Corporate Filing 6th Floor – Snodgrass Tower 312 Rosa L. Parks Ave. Nashville, TN 37243 |
- Pay a filing fee of $300, which is the same online or by mail. If you have more than six members, you need to pay $50 for each person. The maximum fee is $3,000.
- Create an operating agreement by consulting with an attorney (not legally required in Tennessee, but highly recommended).
- Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service website and set up a business bank account.
- File the Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOIR) with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
Note: Make sure to check with your city or county for any local licensing requirements.
Is There an Exam to Become a Handyman in Tennessee?
No, you don’t need to pass an exam or have a certification to become a handyman in Tennessee. However, you should have the skills and knowledge to do the work correctly. Make sure that you only take on tasks that you can legally perform without a contractor’s license.
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