Massage Therapy Permits & Licenses in Chicago, IL

Employers must file quarterly unemployment insurance reports and pay SUTA tax. New employers pay 3.75% on first $12,000 of each employee’s wages.

Required for all LLCs; includes name reservation if needed ($25-50 extra)

Applies to all LLCs; filed online via CyberDriveIllinois

Requires 500 hours approved education, MBLEx exam (passing score 500+), and background check. All practicing massage therapists must be licensed.

Required for any fixed location where massage therapy is provided. Must have licensed manager/owner and comply with facility standards (inspection required).

File with county clerk where business operates; required if DBA used. Renew only if name changes.

Massage therapy services are generally not subject to sales tax in Illinois. However, if the business sells tangible personal property (e.g., lotions, oils, or gift cards for services), a Seller's Permit is required. Gift cards for services are taxable at time of sale if non-redeemable for cash.

Required for all employers in Illinois who pay wages subject to state income tax. Includes withholding on employee wages for state income tax.

All U.S. employers must complete Form I-9 to verify identity and work authorization for every employee. Applies to LLCs with employees. Employers must retain I-9 forms for 3 years after hire date or 1 year after employment ends, whichever is later. E-Verify is not required federally unless state mandates it or business has federal contracts.

Massage therapists classified as employees (not independent contractors) must be paid at least federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour) and overtime (1.5x regular rate for hours over 40/week). Misclassification of employees as contractors is a common violation. Employers must maintain accurate time and pay records for at least 3 years.

If the LLC employs 50 or more employees for at least 20 workweeks in the current or prior year within a 75-mile radius, it must comply with FMLA. Eligible employees are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical or family reasons. Massage therapy businesses with fewer than 50 employees are exempt.

Most massage tools (e.g., hands, basic rollers) are not regulated. However, if the business uses or sells electronic stimulation devices (e.g., TENS, EMS units), they may be classified as medical devices under FDA regulation. General wellness devices may be exempt if they make no medical claims. Businesses must not market unapproved devices or make therapeutic claims without FDA clearance.

All Illinois LLCs must file an Annual Report with the Secretary of State within 60 days before the anniversary of the formation date. The report includes business address, registered agent, and principal office information.

Massage therapy services are generally not subject to sales tax in Illinois, but if the business sells tangible goods, a Sales Tax License (Seller’s Permit) is required and must be renewed every two years.

All licensed massage therapists must renew their license every two years. The renewal cycle is based on the individual’s birth month. Example: A therapist born in March must renew by March 31 every two years.

Includes 2 hours in ethics, jurisprudence, or professional conduct. Courses must be approved by IDFPR. Documentation must be retained for at least 5 years.

Businesses with employees must file Form IL-501 (Withholding Tax Return) quarterly. No annual renewal, but registration remains active unless canceled. Employers must also file Form IL-941 annually by January 31.

EIN is a one-time assignment. However, businesses must use it for all federal tax filings including Form 940 (FUTA), Form 941 (quarterly taxes), and W-2 filings.

Single-member LLCs taxed as disregarded entities report income on Schedule C of Form 1040, due April 15. Multi-member LLCs taxed as partnerships file Form 1065. Extensions available via Form 7004.

Due date aligns with federal deadline. Single-member LLCs report on Form IL-1040. Multi-member LLCs file Form IL-1065. Corporations file Form IL-1120-ST.

Self-employed individuals and LLCs making over $1,000 in tax must make quarterly estimated payments using Form 1040-ES.

Use Form IL-1040-ES for estimated payments. Due dates align with federal schedule.

Employers must register with IDES and pay unemployment insurance tax (SUTA). Rate varies by experience rating; new employers pay 2.7% on first $14,000 of each employee's wages (as of 2024).

All LLCs registered in Illinois must file an Annual Report and pay a $75 fee. This includes a franchise tax component based on net income, but LLCs taxed as pass-through entities typically do not pay corporate-level franchise tax. The $75 fee is mandatory regardless of revenue.

Cities like Chicago impose a Municipal Business Tax (MBT) on businesses operating within city limits. Massage therapy businesses are classified under 'Personal Services'. Rates vary by gross receipts. Other municipalities may have similar requirements. Verify with local clerk’s office.

LLCs are pass-through entities. Owners report income on personal Illinois Form IL-1040. No entity-level income tax, but owners must pay state income tax on distributed profits. If LLC elects corporate taxation, Form IL-1120 must be filed annually.

Required for all LLCs with employees or multiple members. Sole proprietorships without employees may use SSN, but LLCs typically need EIN. Obtained via IRS Form SS-4 or online.

Mandatory for all employers with employees in Illinois, including LLCs. Sole proprietors without employees are exempt. Coverage must be obtained from a licensed insurer or approved self-insurance program. See 820 ILCS 305/1 et seq.

Not statutorily required by Illinois state law for massage therapy businesses, but strongly recommended. Often required by landlords, municipalities, or shopping centers. Covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury.

Required for all employers with employees. Poster must be visible in a common area. Available in English and Spanish from OSHA website.

Employers must display the 'Employee Rights Under the Illinois Minimum Wage Law' poster. Available from IDOL website. Also includes notice of equal pay registration requirement for certain employers.

Each licensed massage therapist must display their current license in a conspicuous location at the practice location.

Local fire departments conduct annual or biennial inspections. A Certificate of Occupancy or Fire Safety Certificate may be required. Requirements vary by city (e.g., Chicago, Springfield).

Cities like Chicago, Naperville, and Rockford require annual business license renewal. Fees and deadlines vary. Check with local clerk’s office.

Keep tax records for at least 3 years. Employment tax records for 4 years. IDFPR requires massage therapy records (e.g., CE, client logs) for 5 years. Recommended to keep all business records for 7 years.

All employers in Illinois must carry workers’ comp insurance. Independent contractors are not covered. Proof of coverage may be requested during audits or inspections.

Not legally mandated by IDFPR for licensed massage therapists or businesses. However, it is strongly recommended to protect against claims of negligence, improper treatment, or malpractice. Required by many landlords, professional associations, or third-party platforms.

A $10,000 surety bond is required for all Massage Establishments (not individual therapists) under 225 ILCS 45/15. The bond ensures compliance with state regulations. Bond must be filed with IDFPR. Individual massage therapists are not required to post a bond.

Required for any vehicle registered to or primarily used by the business. Personal auto policies do not cover business use. Minimum liability coverage: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $20,000 property damage (25-50-20).

Not required by Illinois law, but highly recommended if the business sells tangible goods. Covers claims arising from defective or harmful products. Enforced through civil liability, not state mandate.

Only applicable if the massage business operates a bar, spa with alcohol service, or hosts events with alcohol. Requires liquor license from ILCC and liquor liability coverage. Not applicable to standard massage therapy practices.

Single-member LLCs with no employees may use the owner's SSN, but obtaining an EIN is recommended for liability protection and banking purposes. Required for opening a business bank account and filing federal taxes if any employment or excise taxes apply.

By default, a single-member LLC is disregarded for federal tax purposes and reports income on Schedule C of Form 1040. Multi-member LLCs are treated as partnerships and must file Form 1065. LLCs electing corporate status must file Form 1120. All must comply with IRS tax reporting regardless of profitability.

All employers with employees must comply with OSHA’s General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act), requiring a workplace free from recognized hazards. Massage therapy businesses must ensure safe handling of cleaning chemicals, proper ergonomics, and bloodborne pathogen exposure control if applicable (e.g., injury with bodily fluids). No requirement to post OSHA poster if no employees, but mandatory if employees exist.

Massage therapy businesses are considered 'public accommodations' under Title III of the ADA. Must ensure physical access to facilities (e.g., entrances, restrooms, treatment rooms), effective communication with clients with disabilities, and reasonable policy modifications. Applies regardless of number of employees or business size. Does not require full structural retrofit if 'readily achievable' barrier removal is not feasible, but must make progress.

Most massage therapy businesses do not generate regulated medical waste. If dry needling or other invasive procedures are performed (not typical in standard massage), waste may be classified as medical waste. Standard massage practices (linens, oils) do not fall under federal medical waste rules. However, proper disposal of any biohazardous materials must comply with EPA and DOT regulations if applicable.

All businesses, including massage therapy, must ensure advertising is truthful, not misleading, and substantiated. Prohibited from making false health claims (e.g., 'cures chronic pain'). Must disclose material connections (e.g., paid endorsements). Applies to websites, social media, and promotional materials. FTC enforces Section 5 of the FTC Act against deceptive practices.