Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a chiropractic in Tuscaloosa, AL. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
All LLCs in Alabama must file an Annual Report and pay the Business Privilege License (franchise) tax. The tax is not based on income but on capital employed in the state. Due each year by April 15.
Required for all LLCs. Annual Report also required ($100 fee, due by April 15 anniversary date).
Requires graduation from CCE-accredited chiropractic college, passage of NBCE Parts I-IV exams, and jurisprudence exam. All practicing chiropractors must hold this license.
Required for each physical location where chiropractic services are provided. Must be issued to a licensed chiropractor.
Filed with county Probate Judge ($10-30 county fee varies) and published in local newspaper. Not required if using exact LLC name.
Required for all domestic LLCs to maintain good standing.
Required under Alabama Radiation Control regulations for chiropractic X-ray machines. Inspection may be required.
Chiropractic services themselves are not subject to Alabama sales tax. However, tangible personal property sold (e.g., orthotics, supplements) may be taxable. Registration required if such items are sold.
Employers must register to withhold state income tax from employee wages. Applies to all employers in Alabama, regardless of business type.
Employers must register with the Alabama Department of Labor to pay unemployment insurance taxes. New employers typically pay a standard rate of 2.7% on the first $8,000 of each employee's wages annually.
Most cities and counties in Alabama require a local business privilege license. Fees and requirements vary (e.g., Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville). Chiropractic offices are generally subject to this tax if located within city limits.
All LLCs are required to obtain an EIN, even without employees, for federal tax purposes. Chiropractic LLCs must have an EIN regardless of employee status.
Most LLCs are pass-through entities; income flows to owners' personal tax returns. However, if the LLC elects to be taxed as a corporation, it must file Form PTE or Form 20C. Chiropractic LLCs typically do not pay entity-level income tax unless structured as a corporation.
Required in all Alabama counties for LLCs; chiropractic offices classified under professional services. Check specific county revenue commissioner site (e.g., Jefferson County: https://www.jccal.org/Default.asp?ID=2482&pg=Business%20License)
Required if located in an incorporated city. Must specify business type (chiropractic). Example municipal code: Birmingham City Code Sec. 7-4-3. Replace with specific city .gov site.
Chiropractic offices typically allowed in commercial/medical zones (e.g., Birmingham Zoning Code Chapter 6). Verify with local zoning map/ordinance.
Required for any alterations to leased/purchased space per International Building Code (adopted locally).
Governed by local sign ordinances (e.g., size, lighting restrictions). Not required for window signs in some cities.
Ensures compliance with fire codes (e.g., NFPA standards). Annual renewal in some jurisdictions for high-risk occupancies.
Many counties/cities require registration to reduce false alarms (e.g., Jefferson County Ordinance 1689).
Generally NOT required for chiropractic offices (no food handling). May apply if hydrotherapy or other treatments; confirm with local health dept.
Limited clients, no signage/employees in many codes; chiropractic may be restricted due to client visits.
Chiropractic offices may trigger review if >X client visits/day per local traffic ordinances. Rare for small practices.
Mandatory for all employers with five or more employees in Alabama (Ala. Code § 25-5-1). Chiropractic practices are considered employers under this statute. Sole proprietors without employees are exempt from carrying coverage but must formally acknowledge exemption if audited.
Not statutorily required by Alabama for all businesses, but strongly recommended and often contractually required by landlords, partners, or vendors. Covers slip-and-fall incidents, property damage, and other third-party claims.
Required by the Alabama Board of Chiropractic Examiners for all licensed chiropractors (ABCE Rule 690-10-.02). Minimum recommended coverage is $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate. Not filed with the state but proof may be requested during investigations or renewals.
A $10,000 surety bond is required for initial licensure of a chiropractor in Alabama (ABCE Rule 690-10-.02(3)). This is a license bond, not a performance bond. It protects the public in cases of malpractice or fraud. The bond must be issued by a surety licensed in Alabama.
Alabama requires all motor vehicles registered to a business to carry liability insurance meeting minimum limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage (Ala. Code § 32-7A-2). Applies if the chiropractic LLC owns or leases a vehicle.
Not legally required by Alabama law, but highly recommended for chiropractors who sell health-related products. May be required by distributors or third-party retailers. Falls under general product liability doctrine under Alabama common law.
Only applicable if the chiropractic business obtains a license to serve alcohol (e.g., at wellness events). As this is extremely rare for chiropractic practices, this requirement does not apply in typical operations. No chiropractic clinic in Alabama is expected to serve alcohol.
Most Alabama cities and counties require a privilege license (business license). Fees based on gross receipts. Example: Birmingham requires annual filing by January 1. Verify with local revenue office.
Required under Alabama Fire Prevention Code (based on NFPA standards). Frequency varies by occupancy classification and local jurisdiction. Applies to all commercial medical offices.
All LLCs classified as corporations or partnerships for federal tax purposes must have an EIN. Single-member LLCs with no employees may not need one unless they elect corporate taxation or have excise tax obligations. Chiropractic practices often hire staff, making EIN mandatory.
LLCs with more than one member are taxed as partnerships by default; single-member LLCs are disregarded entities unless they elect corporate taxation. Chiropractors must report net income on Schedule C and pay self-employment tax via Schedule SE. Income from chiropractic services is taxable under IRC Section 61.
Chiropractic offices must comply with OSHA’s General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act), which requires a workplace free from recognized hazards. Specific risks include ergonomic strain from adjusting tables, needlestick injuries (if using acupuncture), and bloodborne pathogens (if performing minor procedures). OSHA Form 300 recordkeeping is not required for businesses with 10 or fewer employees unless specifically notified.
Chiropractic clinics are considered 'public accommodations' under ADA Title III. Must ensure physical access (e.g., exam rooms, waiting areas), accessible medical equipment (e.g., adjustable-height tables), and effective communication (e.g., materials in accessible formats). DOJ enforces compliance; private lawsuits also permitted.
Most chiropractic practices do not generate hazardous waste unless they perform minor procedures involving blood or sharps. If so, must comply with EPA's Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for proper storage, labeling, and disposal. Used needles must be in puncture-resistant containers and disposed via licensed medical waste hauler.
FTC enforces against deceptive or unsubstantiated claims in advertising. Chiropractors must not make false claims about treating non-musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., asthma, ADHD). FTC has taken action against chiropractors for unsupported claims (e.g., FTC v. Lane, 2016). Advertising must be truthful and evidence-based.
Chiropractic practices with employees must complete Form I-9 to verify identity and work authorization. E-Verify is not mandatory federally unless state law requires it (Alabama does not currently mandate E-Verify for all employers).
Chiropractic practices must comply with FLSA minimum wage ($7.25/hour), overtime (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours), and recordkeeping rules. Chiropractors are typically exempt professionals under FLSA Section 13(a)(1), but assistants and administrative staff may be non-exempt and entitled to overtime.
Chiropractic clinics with 50+ employees for at least 20 workweeks in current or prior year must provide eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical or family reasons. Most small chiropractic practices are exempt.
Chiropractic adjusting tables are Class I medical devices and generally exempt from 510(k) premarket notification. However, if the practice modifies or markets such devices, FDA registration and listing may be required under 21 CFR Part 807. Most clinics using standard tables are not subject to active FDA licensing.
The FTC Health Breach Notification Rule applies to vendors of personal health records. Most chiropractic practices are HIPAA-covered entities and thus subject to HHS rules instead. However, if a practice uses third-party apps not HIPAA-compliant, FTC rules may apply. Not typically applicable to standard HIPAA-compliant EHRs.
All domestic and foreign LLCs registered in Alabama must file an annual report. The report includes business address, registered agent, and management information. First report due the year following formation.
All licensed chiropractors must renew their license biennially. Renewal requires completion of continuing education (see below).
Includes 2 hours in ethics, jurisprudence, or risk management. At least 10 hours must be in-person or live webinar. Self-study allowed for up to 10 hours. Documentation must be retained for 4 years.
Employers must file Form 941 quarterly and Form 940 annually. Even if no taxes are owed, a return may still be required.
Chiropractic services are generally exempt from Alabama sales tax, but tangible goods sold (e.g., braces, vitamins) may be taxable. Registration required if collecting sales tax.
Employers must display the OSHA Job Safety and Health – It's the Law poster (available in English and Spanish) in a prominent location. Required even for single-employee businesses.
Alabama does not have a state minimum wage law, so federal minimum wage applies. Employers must post the federal minimum wage poster provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Rule 690-5-.05(1)(a) requires the current, unexpired license to be displayed in the office where patients can see it.
LLCs taxed as disregarded entities file via owner's Form 1040. Multi-member LLCs taxed as partnerships file Form 1065. Estimated tax payments required if expected tax liability exceeds $1,000.
Default is pass-through taxation to owners. However, if the LLC elects to pay tax at the entity level under Act 2021-181, Form PTE is due May 1. Otherwise, owners report income on personal returns (Form 40).
Rule 690-5-.07 requires retention of patient records for a minimum of 5 years. Minor patients' records must be kept for 5 years after reaching age 19. Records must be available for inspection.
All chiropractic practices handling PHI must comply with HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules. Requires annual risk assessments, staff training, business associate agreements, and documentation retention for 6 years.
Alabama law requires employers with five or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. Coverage must be continuous. Sole proprietors may elect coverage.
The Alabama Board of Chiropractic Examiners requires biennial renewal of your chiropractic license for a $200.00 fee. Continuing education requirements must also be met to qualify for renewal.
While compliance itself doesn’t have a set fee, costs for ADA Title III compliance can vary significantly, ranging from $1500.00 to $5000.00 depending on necessary modifications to your Tuscaloosa facility.
You must file an annual report with the Alabama Secretary of State each year, and the fee is currently $100.00. This report keeps your business information current with the state.
The County Business Privilege License is a tax levied by Tuscaloosa County on the gross receipts of your business. It is administered by the Alabama Department of Revenue and requires an annual payment of $100.00.
Yes, the Alabama Board of Chiropractic Examiners mandates continuing education for license renewal. The specific number of hours and associated fees vary, but it is a requirement for maintaining your license to practice.
Permit Finder asks follow-up questions to give you an exact list of permits.
Find Your Permits