Massage Therapy Permits & Licenses in Baltimore, MD

Massage therapy services are generally not subject to Maryland sales tax unless combined with retail sales of tangible personal property. If only providing massage services, no sales tax registration is required. However, if selling retail items, registration is mandatory. Registration is done via the Maryland Business Application for Registration (MART).

Required for all employers in Maryland who pay wages to employees. Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages. Registration is completed through the MART system. Employers must file Form MWBE-1 to register.

All employers with one or more employees must register and pay unemployment insurance taxes. The tax rate varies based on experience rating. New employers are assigned a standard rate (as of 2024: 2.5%). Registration is done through the Maryland Business Identification Number (BIN) system.

All LLCs in Maryland are subject to the annual franchise tax regardless of income or activity. The tax is due each year and must be filed even if no tax is owed. Form SDAT FR-508 is used. The minimum tax is $300. This is not a gross receipts tax; it is a privilege tax on doing business as an LLC.

Required for all LLCs; file online via Maryland Business Express

All LLCs must file annually even if no personal property; online via Maryland Business Express

LLCs are pass-through entities, so the business itself does not pay income tax. However, owners must report income on personal returns. If the LLC elects corporate taxation, it must file Form 20S/1120C. Most massage therapy LLCs remain pass-through and file Form 500/505. No separate registration beyond initial business tax registration via MART.

Most counties and municipalities in Maryland require a local business license or privilege tax. Fees vary by location and gross receipts. For example, Baltimore City charges a 'Admissions and Amusements' tax on massage services at 10% if classified as such. Check with local clerk or finance office. Registration typically through local government website.

Massage businesses located in designated tourism areas may be subject to local tourism taxes. For example, Baltimore City imposes a 3% tourism tax on certain personal service businesses. No statewide excise tax applies to massage therapy. Verify with local tax authority.

Required for all massage establishments in Baltimore City; separate from state massage license. Specific to personal service businesses like massage therapy.

Massage therapy is permitted in C-1/C-2 commercial zones; home occupation restricted (max 25% floor area). Verify zoning via DHCD Zoning Map.

Required for hygiene compliance in massage parlors (handwashing sinks, disinfectants). Specific to health service businesses.

For assembly/occupancy >50 persons or hazardous operations; massage studios typically need basic life safety inspection.

Required if converting space to massage therapy use.

General business license required; no specific massage category but must list NAICS 611511 or 812199.

Massage therapy allowed as home occupation with limits (1 employee, no external signage). Commercial zones vary by district.

Specific sanitation standards for massage (disinfection logs, ventilation).

Required for all commercial occupancies; massage therapy classified as Business (B) occupancy.

Massage therapy falls under "health services" category.

Massage parlors permitted in C-O, C-H, I-1 zones; conditional use in some residential.

Specific "Personal Service Establishment" permit for massage therapy with hygiene inspections.

In addition to state license; requires facility inspection.

Required in all MD counties/cities; limits on size, lighting, placement per zoning code.

Requires 750 hours education from approved program, passing MBLEx exam (minimum 70%), and 20 hours continuing education for renewal. All massage therapists must be licensed.

Required for any location where massage therapy is practiced for compensation. Must have at least one licensed therapist on staff. Inspections may be conducted.

Required if using an assumed or trade name; register via Maryland Business Express. Not needed if using exact LLC name.

Massage services are generally not taxable, but registration required if selling retail products. Apply online via Maryland Business Express.

A $10,000 surety bond is required for the Massage Establishment License issued by DLLR. This is a license bond to ensure compliance with state regulations. The bond must be issued by a surety company licensed in Maryland. Applies to the business entity (LLC), not individual therapists.

Required if the LLC owns or operates a vehicle for business purposes (e.g., mobile massage services). Minimum liability coverage: $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, $15,000 property damage. Personal auto policies do not cover business use.

Not legally required by Maryland law, but highly recommended if the business sells physical goods. General liability policies often include limited product liability; additional coverage may be needed for higher-risk items. Regulated indirectly under consumer protection laws enforced by MDH and Attorney General.

Not applicable to standard massage therapy businesses. Only required if the LLC holds a liquor license and serves alcohol (e.g., in a spa with bar service). Most massage therapy LLCs do not fall under this category. No Maryland law mandates liquor liability insurance per se, but commercial host liquor liability is strongly advised and often required by insurers or venues.

Required for all LLCs, including single-member LLCs that elect to be taxed as corporations or have employees. Even if not legally required, it is recommended for banking and liability separation.

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. An LLC may elect corporate taxation (Form 1120). All must comply with IRS reporting.

Owners of a single-member or multi-member LLC taxed as a partnership are subject to self-employment tax on their share of profits.

Applies only if the business has employees. Massage therapy businesses must provide a workplace free from recognized hazards (e.g., ergonomic risks from repetitive motion, bloodborne pathogens if cuts occur). OSHA does not cover self-employed individuals with no employees.

While most massage therapists do not use needles, if waxing, microdermabrasion, or other services that break the skin are offered, this standard applies. Requires exposure control plan, training, PPE, and hepatitis B vaccination offer.

All massage therapy businesses open to the public must comply with ADA Title III, including physical access (ramps, door widths), accessible treatment rooms, and policies allowing service animals. Applies regardless of number of employees or business size.

Applies to all advertising (website, social media, brochures). Claims about massage benefits must be truthful, not misleading, and substantiated. Prohibited from making unsubstantiated health claims (e.g., "cures back pain"). FTC enforces against deceptive or false advertising.

Required for sinks, partitions, HVAC changes in massage spaces.

Required for all employers with one or more employees, including part-time. Sole proprietors without employees are exempt. Massage therapists employed by the LLC must be covered. Coverage must be obtained through private insurer or the State Fund.

Not mandated by Maryland state law for massage therapy businesses specifically, but strongly recommended and often required by counties or cities (e.g., Montgomery County) and commercial landlords. May be necessary for professional credibility and risk management.

Maryland does not legally mandate professional liability insurance for licensed massage therapists or LLCs. However, many malpractice claims arise from soft tissue therapy, and insurers such as NSO or Proliability offer policies tailored to massage therapists. Strongly recommended for risk mitigation.

Massage therapy services are generally exempt from Maryland sales tax under Tax-General Article § 11-202(b)(19), but if taxable items (e.g., lotions, candles) are sold, sales tax applies. Filing frequency assigned upon registration with the Comptroller.

Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages and file Form MW508 (monthly) or MW509 (quarterly). New employers typically start with monthly filing.

LLCs with employees or elected corporate taxation must file federal employment tax returns. Form 941 (quarterly), Form 940 (annually), and W-2/W-3 (annually). Sole proprietors without employees may not need ongoing EIN reporting.

Mandatory for all employers with employees in Maryland. Must be renewed annually. Proof of coverage must be filed with WCC if required (e.g., after notice).

Each licensed massage therapist must display their current license in a visible location at the place of practice. Applies to all individual practitioners.

Many counties and municipalities in Maryland (e.g., Prince George’s County, Montgomery County) require businesses to obtain and display a local business license or tax certificate. Requirements and fees vary by location.

Businesses with 11 or more employees must maintain OSHA Form 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries), Form 301 (Incident Report), and post Form 300A annually. Exempt industries include most offices, but massage therapy may not qualify for exemption due to physical risk.

Employers must issue W-2 to employees by January 31. Businesses must issue 1099-NEC to independent contractors paid $600 or more for services. E-filing required for 10 or more forms.

Employers must file quarterly unemployment insurance tax returns and pay tax on first $8,500 of each employee’s wages. Rate varies from 0.06% to 12.9% based on experience.

IRS recommends keeping business tax records for at least 3 years. Employment tax records must be kept for at least 4 years. Professional liability records should be retained for 7+ years. Maryland Board of Massage Therapy requires CE records for 4 years.

Employers must display current posters on minimum wage, workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, and employee rights. Federal OSHA and EEO posters also required. Posters must be visible to employees.

Most massage therapy businesses are not subject to routine health inspections unless they operate a spa, use on-site wastewater systems, or are co-located with regulated facilities. Local health departments may inspect based on complaints.

Required for commercial occupancies. Frequency and requirements vary by municipality. Includes inspection of exits, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and flammable materials storage.

All employers, including LLCs, must complete Form I-9 to verify identity and work authorization for every employee. Must retain for 3 years after hire or 1 year after employment ends, whichever is later.

Requires payment of federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour) and overtime (1.5x regular rate for hours over 40/week). Massage therapists are typically non-exempt employees. Independent contractor misclassification is a common risk; IRS and DOL scrutinize this in wellness industries.

Requires eligible employees (12 months, 1,250 hours) to be granted up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical or family reasons. Does not apply to most small massage therapy LLCs unless part of a larger group.

Under Section 5 of the FTC Act, businesses cannot engage in unfair or deceptive acts. For massage therapy, this includes false claims about weight loss, detoxification, or disease treatment unless scientifically supported. Applies to all marketing and service descriptions.

FDA does not regulate massage therapy as a medical treatment unless it makes disease claims or uses regulated devices (e.g., ultrasound, TENS units). Using such devices may require FDA clearance and compliance.

Most massage therapy businesses do not generate hazardous waste. However, if using EPA-listed hazardous chemicals (e.g., certain disinfectants with toxic ingredients), compliance with storage, labeling, and disposal rules may be required.

If sending marketing texts or automated calls, must comply with TCPA and Telemarketing Sales Rule: obtain prior written consent, provide opt-out mechanism, and honor Do-Not-Call lists.

All Maryland LLCs must file an annual report and pay a $300 fee to remain in good standing. Failure results in loss of legal protection and ability to operate.

All Maryland LLCs must file an annual report with the Department of Assessments and Taxation. The report includes business name, principal address, names and addresses of managers or members, and registered agent information.

All licensed massage therapists must renew their license every two years. Renewal opens 60 days prior to expiration. Licensees must attest to completing required continuing education hours.

Includes 2 hours in ethics, 2 hours in infection control, and 2 hours in Maryland laws and regulations. Must be completed through approved providers. Records must be retained for 4 years.

Ensures compliance with accessibility (ADA), egress, electrical, and structural codes. Required when opening or renovating. Periodic inspections may occur based on local policy.

Most counties require all businesses to obtain a local business license or tax certificate. Required even for home-based operations. Must be displayed at place of business.

Home-based massage businesses must comply with zoning laws limiting client visits, signage, parking, and hours. Requires approval from county planning department.